Mauna Loa, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is the largest volcano on Earth, rising about 56,000 feet above sea level. This volcano, which covers half of the Island of Hawaii, is the most active volcano on the planet.
Volcanic Eruptions
Mauna Loa Volcano has erupted 33 times since scientists started documenting them in 1843. The last eruption occurred in spring of 1984.
Name Origin
Mauna Loa means "Long Mountain" in Hawaiian. The volcano does not contain a rich supply of silica, making the eruption non-explosive and runny.
Shield Volcano
Mauna Loa is a shield volcano because it is shaped like a shield with steep slopes. The shape of the slope causes eruptions to be less deadly and less violent.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Mauna Loa is part of the Hawaii Volcanoes National park which includes Kilauea, another active volcano. The park includes seven ecological zones containing endangered species and indigenous plants and animals.
Park Activities
The National park contains indoor lodging and camping near Mauna Loa Volcano. Activities include hiking, biking and lava viewing. You can see the diverse wildlife while trekking through the mountains.
Volcano Golf Course
Volcano Golf and Country Club, an 18-hole, par-72 course, is 4,000 feet above sea level and located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. You get a panoramic view of Mauna Loa.
About The Author
Based in Tucson, Ariz., Cicely A. Richard has been writing since 1996. Her articles have been published in the “Arizona Daily Star” newspaper and “ForeWord Magazine.” Richard earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and journalism from Louisiana State University.
