Hawaii is full of majestic mountain peaks and lush valleys, but there is one summit that stands tall above the rest. Mauna Kea, or Mauna a Wakea in Hawaiian culture, is Hawaii’s tallest peak, but also one of the most fascinating mountains in the Pacific! Check out some of our favorite fun facts about Mauna Kea – which ones did you already know?

Mauna Kea, while just one of the amazing mountains in Hawaii, is pretty magnificent, is it not? Which of these interesting facts about Mauna Kea did you already know? Which ones surprised you? Tell us your thoughts and share with us any fun facts about Mauna Kea you might know!

Looking for more natural wonders in the Aloha State? Check out the best beaches in Hawaii:

 

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Facts About Mauna Kea

What are some interesting Mauna Kea facts?  

Mauna Kea is a remarkable geological wonder of Hawaii with plenty of intriguing facts and figures behind it (as well as a healthy dose of mythology). Some interesting Mauna Kea facts that we love include the following:

  • The fact it’s the tallest peak in the state, at 13,803 feet of elevation.
  • It’s located on Hawaii, and it’s one of five large volcanoes on the island.
  • It’s the fourth-oldest volcano on the island and does not have a visible crater at its summit.
  • It’s believed to be about one million years old, which sounds old – but in geological terms, it’s actually relatively young!
  • It’s been dormant for about 200,000 years, and we’re not sure when it’ll erupt again – but someday, it will.  

 

What are the most notable natural wonders in Hawaii?  

Some of the most notable natural wonders in Hawaii are:

  • Waipio Valley, which is astonishingly beautiful and sure to invoke a sense of awe even in locals
  • The Seven Sacred Pools, which are all connected by stunning waterfalls and make for some truly amazing relaxation time. There are actually more than seven of them.
  • The Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is another must-see, home to more than 400 species of colorful fish and sea life.  Our volcanoes are definitely a natural wonder of Hawaii in and of themselves! Other than those, though, there are plenty more.

 

What are the largest mountains in Hawaii?  

Other than Mauna Kea, there are 12 major peaks in Hawaii:

...and several more. Hawaii isn’t a whole lot more than a series of mountains formed by volcanoes jutting out of the sea, and as a result, it’s home to the largest mountain in the world – the above-mentioned Mauna Kea, which is taller than Mount Everest from its base at the ocean floor to its summit above the water. It’s also the highest peak in the entire Pacific Ocean!