description Mauna Loa Massif Overview
Mauna Loa on Hawaii's Big Island is Earth's largest active volcano by volume and surface area, covering approximately 5,271 square kilometers and rising 4,169 meters above sea level. This massive shield volcano has been erupting for at least 700,000 years, with its most recent eruption occurring in November 2022 after a 38-year dormancy. Mauna Loa's gentle slopes result from highly fluid lava flows that travel great distances while cooling into relatively thin layers. The volcano is part of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and is monitored by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory due to its potential threat to nearby communities and risk of tsunamis from flank collapses.
insights Ranking position
Mauna Loa Massif ranks #16 of 262 in the Massif ranking, behind Fitz Roy Massif, ahead of Kinabalu Massif.
help Mauna Loa Massif FAQ
Is Mauna Loa taller than Mauna Kea?
Mauna Loa has the greater volume and surface footprint, but Mauna Kea has the higher summit above sea level. Mauna Loa reaches about 4,169 metres, while Mauna Kea rises to about 4,207 metres.
What happened during Mauna Loa's 2022 eruption?
Mauna Loa began erupting in late November 2022 after nearly four decades without an eruption. Lava initially appeared in the summit caldera and then moved into the Northeast Rift Zone, but it did not destroy major communities.
Is Mauna Loa part of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park?
Yes. Much of Mauna Loa lies within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park alongside Kilauea. The two are separate shield volcanoes with distinct magma systems and eruption histories.
Can visitors hike to Mauna Loa's summit?
There are strenuous backcountry routes toward the summit, but conditions can include altitude sickness, cold, rough lava, and scarce water. Access can change after eruptions or seismic activity, so hikers need to check current National Park Service notices and permit rules.
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