Mauna LoaAbout Mauna Loa
Mauna Loa is a massive shield volcano on the Island of Hawaiʻi and is one of the largest volcanoes on Earth by volume, with a summit elevation of about 4,169 metres (13,679 feet). Much of the volcano’s broad, gently sloping form is covered by extensive lava flows and rift zones.
Prominent features include the summit caldera Moku’āweoweo and long lava flow fields on the flanks; the volcano has a history of relatively frequent effusive eruptions that produce basaltic lava. The volcano covers roughly half of the Island of Hawaiʻi, shaping much of the island’s southern and western landscapes.
Historic and modern monitoring is continuous due to the volcano’s activity; the most recent eruption occurred in November 2022. Access to the summit and rift zones is possible via routes through Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, but conditions are remote and changeable.
The volcano occupies central-southern parts of the Island of Hawaiʻi and lies within and adjacent to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, with coastal lowlands descending to the sea on its leeward side.
- Size and elevation: Summit elevation is about 4,169 metres (13,679 feet) above sea level, and the volcano covers roughly half of the Island of Hawaiʻi by area.
- Recent activity: Mauna Loa is an active shield volcano with the most recent eruption occurring in November 2022; eruptions produce fluid lava flows that can travel long distances over the island.
What to See#
- Moku’āweoweo (summit caldera): The summit caldera Moku’āweoweo crowns the volcano and contains vents and crater features that have produced recent lava flows during historic eruptions.
- Lava fields and rift zones: Extensive lava fields and rift zones spread across the southern and western slopes, forming broad, gently sloping terrain typical of shield volcanoes that cover roughly half of Hawaiʻi Island’s surface area.
Nearby Attractions to Mauna Loa
Best Time to Visit Mauna Loa
Late spring through early fall typically provides the most stable weather for summit attempts; watch for park advisories regarding volcanic activity.
Weather & Climate near Mauna Loa
Mauna Loa's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from -4°C to 12°C. Moderate rainfall (750 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -4° - 8° | -4° | 91 mm | - | - | 8.0 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -4° - 7° | -4° | 64 mm | - | - | 8.2 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -4° - 8° | -4° | 72 mm | - | - | 7.6 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -4° - 9° | -3° | 89 mm | - | - | 7.3 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | -2° - 10° | -1° | 45 mm | - | - | 6.3 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 0° - 12° | 1° | 27 mm | - | - | 7.4 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | -1° - 11° | 0° | 71 mm | - | - | 8.6 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | -1° - 11° | 0° | 55 mm | - | - | 8.2 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | -1° - 11° | 0° | 39 mm | - | - | 7.3 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | -1° - 11° | 0° | 47 mm | - | - | 7.4 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -2° - 10° | -2° | 100 mm | - | - | 8.9 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -3° - 9° | -3° | 50 mm | - | - | 9.5 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Mauna Loa
Mauna Loa access is typically through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (park headquarters near Volcano Village). The Mauna Loa Road (to the Mauna Loa Observatory) is gated and access-restricted; summit hikes start from trailheads in the park - check NPS for permit and trail-condition updates.
Tips for Visiting Mauna Loa
- If hiking, file a plan with local rangers - Mauna Loa is remote and quick weather changes are hazardous.
- Access to the summit often requires a trailhead permit through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and an overnight stay on the trail; check NPS rules.
- Avoid summit attempts during eruptive activity; Mauna Loa is an active volcano and conditions change with little notice.