Hawaii's Big Island rattled by preliminary 5.7 magnitude earthquake

The Big Island of Hawaii experienced a rattling 5.7 magnitude earthquake on Friday afternoon, with its epicenter near Pahala at 12:06 p.m. PST, reports the United States Geological Survey (USGS). A series of aftershocks, including a 3.3 magnitude quake, were later reported in the same area.

No tsunami expected, Governor's office reassures

Despite the event, the Office of the Governor of Hawaii reassured the public via X that no tsunami is expected. The USGS Interactive Map indicates that some shaking was felt in Kailua-Kona, located about 71 miles from Pahala.

Pahala and its population

Pahala, situated on the southwest point of the Big Island near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Kahuku Unit, had a population of around 2,203 people in 2020.