Mauna Loa Eruption History + How to Visit Safely (2026 Guide)

**Mauna Loa** — "Long Mountain" — is the largest active volcano on Earth by volume. It rises **13,679 feet** above sea level on Hawaiʻi Island and continues another 16,000 feet to the seafloor. From base to summit it's taller than Everest. ## Quick facts | Stat | Value | |---|---| | Summit elevation | 13,679 ft (4,170 m) | | Volume | ~75,000 cubic km | | Last eruption | **November 27 – December 13, 2022** | | Previous eruption | 1984 | | Eruptions since 1843 | 33 | | Current alert level | Check [USGS HVO](https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo) | ## Eruption history (1843 – 2022) Mauna Loa has erupted on average **every 6 years** since 1843. Some highlights: - **1843** — First eruption recorded by Westerners - **1859** — 8-month eruption sent lava 35 miles to the ocean - **1880–81** — Lava flow threatened Hilo; Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani famously chanted to Pele and the lava stopped a few miles short - **1935** — Air Force bombed the lava flow to divert it from Hilo (controversial; minimal effect) - **1942** — Wartime censorship hid this eruption from the public until after WWII - **1950** — 23-day eruption, lava reached the ocean at South Kona within hours of one fissure opening - **1984** — Lava came within 4.5 miles of Hilo. Then went quiet for 38 years. - **2022 (Nov 27 – Dec 13)** — **The reawakening.** Eruption began in the summit caldera Moku'āweoweo, then migrated to the Northeast Rift Zone. Lava came within 1.7 miles of the Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Saddle Road) before stopping. Drew millions of viewers worldwide. ## Is it active right now? Mauna Loa has been **quiet but elevated since the 2022 eruption ended**. The USGS keeps the volcano under regular observation. Earthquake swarms and ground deformation are monitored 24/7. Check current status at [https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna-loa](https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna-loa). ## How to view Mauna Loa safely ### From Saddle Road (Daniel K. Inouye Highway, Route 200) The best public view. Connects Hilo to Kona, crosses the saddle between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. Several pull-outs offer wide views of Mauna Loa's flanks. During the 2022 eruption, the south-side overlooks became the best viewing spot on the planet. ### From Volcanoes National Park The park covers Kīlauea but borders Mauna Loa. **The Mauna Loa Lookout** (at the end of the 11.5-mile Mauna Loa Road) sits at 6,662 ft and offers a clear view of the southern flank. ### Summit access The **Mauna Loa Trail** climbs from 6,662 ft to the **Red Hill Cabin** at 10,035 ft (7.5 mi, 1-day hike or overnight at the free cabin). From Red Hill, another 11.6 mi reaches the **Moku'āweoweo Cabin** at 13,250 ft on the summit caldera rim. This is **serious mountaineering**. Above 10,000 ft, altitude sickness is real. Bring: - 4 liters of water per person per day - Cold-weather gear (sub-freezing at night, even in summer) - Permit from Volcanoes National Park (free but required for cabin use) - A friend who's done it before, or an experienced guide ### Helicopter tours Several companies offer Big Island helicopter tours that circle Mauna Loa's summit. The most spectacular vantage on a clear day. Book ahead. ## Watching the 2022 eruption — lessons for next time When Mauna Loa wakes again (and it will), here's what worked for the 2022 viewing: 1. **Drive Saddle Road at night** — lava glows red against the dark mountain. Pullouts get crowded; arrive before sunset for parking. 2. **Stay in your car** for the cold (or layer up — Saddle Road in December nights can hit 30°F) 3. **Don't trespass** — ranches and Hawaiian homelands border the highway. Stay at the official viewing spots. 4. **Bring a tripod** if you want photos. Long exposures capture the lava's drama. 5. **Listen to the rangers** — they'll close roads if SO₂ concentrations spike or lava threatens roadways. ## A note on Pele Mauna Loa is the domain of **Pele**, the goddess of fire, lightning, wind, and volcanoes. Many Native Hawaiians view eruptions as Pele's expression — not a disaster but a creative force. The respectful traveler stays observant, doesn't remove rocks or lava (taking pieces is said to bring bad luck — the post office gets returned packages every year from regretful tourists), and approaches the volcano as a guest in someone else's house. ## Plan your visit - **[Big Island things to do →](/blog/big-island-things-to-do-2026)** - **[Things to do in Hilo →](/this-weekend/hilo)** - **[Big Island events this month →](/island/big-island)** - **[What is vog? →](/blog/what-is-vog-hawaii-air-quality)** > "ʻO ka makemake o ke akua, hana mai ai ka hana" — As the gods wish, so it is done. The volcano answers to no calendar.