Earthquakes Near Hilo Today
Live answer from USGS data — every earthquake within 150 km (93 mi) of Hilo, Hawaii.
Checking live USGS data near Hilo…
Why Hilo gets earthquakes
Hilo sits on the Island of Hawai'i, the most seismically active place in the state — earthquakes here are driven by the weight and movement of Kīlauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes. The 1975 Kalapana earthquake (M7.7) on Kīlauea's south flank generated a local tsunami that killed two campers.
In May 2018, an M6.9 on the same south flank accompanied the massive Kīlauea eruption that destroyed 700 homes in lower Puna. Hilo also has painful tsunami history from distant quakes — the 1946 Aleutian and 1960 Chile tsunamis together killed over 150 people downtown — which is why local quake alerts are taken seriously.
Hilo earthquake FAQ
▸Did Hilo just have an earthquake?
The live panel at the top of this page checks the USGS catalog for every earthquake within 150 km of Hilo and answers in one line. Keep in mind USGS data lags real shaking by roughly 2–3 minutes in California and up to ~8 minutes in other regions — if you felt something seconds ago, refresh shortly.
▸What faults cause earthquakes near Hilo?
Quakes near Hilo are mostly volcanic: Kīlauea's south flank décollement produced the 1975 M7.7 and 2018 M6.9 events, and Mauna Loa adds deep and summit seismicity. Swarms track magma movement and are monitored by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
▸What magnitude earthquake can you feel in Hilo, HI?
Close to the epicenter, people typically begin to feel earthquakes around magnitude 2.5–3.0. An M4+ is felt across a wide area and rattles objects; M5+ can damage buildings near the epicenter. Shallow quakes feel stronger than deep ones of the same magnitude, and soft soils amplify shaking.
▸What should I do if I feel an earthquake in Hilo?
Drop, Cover, and Hold On — get low, take cover under sturdy furniture, and hold on until shaking stops. Afterward, check for hazards like gas leaks, and expect possible aftershocks. If you're in a coastal area and the shaking is strong or lasts a long time, move inland or to high ground. Official guidance: ready.gov/earthquakes.