3.8 Pāhala earthquake in Hawaiʻi may be related to deep transport of magma

A 3.8 magnitude earthquake reported just before midnight on Sunday May 7, 2023 in Pāhala on Hawaiʻi Island, was part of a swarm of earthquakes that has been occurring in the region since 2019.

Scientist with the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory say these quakes may be related to deep transport of magma in the hotspot beneath the Island of Hawaiʻi, but pose no volcanic threat to residents. 

The quake occurred 7 miles ENE of Pāhala, and a depth of 20 miles below sea level, according to the HVO.

There were more than 27 felt reports recorded within the first hour of the quake, mostly on Hawaiʻi Island, according to the USGS “Did You Feel It?” website.

Agency scientists say the earthquake had no apparent impact on either Mauna Loa or Kīlauea volcanoes.