Mauna Loa, located in Hawaii, is considered the largest active volcano on Earth.
Mauna Loa: The "Long Mountain"
Mauna Loa, meaning "long mountain" in Hawaiian, is a shield volcano renowned for its broad, gently sloping shape. This massive volcano constitutes approximately 51% of the Big Island of Hawai'i. It rises to an elevation of 13,681 feet (4,170 meters) above sea level. While not the tallest mountain (measured from sea level), its overall mass and volume are unparalleled, making it the largest volcano on our planet.
Why Mauna Loa is the Biggest
The sheer size of Mauna Loa is what defines its status as the biggest volcano. This includes its:
- Volume: The total volume of the volcano, both above and below sea level, is immense.
- Footprint: The area it covers on the island of Hawai'i is substantial.
