Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
© Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
An offshore magnitude-4.5 earthquake south of Hawaii Island happened at 6:30 a.m. Sunday.

The earthquake was centered about 37 miles south of Ka Lae (South Point) at a depth of 22.7 miles.

The earthquake was felt on the island, receiving over 50 reports within an hour of the earthquake. Weak shaking was reported across the island. At that intensity, damage to buildings or structures is not expected.

Sunday's earthquake occurred about 43 miles southwest of Lo'ihi, and was not caused by activity on that submarine volcano. The depth, location, and recorded seismic waves of the earthquake suggest a source due to bending of the oceanic plate from the weight of the Hawaiian island chain, a common source for earthquakes in this area. Aftershocks are possible and could be felt.

The earthquake caused no detectable changes in Kilauea Volcano's ongoing eruptions, on Mauna Loa, or at other active volcanoes on the island.