Region
Highlights
- Mauna Loa is the largest volcano on Earth in terms of volume and area covered and one of 5 volcanoes that form the island of Hawaii.
- It is an active shield volcano, with a volume estimated at approximately 18,000 cubic miles, although its peak is about 120 feet lower than that of its neighbor, Mauna Kea.
- Mauna Loa is the highest point in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Lava eruptions from Mauna Loa are silica-poor, thus very fluid, and as a result tend to be non-explosive.
- A trail leads to the summit crater with 2 hiker huts along the way.
- The Hawaiian name "Mauna Loa" means "Long Mountain".
Routes
7 summits • 13.5 mi • 2,534 ft gain • 9 hr 30 min
2 summits • 11.8 mi • 2,607 ft gain • 9 hr 36 min
1 summit • 13.1 mi • 2,623 ft gain • 6 hr 13 min
1 summit • 11.5 mi • 445 ft gain • 6 hr 43 min
Latest summits
"Backpacking Mauna Loa Day 3
We woke up to the coldest day in Mauna Loa Cabin but to a beautiful sunrise.
This was day day when we actually hiked to Mauna Loa Summit which was a beaitiful experience.
The hardest backpacking trip to date I did in Hawaii. Beautiful experience but one of a kind!
My 42nd high peak in Hawaii!" — nandorszotak • Jul 31, 2022
"Hiked from the observatory. Turnoff for the road to the observatory from HI-200 is not signed, located a few hundred yards from the Mauna Kea access road which is signed. The road surface is paved although only wide enough for one vehicle. Lots of turnouts along the way should you meet another vehicle.
The route to the summit is marked with cairns, signs posted only at key locations. I didn't take use a GPS. Very little actual trail, route crosses lava fields, including aa, pahoehoe and cinder. " — fredbrown585 • Apr 22, 2022
"19.6km with 850m gain in 5:30hrs. Mostly clear skies, some clouds by the end; surprisingly many cars at the trailhead upon return. Descended via a shorter route (North Pit road plus old trail). If not for the elevation, would've been an easy hike." — alexp • Nov 4, 2019