Hawaii vs South Carolina Earthquake Risk

Hawaii has a higher earthquake risk with a score of 8/10 (High) compared to South Carolina at 5/10 (Moderate). This means Hawaii faces more frequent and potentially more destructive seismic events.

Hawaii averages approximately 500 earthquakes per year, while South Carolina averages about 15 per year. Hawaii experiences roughly 485 more earthquakes annually.

Hawaii is associated with Volcanic hotspot activity, Hilina slump. South Carolina is associated with Middleton Place-Summerville Seismic Zone. 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 20% in South Carolina. Hawaii has a larger percentage of residents exposed to seismic hazard.

Hawaii's most notable earthquake: 2018 Kilauea (M6.9). South Carolina's most notable earthquake: 1886 Charleston (M7.3). These historical events illustrate the seismic potential of each state.