There are five separate volcanoes on the Big Island of Hawaii, and each one has its own history, geography, and set of attractions. Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, Kilauea, Hualalai, and Kohala are five of Hawaii’s active volcanoes. A journey to the island wouldn’t be complete without seeing at least one of these amazing sights. Here’s a rundown of each Big Island of Hawaii volcano and the sights and activities you can enjoy while exploring them.
The island’s tallest point, Mauna Kea, is located on the island’s northwest coast, and the volcano is dormant. Despite this, the Mauna Kea Observatory, home to some of the world’s most sophisticated telescopes, is a popular tourist attraction for stargazers. A guided journey to the peak is also available, where sightseers can take in panoramic vistas of the island and the Pacific Ocean. It stands 4,207 meters (13,802 feet) tall, making it the highest peak on Earth when measured from sea level. As well as a chance to immerse oneself in Hawaiian history and culture, the summit provides a breathtaking panorama of the island and the night sky.
One of the world’s most active volcanoes, Mauna Loa may be found in the island’s south. It has been active since its last eruption in 1984. There is a self-guided trip up to the peak where visitors may see the island’s distinctive flora and the volcanic environment below. There is also the Mauna Loa Observatory, which can be found on the volcano’s slopes and provides tourists with a look of the volcano’s continuous activity. The extent of the volcano is estimated at 5,271 km2, making it the largest volcano on Earth (2,034 sq mi). Forested tropical rainforests cover the volcano’s slopes, and a nearby visitor center provides information on the area’s geology, history, and flora and fauna.
The most active volcano on the island is Kilauea, which may be found in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The volcano is still active with the recent eruption occurring in 2018. At the Jaggar Museum and Overlook, guests are welcome to take a self-guided tour of the volcano’s caldera and observe the crater’s current activity. More in-depth background on the volcano and its geology can be gained through the park’s ranger-led tours and excursions. The native Hawaiians have revered the volcano as a sacred site for generations due to its historical and cultural significance. You may also trek the Kilauea Iki route, which takes you closer to the volcano’s action, or check out the neighboring Thurston Lava Tube, a tunnel formed by cooled lava.
Hualalai, a mountain on the island’s western edge, is an active volcano. It is still believed to be active despite the fact that its last eruption was in the year 1800. The top of the volcano, where visitors may see the island’s distinctive flora, is accessible via self-guided driving. The variety of climates and habitats on the volcano, from humid rainforests to arid deserts, contribute to its reputation as a really exceptional ecosystem. The adjacent Hualalai Tea Farm is particularly worth seeing for its insight into Hawaiian culture and its selection of fine teas.
Kohala, a mountain on the island’s northwest corner, is an inactive volcano. Nearly 60,000 years have passed since its last eruption. The top, accessible by car, provides stunning panoramas of the island and the Pacific beyond. While the volcano itself is no longer active, the tropical rain forests that cover its slopes make Kohala a popular destination for hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts. The adjacent Pololu Valley is well worth a visit because of the stunning panorama it provides of the surrounding area, including the beach and the ocean’s black sand.
The Big Island of Hawaii is known for its natural beauty and the distinctive features of its many volcanoes, but it also has many exciting attractions and experiences to offer its guests. Activities range from looking at the stars and touring observatories to trekking, discovering new places, and studying the local culture and history.
