On May 4 , a 6.9 magnitude earthquake hit Puna . By May 27 , 2018 , 24 fissures had erupted lava in or near the Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens subdivisions . The eruption forced the evacuation of approximately two thousand residents . The Puna Geothermal Venture , which provided one-quarter of the island 's electricity , was forced to shut down and was later damaged by lava . The fissures had sent lava rivers that buried part of Hawaii Route 137 on May 19 , and began flowing into the ocean
6.9 magnitude earthquake
2018 Hawaii earthquake
2018 lower Puna eruption