Shocking Earthquake Now: No Tsunami Threat to Hawaiʻi

Image Source: Maui Now

Earthquake now updates from the Pacific region confirm that a magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck near the Loyalty Islands east of New Caledonia and Australia on Friday, September 25, 2026. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that the earthquake did not pose a tsunami threat to the Hawaiian Islands.

The earthquake occurred at approximately 11:13 a.m. Hawaiʻi time. The initial estimate placed the event at magnitude 7.0, but the measurement was later revised downward to magnitude 6.6. Maui Now reported the development at 12:15 p.m. HST and updated the report at 12:56 p.m.

Earthquake Now: No Tsunami Threat for Hawaiʻi

For residents and visitors in Hawaiʻi, the most important update is that no tsunami threat was reported for the state. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, which monitors seismic activity and tsunami conditions across the Pacific, issued the confirmation following the Loyalty Islands earthquake.

Although earthquakes in the Pacific can prompt concern throughout the region, the strength of an earthquake alone does not determine whether a tsunami will occur. Officials also consider the earthquake’s depth, location, movement beneath the seafloor and whether it displaced enough water to generate dangerous waves.

In this case, the warning center determined that Hawaiʻi was not at risk from tsunami impacts related to the event. The public will be informed if conditions change.

Powerful Pacific Quake Strikes Near New Caledonia

The Loyalty Islands are located in the southwestern Pacific, east of New Caledonia. The area is part of a seismically active zone where movement between tectonic plates can produce earthquakes of varying strength.

A magnitude 6.6 earthquake is considered strong and can be felt across a broad area near its epicenter. However, the impact experienced by communities depends on several factors, including distance from the earthquake, local geology, building construction and whether the event occurs beneath the ocean.

The report from Maui Now identified the earthquake’s location as near the Loyalty Islands, with the broader region situated east of both New Caledonia and Australia. No additional impacts were detailed in the report.

What the Revised Magnitude Means

Earthquake measurements can be adjusted as seismologists examine additional data from monitoring stations. Initial readings are often released quickly so emergency officials and the public can receive timely information. As more data becomes available, the reported magnitude, location or depth may be refined.

The earthquake was first reported as a magnitude 7.0 event before being revised to magnitude 6.6. That adjustment does not change the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center’s assessment that there was no tsunami threat to Hawaiʻi.

• Location: Near the Loyalty Islands, east of New Caledonia and Australia
• Reported time: 11:13 a.m. Hawaiʻi time
• Revised magnitude: 6.6
• Initial magnitude: 7.0
• Hawaiʻi tsunami status: No threat reported

Officials Continue to Monitor Conditions

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said the public would be informed if conditions changed. That guidance is important because tsunami assessments can be updated as agencies review seismic information and monitor ocean conditions.

Residents and visitors should rely on official emergency alerts and announcements during an earthquake or tsunami situation. Social media posts and informal messages may contain incomplete or outdated information, particularly during the first minutes after a major seismic event.

People near coastlines should also be familiar with local evacuation routes and emergency procedures before an alert is issued. While no tsunami threat was reported for Hawaiʻi after this earthquake, preparedness remains an important part of living in an island state exposed to Pacific hazards.

As of the latest update provided by Maui Now, the Loyalty Islands earthquake had not triggered a tsunami warning for Hawaiʻi. Officials will continue to assess the situation and issue new information if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did the earthquake occur?

The earthquake occurred near the Loyalty Islands, located east of New Caledonia and Australia in the southwestern Pacific.

What was the earthquake’s magnitude?

The earthquake was revised to a magnitude of 6.6 after initially being reported at magnitude 7.0.

Was there a tsunami threat to Hawaiʻi?

No. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that there was no tsunami threat to the Hawaiian Islands.

When did the earthquake happen?

The earthquake occurred at approximately 11:13 a.m. Hawaiʻi time on September 25, 2026.

Where should people look for updates?

Residents and visitors should follow official emergency notifications and updates from recognized authorities, including the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.