A 4.4 magnitude quake rattled the Big Island Monday night, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.  Readings from the Hawaii Volcano Observatory were slightly higher, measuring the quake at a 4.5 magnitude tremor.  The earthquake was reported at 6:30 p.m. 13 miles south west of Laupahoehoe, Hawaii on the eastern slopes of Mauna Kea.  There were no reports of any major damage or injuries.

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Click to enlarge image. Map Courtesy USGS.

The USGS reports the exact coordinates at 19.846°N, 155.364°W with a depth of 19.3-19.9 miles.  The distance of the epicenter was measured from the following locations.

• 20 km (13 miles) SW (221°) from Laupahoehoe, HI
• 22 km (14 miles) S (178°) from Paauilo, HI
• 26 km (16 miles) W (264°) from Honomu, HI
• 33 km (20 miles) WNW (298°) from Hilo, HI
• 304 km (189 miles) ESE (122°) from Honolulu, HI
• 7 km (5 miles) SSW (202 degrees) Keanakolu
• 12 km (7 miles) ENE (72 degrees) Mauna Kea Summit
• 20 km (12 miles) SSW (204 degrees) `O`okala

There was an additional 1.9 magnitude quake reported at 6:39 p.m. and a 2.4 quake reported in the same region at 9:39 p.m. on Monday.

The Pacific Disaster Center reported that the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center quickly dismissed any threat of a tsunami by issuing a statement at 6:34 p.m. Monday saying no action was required.

(Posted by Wendy Osher)