With its fiery flow of lava continuously pouring from Pu‘u O‘o Vent since 1983, Kilauea Volcano captures all the headlines. But did you know that Mauna Loa is equally amazing in its sheer size, geological features and potential for eruption?
An active shield volcano, Mauna Loa covers more than 50 percent of the Big Island. It stretches from the Hilo side to South Point, through the district of Ka‘u, into areas of Kona, around Hualalai and even into parts of Puako in South Kohala. Considering that the Big Island is the size of Connecticut, Mauna Loa is one huge land mass!
Mauna Loa is also one of the most active volcanoes on earth, erupting 33 times since 1843. Amazingly, it hasn’t erupted since 1984, and fortunately, scientists don’t expect it to erupt anytime soon. At Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Loa is continuously monitored for long periods of seismic activity that foretell a potential eruption. So far, the sleeping giant is sleeping soundly. If breakout flows do occur, scientists predict that the Ocean View area in Ka‘u might be vulnerable.
On Wednesday evening, February 8, Frank Trusdell, a volcanologist/geologist from the U.S. Geological Survey at Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory, will be the guest speaker at Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park in Kona. Free and open to the public, the program will take place in the park’s amphitheater, where Frank will talk about Mauna Loa, its history and its current status.
Holualoa Inn occupies a 30-acre estate on the slopes of Hualalai. When you book a stay at our Kona bed and breakfast, you are well positioned to make a day trip to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, as well as visit the many fascinating places on Mauna Loa, including the Kona Coffee Belt and Pu‘uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park. But not to worry. Our volcanoes are very friendly, we guarantee it!
Innkeeper Holualoa Inn