We left our charming Airbnb to see the Mauna Loa Volcano Observatory. Mauna Loa has had 33 eruptions since 1843. At 13,677 feet above sea level, Hawaii’s Mauna Loa stands as the world’s largest active volcano. From its base below sea level to the summit, the 30,000 feet in height makes it taller than Mount Everest! Mauna Loa (name meaning-Long Mountain) stretches 74 miles and covers more than half the landmass of the Big Island.
Even though this volcano is also a part of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, it is a 2 hour highway drive through cities, so plan accordingly.
Our scenic drive to the observatory was 17 miles one way and was a little foggy. Unfortunately for us, the observatory was closed and we decided not to hike the 13 mile hike. The fog was lifting and getting better as we ventured back down the mountain.