Visit The Largest Volcano on Earth: Mauna Loa

Mauna Loa is the world's largest and most active volcano on earth. On November 28, 2022, Mauna Loa, which means long mountain in Hawaiian, began erupting on The Big Island of Hawaii around 11:30 pm, following a series of earthquakes. The volcanic eruption came to a halt on December 13, 2022. Keep reading to learn all about Mauna Loa, and how you can visit the world’s largest volcano!

Mauna Loa Facts, Volcano National Park & More:

According to The United States Geological Survey, Mauna Loa is considered the world’s most active volcano, as it has erupted 33 times since 1893. In the 33 times that the volcano has erupted, they have not led to fatalities. Some of the eruptions, however, have been severe. In 1935 and 1942, The United States military dropped bombs in order to divert the lava, as there were threats of the lava infiltrating Hilo’s water supply.  

Mauna Loa is situated in the Volcanoes National park, which includes the summits of two of the world's most active volcanoes - Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Typically, when visiting the national park and safety permits, you can choose to take a short walk, or opt for a wilderness adventure or tour, or driving tour. 

When you are visiting The Big Island Volcanoes or the Volcanoes National Park, be sure to stay somewhere where you can also experience the Hawaii Lifestyle.

Where to stay when visiting the Mauna Loa Big Island Volcano:

A great place to stay when visiting the volcanoes is at Hilo’s Kulaniapia Falls, a 42 acre, off-the-grid property in Hawaii, featuring the state's largest privately accessible waterfall with incredibly unique accommodations and experiences. Kulaniapia Falls is Hawaii’s most inspiring, authentic and sustainable destination. Home to a waterfall that is situated in a wild, natural, off-the-grid setting, guests can enjoy Incredible views of 4 different waterfalls, and experience off-the-grid immersion in nature when they visit our unique cascades. When you visit Kulaniapia Falls, you can choose to simply relax and soak up the sun, or, go for a swim if weather and safety conditions permit. Swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding under the majestic waterfall are also offered to our guests. In between lava chasing, get the most out of the Kulaniapia moments, however, many seek out one of our signature activities: waterfall rappelling, where you can belay your way down our incredible 120-foot waterfall! Fortunately for volcano junkies, Kulaniapia Falls is not only an unforgettable experience in itself, but it is only about an hour drive to Volcanoes National Park! If conditions allow, be sure to check out the Elite Volcano Hike, a 9 hour excursion that involves exploring Hawaii’s volcanoes by foot. 

How Big is The Mauna Loa Volcano in Hawaii? 

Moana Loa is absolutely massive! Standing at 13,677 feet above sea level, this volcano makes up half of the island of Hawaii. 

What Type of Volcano is Mauna Loa?

Mauna Loa, and all of the volcanoes that exist on the Big Island, are shield volcanoes, which are characterized by their broad, rounded slopes. From an aerial perspective, the volcanos appear to resemble a warrior’s shield, which earned them their name. Shield volcano’s lava is also very fluid and runny, 

Can I Drive Over The Mauna Loa Volcano on the Big Island

Due to the eruption, Mauna Loa Road,  A 17-mile scenic drive that takes you up the side of Mauna Loa, is closed to vehicles from Kīpukapuaulu and closed to pedestrians and bikes. Volcano enthusiasts can rejoice, however, in knowing that there are plenty of ways in which one can access viewing of the volcanic eruption.  You can get close to the action when you visit Daniel K. Inouye Highway, also known as Saddle Road- the main route that connects the East and West side of the Island.  

Additionally, head to The Volcanoes National Park, which provides visitors with incredible views of the eruptions when they are occuring. You can hike to the lava, by signing up for either a guided tour, and going on your own. Head to The Steaming Bluff overlook of the Halemaʻumaʻu crater in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. More spots with great viewing opportunities include, Kūpinaʻi Pali (Waldron Ledge) from Kīlauea Visitor Center, Kīlauea Overlook, or, head to the overlook near Keanakākoʻi Crater to get close-up views of both of the volcanoes erupting. 

Choose a guided tour if you prefer to be accompanied by a professional when exploring the volcanoes. These tours offer the opportunity to learn all about volcanoes and their history, from a knowledgeable and passionate member of the community. Another way in which you can take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime viewing opportunity, is by booking a helicopter ride over The Big Island! Schedule the Mauna Loa Volcano experience, where you can see the volcano  from up above! 

Mauna Loa is the world’s largest volcano, and on November 28, 2022, its eruption that lasted until mid-December shocked the entire nation. Mauna Loa has an interesting history, and is definitely worth visiting, particularly if you are a volcano junkie! We hope that this guide was helpful for learning all about Mauna Loa, and how you can visit the world’s largest volcano.

Kulaniapia Falls