Pele, goddess of fire and volcanoes. Hawaii, is no stranger to her. And it is with Mauna Loa’s 2022 eruption the two embraced once more making headlines. Mauna Loa, the largest volcano in the world, soars to over 13,000 feet above sea level and thousands of feet deeper at its base below the water. This volcano is so large that it actually make up about half of the entire Big Island! But there are 5 other Big Island Hawai’i Volcanos we would like to introduce….

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Big Island Hawai’i Volcanos

big island hawai'i volcanoes

Mauna Loa began spewing fountains of lava hundred of feet into the air yet again on November 28, 2022. Mauna Loa Volcano has erupted approximately 33 times in the last couple hundred years though, making it the 2nd most active of the Big Island Hawai’i Volcanos.

Big Island Hawai’i Volcanos are 6 in total though. The island itself was actually formed by the process of these 6 volcanos joining together. While some are inactive and pose no threat, others like Mauna Loa, are highly active. Of all the Hawai’ian volcanoes, Kilauea is by far the most active, both on the Hawai’ian Island and the entire world! Kilauea erupted continuously for over 3 decades, with one of its most notable recent eruptions occurring in May 2018. That eruption inundated several local communities, destroying hundreds of structure laying in the path of Kilauea’s lava flow.

More Big Island Volcanos!

Big Island Hawai'i Volcanoes

Mahukona Volcano, Kohala Volcano, Mauna Kea Volcano, and Hualalai Volcano make up the remaining 4 Big Island Hawai’i Volcanos, each with their own set of distinctive characteristics.

Mahukona and Kohala are both considered to be extinct and not expected to erupt again anytime in the future.

Mauna Kea is considered to be a dormant volcano. It has not erupted for over 4,000 years but it it may still erupt at a future time. What is most interesting about Mauna Kea though is that it is actually the tallest mountain from base to summit in the entire world, making it the perfect place for an astronomical research center. Atop Mauna Kea is the Mauna Kea Observator, a world class research facility, dubbed the “most scientifically productive site for astronomy world-wide.” It is well worth the drive up to do some star gazing while on the Big Island.

The 6th of the Big Island Hawaii volcanos is Hualalai Volcano which is the third most active Big Island Hawai’i volcano having erupted an average of  2 to 3 times per millennium. Hualalai is currently overdue for an eruption and is considered a potential danger to the Hawaiian Island.

Visiting Big Island Hawai’i Volcanos

big island hawai'i volcanoes

 

There are many ways to get up close with these Big Island Hawai’i volcanos. One of the easiest is to pay a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park where you can currently view two eruptions from two volcanoes simultaneously for the first time in decade. Volcanoes National Park contains the summits of both Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Visitors can catch a glimpse of fresh lava flows from both volcanoes from many of the overlooks within the national park. It is a great place for the entire family to explore and learn more about all of  the Big Island Hawai’i volcanoes. A must visit while on Big Island.

Guided Hiking Tours and Helicopter Tours are another great way to get up close with Big Island Hawai’i volcanoes.

No matter how you choose to do it, if you are hoping to see actual lava flow during your Hawaii vacation, be sure to check the National Park Service website for updates, advisories, and alerts. The most up to date information on eruptions and viewing opportunities can be found here.

Amazing Vacation Rentals Near Big Island Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park 

 

Getting There …

Seeing a single active volcanic eruption is a once in a lifetime experience for many. Visitors currently have the chance to view not only 1, but 2 active eruptions at the same exact time! The eruptions are not currently putting anyone in direct risk. The lava flows are slow and could take weeks to month to actually become an imminent threat. At the initial onset of Mauna Loa’s 2022 eruption there were only 3 flights cancelled. Airlines errored on the side of caution because of the potential ash damage to the engines. No other flights have been cancelled or delayed due to the volcano since though. Visitors are now flocking to the island to take in this rare and awe inducing event. 
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Kona is fortunate to be sheltered from any direct effects of the Mauna Loa which makes it a great home base to venture out from when trying to get an up close look at any of the Big Island Hawai’i volcanoes. A day trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park from Kona is possible. From the Kona coast expect the drive to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to take approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. There are also plenty of self viewing opportunities on Saddle Road only a 45 minutes to drive from Kona.
If you have the time, the other option would be to stay a few days in Kona and then another few near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This would also allow you to explore the many things to see and do along the route between the two locations.

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