Mauna Loa, Shield volcano in Hawaii County, United States
Mauna Loa extends across 5,100 square kilometers and rises 4,169 meters above sea level, forming half of Hawaii Island's total landmass.
The volcano has produced 34 recorded eruptions since 1843, with the most recent occurring in 2022 after a 38-year period of inactivity.
The volcano's name translates to 'Long Mountain' in Hawaiian, reflecting its extensive profile that stretches through multiple climate zones on Hawaii Island.
Visitors can access the summit area through the Mauna Loa Observatory Road, which requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle and advance preparation for high altitude conditions.
The weight of this massive volcanic structure causes the Pacific Ocean floor to bend downward by several kilometers beneath its base.
Location: Hawaii County
Elevation above the sea: 4,169.4 m
Made from material: basalt
GPS coordinates: 19.47553,-155.60570
Latest update: November 28, 2025 15:55
This collection brings together active volcanoes located on multiple continents, from Cotopaxi in the Ecuadorian Andes to Mount Fuji in Japan, including Vesuvius in Italy and Mauna Loa in Hawaii. Each site demonstrates different geological processes: stratovolcanoes like Mount Saint Helens and Etna produce explosive eruptions, while Hawaiian shield volcanoes generate flowing lava that can travel long distances. The selection also includes sites that have marked history through their destructive power, such as Krakatoa, whose 1883 eruption caused tens of thousands of casualties, or Vesuvius, which buried Pompeii and Herculaneum in AD 79. Other volcanoes like Iceland's Eyjafjallajökull have recently shown their ability to disrupt human activities globally. These locations offer insight into how volcanic activity shapes landscapes and influences nearby populations.
Mauna Loa Observatory
7.4 km
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
32.5 km
Halemaumau Crater
34.3 km
AMiBA
7.5 km
Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
24.3 km
Mauna Loa Solar Observatory
7.4 km
Kona Coffee Living History Farm
32.4 km
Mauna Kea State Recreation Area
31.6 km
Amy B. H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden
32.2 km
Kahikolu Church
32.5 km
Pu'u Huluhulu
27.7 km
Daifukuji Soto Zen Mission
34.6 km
Kilauea Caldera
33.2 km
ʻĀinapō Trail
3.4 km
Hale o Keawe
32.7 km
Greenwell Store
33.2 km
Ahu A Umi Heiau
25.9 km
Mokuʻāweoweo Caldera
1.5 km
Thomas A. Jaggar Museum
33.9 km
Crater Rim Trail
34.3 km
Kaʻū Desert Trail
33.2 km
Mauna Loa Lookout
23.2 km
Wilkes Campsite
2.7 km
Royal Kona Museum & Coffee Mill
28.9 km
Aloha Theatre
34.3 km
Kalāhiki Beach
32.7 km
Kapahukapu Manini Beach
33.1 km
Keʻei Beach
33.5 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes