Mauna Loa
Mauna Loa is one of the main features of the park. It is the tallest volcano on earth, rising to about 4 kilometers above sea level- taller than Mount Everest, which makes it the tallest volcano and mountain on the planet. The summit in total is 17 kilometers. Its most recent eruption was March 24-April 15th in 1984, although the volcano is still active. It is said to erupt again after erupting 33 times before.
Kilauea
Kilauea is the other active volcano in the park. It is 4, 190 feet above sea level and is considered one of the most active volcanoes in the world. There has been a continuous eruption from the volcano since 1983 and has had 61 eruptions before that. It also extends more than 60 kilometers into the earth's surface.
Slopes of Kilauea
Around the volcano Kilauea, you'll find a vast majority of different types of land, ranging from deserts to rain forests. Lush rain forests containing many different species of plants and animals border the recent lava flows. Beyond that you'll find the Ka'u Desert, which is located on the southwestern side of the volcano. This desert is mostly made up of dried lava and ash remnants, and is windswept, dry, hot and contains many different species of animals. And finally, towards the coast are many jagged cliffs. These cliffs are known for the lava from the volcanoes spilling off of them and into the sea.