A powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck Hawaii on Saturday night, briefly alarming residents and authorities across the islands. The quake was not locally generated but instead triggered by seismic activity near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula.

The tremor shook Hawaii at approximately 8:49 p.m. local time, prompting immediate concern about potential tsunami impacts. Within minutes, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami watch at 9:03 p.m., warning residents to stay alert and monitor updates.

However, the alert was short-lived. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center quickly analyzed the seismic data and canceled the tsunami watch. Officials confirmed there was no risk of a tsunami and emphasized that no further updates would follow unless new information emerged.

The swift cancellation brought widespread relief. Many Hawaii residents turned to social media to express their gratitude and calm others who were concerned. Messages encouraging people to “relax” and return to their evening plans spread rapidly online.

Experts determined that the undersea earthquake near Kamchatka did not have the necessary characteristics—such as vertical seafloor displacement—to generate a significant tsunami across the Pacific Ocean.

Earlier in the day, Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula had experienced a sequence of powerful earthquakes. The first, measuring 7.0 in magnitude, was followed by additional quakes ranging from 6.6 to 7.4 on the Richter scale.

In response to the seismic activity, Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations issued warnings to residents near the epicenter. People were urged to stay away from coastal areas, though authorities noted that wave heights were expected to remain relatively low.

The incident in Hawaii stirred memories of the devastating 1952 Kamchatka earthquake, which measured 9.0 in magnitude. That historic event caused a destructive tsunami that hit Hawaii, destroying harbors and sweeping away boats and piers.

Although no tsunami occurred this time, the historical context contributed to the public’s heightened anxiety and vigilance during the initial alert phase.

Even after the tsunami watch was officially lifted, residents continued to exercise caution. Some community members warned that residual ocean surges might still occur, particularly in shallow coastal zones.

Locals also advised against engaging in shoreline activities such as diving or collecting “opihi,” a native Hawaiian shellfish found on coastal rocks, until the ocean fully stabilized.