The 6.7 Mw earthquake centered near Kiholo Bay, Hawaii, impacted the region on October 15, 2006, around 7:07 a.m. local time. The earthquake's epicenter was positioned approximately 12 miles north of Kailua-Kona, leading to widespread damage across the Big Island. Structures suffered damage from the seismic activity, and landslides resulted from the shaking, obstructing roadways and making some areas inaccessible. While the earthquake was powerful, Hawaii's rigorous building codes helped to mitigate some of the potential destruction typically associated with such natural disasters.

In addition to structural damage, many residents experienced power outages that lasted for varying lengths of time, complicating recovery efforts. Numerous individuals suffered injuries, ranging from minor to serious, necessitating immediate medical attention. Emergency response teams were dispatched to provide aid, conduct search and rescue operations, and assess the full scope of the earthquake's impact. Local hospitals reported an influx of patients due to injuries sustained during the earthquake.

The quake also challenged airport operations as the Honolulu International Airport was closed for safety evaluations and infrastructure checks. This raised concerns about possible travel disruptions amid peak visitor season, affecting both flights and passenger services. This significant seismic event highlighted the importance of earthquake preparedness in Hawaii, where natural disasters are a known risk due to the state's location along the Pacific Ring of Fire.