Mauna Loa, Observation Trail

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 some of 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). The main route starts at the Mauna Loa Observatory on the north flank of the mountain, climbing to the rim of the Moku'aweoweo Caldera (a 2mi long, 1mi wide crater). From there it's another 2.5mi along the rim to the true summit. Altitude sickness is common if coming up too fast from sea-level. Mauna Loa is part of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park; check the current eruption updates before you climb.