Story perspectives

Magnitude 6.0 Mauna Loa Quake Shuts Roads, No Tsunami

5/23/2026

Summary

USGS Records Quake

The U.S. Geological Survey recorded a magnitude 6.0 earthquake on Mauna Loa’s western flank at 9:46 p.m.
Scientists said the quake was caused by stress as the plate bends under islands, not volcanic activity.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reported no tsunami and recorded magnitude 3.2 and 4.0 aftershocks that night.
Hawaii Police closed Napoopoo Road and Route 11 after rocks fell and reopened them around 6:30 a.m.
Officials reported moderate damage and no major injuries.

Summary

Hawaii Farms Suffer

Over 600 of Hawaii’s 6,500 farms reported roughly $40 million in damage to crops, livestock and equipment.
The Hawaii Farm Bureau estimates total losses could reach $50 million and affect nearly 2,000 farms.
Damage to fields, injured livestock and broken machinery raise concerns about short-term food supply.
The $50 million loss equals about 0.8 % of Hawaii’s annual farm revenue, showing seismic vulnerability.

Summary

Lacy Deniz Evacuates

Former reporter Lacy Deniz said her family evacuated, noting broken glass, a cracked toilet and a toppled armoire but no serious injuries.
USGS “Did You Feel It?” reports rose from about 2,500 at 11 p.m. to over 5,800 by 2 a.m. Saturday.
Her mother shielded her crawling son from falling dishes, resulting in only minor cuts.
Strong shaking was felt in Omao and Hanalei (Kauai), Kailua, Ewa Beach, Kapolei (Oahu) and Makawao, Wailuku (Maui).

Summary

Civil Defense Alerts

At 11:20 p.m. HST, Hawaii County Civil Defense reported landslides on Highway 11 from Captain Cook to Ocean View and urged cautious travel.
A water main break at 11:06 p.m. HST flooded Highway 11 in South Kona, causing Napo‘opo‘o Road to close at 11 p.m. HST because debris blocked it.
Officials posted hotline 808-935-0031 and a web page for damage reports and, at 10:20 p.m. HST, urged residents to inspect gas, water and electrical utilities and expect after-shocks.

History

Historical Context

On April 1 1946 a magnitude 8.6 Aleutian Islands quake generated a Pacific-wide tsunami that killed 167 people in Hawaii and spurred the creation of the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. That warning system underpins today’s emergency response to the magnitude 6.0 Mauna Loa flank tremor, which has triggered landslides and road closures across the islands.

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USGS Records Quake

The U.S. Geological Survey recorded a magnitude 6.0 earthquake on Mauna Loa’s western flank at 9:46 p.m.
Scientists said the quake was caused by stress as the plate bends under islands, not volcanic activity.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reported no tsunami and recorded magnitude 3.2 and 4.0 aftershocks that night.
Hawaii Police closed Napoopoo Road and Route 11 after rocks fell and reopened them around 6:30 a.m.
Officials reported moderate damage and no major injuries.

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