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.

Activity Notes

Climbers have the option of meeting at the Kona airport at approximately 2:30 p.m. the afternoon of February 13 and carpooling by rental car, or alternatively they can meet us the morning of the 14th at the Backcountry Office (aka Visitor Emergency Operations Center) at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (HVNP). Summit bid on February 16th. I anticipate that we'll be back at HVNP late morning on Feb. 17th.
Other Information
Expected Duration Car to car in two or more days
Relevant Maps Park Map
FIND AN UPCOMING ACTIVITY ON THE Calendar