What Are the Principle Volcanoes of the Hawaiian Islands?

Lo`ihi Seamount is an active volcano located just off the southeast corner of Hawaii's biggest island, Hawai'i. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), this underwater volcano is the youngest of the Hawaiian volcanoes and is still 3,180 feet below sea level. In 1996, a swarm of intense earthquakes resulted from seismic activity originating from Lo'ihi Seamount.

Kīlauea is the volcano that forms the southeastern edge of Hawai'i. Considered the home of the Hawaiian volcano goddess Pele, Kīlauea is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and has been erupting continuously since 1983.

Mauna Loa is the biggest volcano in the world, and it constitutes the majority of the island of Hawai'i. From its base on the seafloor to its peak in the sky, this behemoth is more than 56,000 feet tall. Mauna Loa most recently erupted in 1984, according to the USGS.

Hualalai makes up a small segment of Hawai'i's western coast. It has not erupted since 1801, and has been above sea level for more than 300,000 years by USGS estimates.

Mauna Kea is the highest point in Hawaii, with its peak 13,796 feet above sea level. It constitutes much of northern Hawai'i and is considered by the USGS to be dormant, as it has not erupted in more than 4,500 years.

Kohala forms the northern tip of Hawai'i and is the oldest above-ground volcano that forms the Hawaiian islands. The USGS estimates it has been above sea level for more than a half million years. There is no historical record of an eruption from Kohala.

Haleakala forms the eastern part of the island of Maui. Its peak is 10,023 feet above sea level and there have been at least ten volcanic eruptions in the last thousand years, according to the USGS.

West Maui Volcano constitutes the western tip of Maui. It has been severely eroded, resulting in a rugged and rocky landscape with huge vertical cliffs. It has not erupted for more than 350,000 years by USGS estimates.

Koolau Volcano makes up most of the island of Oahu, and is known for many famous geological landmarks on Hawaii's most populous island. Points of interest include Diamond Head, Koko Head and Punchbowl Crater.

Waianae Volcano constitutes the remainder of Oahu. It is believed to have last erupted more than 2.5 million years ago, according to the USGS. Like the West Maui Volcano, its location on the west side of the island has made it highly susceptible to devastating erosion, resulting in many steep cliffs.