Hawaii vs Puerto Rico Earthquake Risk

Hawaii has a higher earthquake risk with a score of 8/10 (High) compared to Puerto Rico at 7/10 (High). This means Hawaii faces more frequent and potentially more destructive seismic events.

Hawaii averages approximately 500 earthquakes per year, while Puerto Rico averages about 100 per year. Hawaii experiences roughly 400 more earthquakes annually.

Hawaii is associated with Volcanic hotspot activity, Hilina slump. Puerto Rico is associated with Puerto Rico Trench, Mona Passage. These fault systems determine the type and frequency of seismic activity each state experiences.

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

Hawaii's most notable earthquake: 2018 Kilauea (M6.9). Puerto Rico's most notable earthquake: 2020 Guayanilla (M6.4). These historical events illustrate the seismic potential of each state.