Volcanoes in Hawaii, Mauna Loa: The Long MountainMauna Loa is a volcano in Hawaii that people don't always realize is active. Although it has not erupted since April 15th 1984, the Volcano is still considered active. In fact the volcano still swells. The vents fill with pressure, but somewhere deep down in the island the pressure gets channeled somewhere else. Eathquakes happen under the surface of the Big Island all the time, and there are a good amount that happen beneath the surface of Mauna Loa. Scientists believe that is only a matter of time before the Volcano erupts again. The Volcano is actually not only the biggest on the big island, but it is the biggest volcano in the world. It has a estimated Volume of 18,000 cubic miles. Mauan Loa gets snow fall almost as often as Mauna Kea, but because of its size, it is not as easy to photograph. Also there is not as easy access to the summit. The Volcano has been erupting for at least 700,000 years, and probably rose above Sea level about 400,000 years ago. Mauna Loa means the Long Mountain, and although it is 120 feet lower then Mauna Kea its girth is what accounts for it earning Mauna Loa the honor of being The Biggest Volcano in the World. An adventure that is a amazing journey, is to hike to the summit, and stay at Pu`u Ula Ula Cabin at 10,035 ft. This is a serious hike with a lot of altitude change, so only those in good shape should undertake this journey. There is pictures of the cabin on Mauna Loa below, and some pictures of the Summit. 
To go to our page on Mauna Kea follow this link  
|
