M 4.5 Light Earthquake Strikes West of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

What Happened

A light earthquake with a magnitude of 4.46 (md) was recorded on February 23, 2026, at 17:09:04 UTC. The seismic event occurred at a depth of 149.9 kilometers, which is classified as a deep earthquake. Deep earthquakes (those occurring at depths greater than 70 km) are typically felt over a wide area but are less likely to cause significant damage at the surface compared to shallow events.

Location Details

The epicenter was located at coordinates 19.520°N, 156.701°W, approximately 74 km (46 miles) west of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. The event originated deep beneath the ocean floor in the Pacific region west of the Big Island.

Impact Assessment

Based on the source data from the USGS, there is no tsunami advisory, watch, or warning in effect (tsunami: 0). No felt reports have been officially submitted to the USGS at this time, and no specific alert level color has been assigned to this event. Given the magnitude and significant depth, the impact is expected to be minimal.

What You Should Know

Earthquakes in the magnitude 4.0-4.9 range are considered “light” and are often noticeable as shaking but rarely cause structural damage. While aftershocks are a possibility following any seismic event, deep earthquakes often result in fewer felt aftershocks than those occurring closer to the surface. Residents are encouraged to follow standard safety protocols during seismic activity.

Source

Data provided by the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program.