Washington  - An earthquake measuring 8.0 magnitude struck early Thursday local time about 294 kilometres north-north-west of Santo in the South Pacific island country of Vanuatu, US meteorologists said.

The US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued an "expanding regional tsunami warning" for parts of the Pacific near the earthquake.

"There is a possibility that Hawaii could be elevated to a watch or warning status," the centre said.

The center estimated the quake at 8 magnitude after other US officials estimated a 7.8 quake. (dpa)