Mauna Loa, Ainapo Northeast Rift Traverse

Climbing in Hawaii? Yes! Mauna Kea (13,796 ft.) and Mauna Loa (13,677 ft.) are the two highest points in the state of Hawaii, located on the Big Island with elevations that would place them among the highest peaks in the Cascades. A shield volcano, Mauna Loa's base takes up some fifty square miles and holds the title as the world's largest active volcano (especially when measured from the sea floor of the Pacific). This route is a traverse ascending via the SW flanks to the summit crater. Return via Pu'u'ula'ula (Red Hill) to the Kipukakulalio Trailhead. Altitude sickness is common if coming up too fast from sea-level. Mauna Loa is part of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park; check the eruption updates before you climb.