A strong 6.0 earthquake causes some damage west of Hawaii on the Big Island: Big Island Now

This story was updated at 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2026.

Hawaii County officials and the Hawaii Volcano Observatory reported that some light to moderate damage may be possible from the 6.0 magnitude earthquake that struck the western side of Mauna Loa Volcano on the Big Island shortly before 10 p.m. on Friday, May 22.

Tricia Gardiner shared this photo with a comment on a KAPA Radio Facebook post Friday night, May 22, 2026, about the strong 6.0 magnitude earthquake in West Hawaii. “south [Miloliʻi]. Here is my store. “Gives you an idea of ​​what the rest of my house looks like,” Gardiner wrote in her caption. “No one got hurt thank God. “I feel like I’m in shock.”

To recap, Hawaii County Civil Defense reported in an update at 7:54 a.m. Saturday that the strong quake caused rockslides on portions of Highway 11 and Napupua Road in South Kona, several road closures, power outages, structures shifting on their foundations and other property damage.

Many people across the Big Island and beyond reported feeling shaking from the powerful earthquake. But the closer to the epicenter, the greater the shaking and rolling and the greater the potential damage.

Several reports of items falling out of cupboards, cupboards and walls have been reported across social media. Some even posted that they had small cracks in the walls or parts of their ceilings due to the earthquake.

Hawaiian Electric reported around 10 a.m. Saturday that 70 of the 1,000 customers affected by the quake remained without power and that crews were continuing restoration efforts.

Big Island Police also advised the public to avoid portions of two roads in West Hawaii late Friday night into early Saturday morning, May 23, so crews can clean up large rocks and debris that fell on the roads as a result of the quake.

These roads were cleared by approximately 6:30 a.m. Saturday.

However, motorists should be aware that piles of debris may lie on the side of the road until crews can complete all of their removal.

Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda explained some of the damage from a 6.0 magnitude earthquake that struck just before 10 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026, on the Big Island. (Video screenshot: Courtesy of the County of Hawaii)

Kona Community Hospital in Kealakekua, about 5 miles north and west of Honaunau, reported minor damage, but no disruption to services, Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda said in a social media video at 12:44 a.m. Saturday.

Items fell to the ground at KTA Super Stores-Keauhou, but the mayor said the grocery store would be open Saturday morning as usual.

“We have reports of downed utility lines, power outages in South Kona, about 500 [Hawaiian Electric] “Customers are without power, and they are checking that out as we speak,” Alameda said in the video.

The Hawaii County Water Supply Department also inspected water tanks in the area where the earthquake occurred.

“Due to reports of damage, [Hawaiʻi County] “Civil Defense encourages all residents and businesses to evaluate their properties for potential damage to buildings, utilities, watersheds and roads,” read a post Saturday morning on Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda’s Facebook page.

Officials are urging residents of areas where the earthquake was felt strongly to check for any damage to their homes, especially gas, water and electricity connections.

Map Courtesy: US Geological Survey Earthquake Site

Those who have experienced damage are asked to report that damage to Civil Defense online or by calling the agency at 808-935-0031 for assistance.

The USGS reported that a 6.0 magnitude earthquake occurred at a low-level, slow pace of at least a minute at 9:46 PM on Friday, May 22, striking about 7.5 miles south of Hōnaunau-Nāpōʻopoʻo at a depth of just over 15 miles on the west side of the Big Island.

There were more than 2,660 “felt reports” during the first hour after the quake, the farthest reported at the time from Wahiawa, Oahu — about 206 miles from where the quake struck on the Big Island.

At least one person not among the “feeling reports” reported feeling the quake from a distance.

“Hey! I felt this earthquake here on Kauai!!! It must be greater than 5.9!” The Kauai resident said, speaking of the initial size measurement provided by officials. “Crazy!…Scary!!!!”

A magnitude 6.0 earthquake on the Big Island on May 22, 2026 caused rockslides on roads. (Video screenshot: Courtesy of the County of Hawaii)

Most of them by then were from the nearby Kailua-Kona area, with reports of very strong shaking and possible moderate damage based on the USGS density report.

Hawaii County Civil Defense reported that the quake occurred on the western flank of Mauna Loa volcano, Moka Honaunau.

“The depth and location of the earthquake and recorded seismic waves indicate that it was caused by pressure from the bending of the oceanic plate from the weight of the Hawaiian island chain; the earthquake was not directly related to volcanic processes,” the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said in a media release issued later Friday night.

It had no apparent effect on the Mauna Loa or Kilauea volcanoes.

The National Weather Service also reported that there was no tsunami threat from the powerful shaker, which Hawaii Island Community Scanner Radio reported was centered in the Pahōhoe/Honokoa Nui Ahupua area in South Kona.

The group also said damage assessments are underway around Hawaii Island.

“A strong to very strong tremor was reported on the western side of Hawaii Island during this evening’s earthquake and could have resulted in light to moderate damage to infrastructure,” the Hawaii Volcano Observatory statement said.

Graphic courtesy: US Geological Survey Earthquake Website

The Hawaii Civil Defense and Volcano Observatory also warned – as with all earthquakes – of the possibility of aftershocks.

The Volcano Observatory said in its media statement: “Several aftershocks have already occurred from the earthquake that occurred this evening.” “Most were below magnitude 3. Aftershocks may continue to occur in the coming days but are unlikely to be large enough to be felt or cause damage.”

Two notable – albeit weaker – earthquakes later hit roughly the same location measuring 6.0.

A second magnitude 3.2 earthquake occurred about 6 minutes after the initial earthquake about 6 miles south of Hōnaunau-Nāpōʻopoʻo at a depth of about 13 miles.

More than 40 “feel reports” were filed within the first hour after the earthquake.

Another 2.6 magnitude earthquake struck just before 11 p.m. in roughly the same location, but this time at a depth of about 10.5 miles.

Big Island residents reported items flying off shelves during the 6.0 magnitude earthquake that occurred on May 22, 2026. (Screenshot: Hawaii County video)

“We appreciate the more than 2,500 residents and visitors who have submitted ‘feeling reports’ to [U.S. Geological Survey] “Website for this event,” the Hawaii Volcano Observatory said. “Reports like this help [U.S. Geological Survey] and other responding agencies to understand the affected area and potential impacts of the earthquakes.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to monitor volcanoes in Hawaii for any changes.

Stay tuned for additional information and further updates, if and when they become available.

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