Earthquakes in Honolulu, Hawaii
0 in past 30 days · Population 350K
Last updated: July 18, 2026 at 12:39 PM UTC · Data: USGS Earthquake Hazards Program
No significant earthquakes recorded near Honolulu recently. No M2.5+ events within 100 km in the past 30 days.
Quick Facts — Earthquakes in Honolulu
- Population
- 350K
- Seismic activity level
- low
- Nearest major fault
- Honolulu Volcanic Series faults (5 km)
- Largest recorded nearby
- M6.9 (2018 Hawaii earthquake)
- 30-year probability M6.7+
- 8% (NSHM)
- Earthquakes past 30 days
- 0
- 2026 total (M1.0+)
- 0
The Honolulu area averages about 3 magnitude 4.0+ earthquakes per year and has recorded 0 earthquakes (M1.0+) within 100 km in the past 30 days.
Honolulu sits in the low category for U.S. seismic activity. The largest earthquake in or near Honolulu since records began was the magnitude 6.9 2018 Hawaii earthquake, which struck approximately 320 km southeast of the city.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey's National Seismic Hazard Model, there is approximately a 8% probability of a magnitude 6.7 or greater earthquake within 100 km of Honolulu in the next 30 years, and a 3% probability of a magnitude 7.0 or greater event. The largest credible earthquake predicted for the Honolulu area is a magnitude 6.0 event on the Honolulu Volcanic Series faults, which lies 5 km from downtown Honolulu. Source: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory; USGS NSHM 2023
Honolulu sits in a region characterized by intraplate volcanic activity over the Hawaiian mantle plume hotspot, with seismicity driven by magma intrusion and flank instability. Beyond the Honolulu Volcanic Series faults, secondary fault systems include the Molokai Fracture Zone and Big Island volcanic faults (Kīlauea/Mauna Loa). View all earthquakes in Hawaii.
2026 Activity vs Historical Average
Fault Lines Near Honolulu
| Fault Name | Type | Distance | Max Credible Mag | Last Major Rupture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honolulu Volcanic Series faults | normal | 5 km | M6.0 | volcanic-related — limited data |
| Molokai Fracture Zone | right-lateral strike-slip | 80 km | M6.5 | paleoseismic data limited |
| Big Island volcanic faults (Kīlauea/Mauna Loa) | normal | 320 km | M7.7 | 2018 (M6.9) |
Common Questions About Earthquakes in Honolulu
How often do earthquakes happen in Honolulu?
Honolulu experiences relatively low earthquake activity. The area averages 25 earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 or greater per year, with 0.3 reaching magnitude 5.0 or higher. In the past 30 days, 0 earthquakes (M1.0+) have been recorded within 100 km of the city.
What was the biggest earthquake to hit Honolulu?
The largest earthquake in or near Honolulu since records began was the magnitude 6.9 2018 Hawaii earthquake in 2018, which struck approximately 320 km southeast of the city.
What is the earthquake risk in Honolulu?
Earthquakes cannot be predicted with precision. However, the U.S. Geological Survey estimates there is approximately a 8% probability of a magnitude 6.7 or greater earthquake within 100 km of Honolulu in the next 30 years. The most likely source is the Honolulu Volcanic Series faults, which has a maximum credible magnitude of 6.0.
What fault lines are near Honolulu?
The Honolulu Volcanic Series faults runs approximately 5 km from Honolulu and is the most significant local seismic threat, with a maximum credible magnitude of 6.0. Other nearby faults include the Molokai Fracture Zone (80 km), the Big Island volcanic faults (Kīlauea/Mauna Loa) (320 km).
Was there an earthquake in Honolulu today?
No earthquakes of magnitude 2.5 or greater have been recorded within 100 km of Honolulu in the past 30 days.
About This Page
This page is maintained by Earthquake Tracker, an independent seismic activity reporting service. Earthquake data is sourced from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Earthquake Hazards Program and updated every hour. Probability estimates use the USGS National Seismic Hazard Model (NSHM 2023). Historical earthquake data is sourced from the USGS Historical Earthquake Catalog. Fault information comes from the USGS Quaternary Fault and Fold Database and SCEC Community Fault Model.
Last data refresh: July 18, 2026 at 12:39 PM UTC