Mauna Loa

Mauna Loa, active volcano, on Hawaii Island, one of the world's largest volcanoes. It rises from a desolate landscape of old lava flows to a high point of 4,170 m (13,680 ft) above sea level in the summit caldera (enlarged crater) of Mokuaweoweo. Lava from Mauna Loa covers about 50 per cent of Hawaii Island, including parts of Kilauea, a crater on the mountain's east flank. Since the early 19th century, Mauna Loa has exuded lava about once every four years.