Alaska vs Hawaii Earthquake Risk

Alaska has a higher earthquake risk with a score of 10/10 (Very High) compared to Hawaii at 8/10 (High). This means Alaska faces more frequent and potentially more destructive seismic events.

Alaska averages approximately 12,000 earthquakes per year, while Hawaii averages about 500 per year. Alaska experiences roughly 11,500 more earthquakes annually.

Alaska is associated with Alaska-Aleutian subduction zone, Denali Fault. Hawaii is associated with Volcanic hotspot activity, Hilina slump. These fault systems determine the type and frequency of seismic activity each state experiences.

In Alaska, approximately 95% of the population lives in areas at risk from earthquakes, compared to 90% in Hawaii. Alaska has a larger percentage of residents exposed to seismic hazard.

Alaska's most notable earthquake: 1964 Great Alaska (M9.2). Hawaii's most notable earthquake: 2018 Kilauea (M6.9). These historical events illustrate the seismic potential of each state.