Volcanoes are also prodigious land builders - they have created the Hawaiian Island chain. Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world's most active volcanoes, are still adding to the island of Hawaiʻi. Mauna Loa is the most massive mountain on Earth occupying an estimated volume of 19,999 cubic miles. The current summit of Mauna Loa stands about 56,000 feet (17,000 m) above the depressed sea floor. This is more than 27,000 feet (8,230 m) higher than Mount Everest. In contrast to the explosive continental volcanoes, the more fluid and less gaseous eruptions of Kīlauea and Mauna Loa produce fiery fountains and rivers of molden lava. These flows, added layer upon layer, produced a barren volcanic landscape that served as a fountain for life.
Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea are both located on the big island. Ross and I were surprised to learn that Mauna Loa is 56,000' from the sea floor- way taller than Mount Everest. We weren't able to see any active lava flows, just steam vents, but lava rocks definitely make for an interesting landscape.
This picture helps you understand the volcano connections among the different Hawaiian islands.
The lava rock sparkles in the sunshine, but it's BAD LUCK to take any off the island...
We took a path up to the top of a peak for a scenic overlook of the park.
Who's that?! :)
We're a bit spoiled living in Alaska, which makes us a tough crowd when it comes to natural beauty. We are glad we visited the park, but it just didn't have the "WOW" factor that we were expecting based on reviews we'd read/heard about.
3 years ago: Let's Paint
2 years ago: Eklutna Lake
1 year ago: Material Girl
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