The superlative sisters of the Big Island
Mauna Loa and Kilauea
Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
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With both the world's largest volcano and another that is the world's most active, Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii lives up to its name.
According to the National Park Service, about 2.5 million people a year flock to the park to walk through a prehistoric lava tube, hike into a crater, stroll across still steaming lava flows from 1959, and experience the rumblings of Mauna Loa and Kilauea.
In the last 150 years, Mauna Loa has erupted 33 times, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. At 19,193 cubic miles, it is the largest volcano in the world. It covers 1,969 miles -- more than half the surface of the island. Because of its size and frequent activity, it has been dubbed one of the 15 "Decade Volcanoes" worldwide.
Mauna Loa's sister, Kilauea, is recognized as the most active volcano on earth. Kilauea has been erupting since 1983, making it the longest-erupting volcano in recorded history, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Lava flows from the mountain to the sea through a seven-mile tube, where it throws up a sizzling veil of steam.
As recently as May 2, tourists have been able to see lava shooting from one of Kilauea's vents, just a few miles' hike from Chain of Craters Road. The spectacular display is expected to continue for several weeks.
Intro
Pacaya
Mount Rainier
Mount Ruapehu
Mount Sakurajima
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