Mauna Loa
4.5
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4.5
69 reviews
Excellent
45
Very good
15
Average
6
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Mark K
1 contribution
Oct 2022 • Solo
I hiked to the uppermost cabin on Mauna Loa (13,500 ft elevation approximately) back in 1986. I have always been interesting the forested slopes off Mauna Loa Road (near the parking lot at approximately 6,500 ft elevation). I wandered out there at twilight and was treed by wild pigs. I stayed in an ohia tree all night until the last boar left after sunrise. It was very exciting, but I don’t recommend the experience to anyone. Priceless to be two months shy of 70 and end up running for (your) life at altitude. Glad I found a tree!
Written 14 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffrey R
Tampa, FL340 contributions
May 2017 • Family
There are three different treks to the summit of Mauna Loa, but only one that can be done in a day - that's the Observatory Trail, which starts at the famous Mauna Loa Weather Observatory at some 11,000 feet. You can drive up to this trailhead - it's a one lane, paved road that is in remarkably good shape - and there is parking away from the observatory for the hardy few who seek to try it.
Caveats:
--This walk STARTS at 11,000 feet. Don't even think about it driving straight up from Kona or Hilo, or you're going to get seriously altitude sick! We stayed in Volcano at 3500 ft, and did several shorter walks (at 7000 and 9000 ft) to acclimate ourselves before trying it.
--Also: its all hard lava, so have good, cushioned and comfortable shoes. Walking sticks (to help in the rock-hopping) are of great benefit.
--There is no water up there, and it's dry on top of high, so bring plenty! (we downed four liters w/o trying in our afternoon)
--The distance to Moku'aweoweo (the summit caldera) is just shy of four miles, and the distance to the proper summit on the caldera rim is over six miles. At this elevation and over this terrane, it's 5-6 hours work to the summit no matter how good a hiker you are. Plan to get there plenty early if you want to summit. In our case we got to the caldera rim and were plenty happy.
--The trail is just ahus (cairns) piled in the lava fields, so definitely DON'T try and hike this in the dark, and watch the weather (you don't want to do it in fog either!). While you'll feel better on the way down than going up, it's not a whole lot faster going down, thanks to the terrane, so leave yourself time to get off the mountain.
--Lastly: don't get excited at the summit and then try to run back down the mountain! This will also get you altitude sick (as my young hiking-mate found out!)
If you prepare and you do it, you'll encounter stunning, desolate vistas of lava flows, amazingly colorful traces of old fissure eruptions and cinder cone fields, huge collapsed lava tubes, and other dramatic volcanic features, all super-sized on the largest volcano on the planet. The views of Mauna Kea and even Haleakala (on Maui) are spectacular up there. and at those elevations the weather is generally clear - but track it, both before and during your trek - there is good cell reception all over until you get right to the crater.
While I can't say it felt good going up, now that I know I can do it, I'll be back for the summit in the future!
Caveats:
--This walk STARTS at 11,000 feet. Don't even think about it driving straight up from Kona or Hilo, or you're going to get seriously altitude sick! We stayed in Volcano at 3500 ft, and did several shorter walks (at 7000 and 9000 ft) to acclimate ourselves before trying it.
--Also: its all hard lava, so have good, cushioned and comfortable shoes. Walking sticks (to help in the rock-hopping) are of great benefit.
--There is no water up there, and it's dry on top of high, so bring plenty! (we downed four liters w/o trying in our afternoon)
--The distance to Moku'aweoweo (the summit caldera) is just shy of four miles, and the distance to the proper summit on the caldera rim is over six miles. At this elevation and over this terrane, it's 5-6 hours work to the summit no matter how good a hiker you are. Plan to get there plenty early if you want to summit. In our case we got to the caldera rim and were plenty happy.
--The trail is just ahus (cairns) piled in the lava fields, so definitely DON'T try and hike this in the dark, and watch the weather (you don't want to do it in fog either!). While you'll feel better on the way down than going up, it's not a whole lot faster going down, thanks to the terrane, so leave yourself time to get off the mountain.
--Lastly: don't get excited at the summit and then try to run back down the mountain! This will also get you altitude sick (as my young hiking-mate found out!)
If you prepare and you do it, you'll encounter stunning, desolate vistas of lava flows, amazingly colorful traces of old fissure eruptions and cinder cone fields, huge collapsed lava tubes, and other dramatic volcanic features, all super-sized on the largest volcano on the planet. The views of Mauna Kea and even Haleakala (on Maui) are spectacular up there. and at those elevations the weather is generally clear - but track it, both before and during your trek - there is good cell reception all over until you get right to the crater.
While I can't say it felt good going up, now that I know I can do it, I'll be back for the summit in the future!
Written 6 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SunnyW358
Albuquerque, NM6,524 contributions
Jan 2015 • Couples
Mauna Loa trek was probably the only hike we did on Big Island that required climbing, but that too was not very steep. We took this trail from two different directions; once over the observatory trail and then from the Hawaii volcanic national park. Observatory trail began already at a high elevation and after a couple of hours of hiking we really felt the difficulty in breathing. We walked only until we could still tolerate it and then turned back.
It was a beautiful sunny day, but it was very cold. We had thick jackets on. We really enjoyed studying the many different forms of lava.
When we took the Mauna Loa trail from the volcanic park we saw that we only had to register if we stayed up there overnight. Since we went for the day we just paid our $2 fee each person and took off. We hiked up to around 8500 feet and turned back. Again the sun was shining over us, but the breeze was freezing.
It was great exercise and we greatly appreciated the beauty of lava.
It was a beautiful sunny day, but it was very cold. We had thick jackets on. We really enjoyed studying the many different forms of lava.
When we took the Mauna Loa trail from the volcanic park we saw that we only had to register if we stayed up there overnight. Since we went for the day we just paid our $2 fee each person and took off. We hiked up to around 8500 feet and turned back. Again the sun was shining over us, but the breeze was freezing.
It was great exercise and we greatly appreciated the beauty of lava.
Written 24 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynne K
3 contributions
Feb 2023
Mauna Loa was located on the ‘Hilo’ side of the island and so we set out and made the drive over. It was a pleasant easy to navigate drive. We started up the road heading to Mauna Loa but were stopped short by the sign stating no vehicles without 4x4 capability would be allowed to legally proceed. We were disappointed of course but that was the end of our volcano viewing that day.
We later found out that the road near the top is often icy and snow covered and although we are Canadian and drive in these conditions every winter, we decided due to the rental car we were driving, that it was best to stay safe and legal.
We later found out that the road near the top is often icy and snow covered and although we are Canadian and drive in these conditions every winter, we decided due to the rental car we were driving, that it was best to stay safe and legal.
Written 5 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew
Sacramento, CA16 contributions
June 2018 • Solo
I climbed Mauna Loa last year as a part of a trip to the Big Island. And I have to say that it was HANDS DOWN the highlight of my trip. In fact, I consider Mauna Loa to be one of my favorite summits EVER! Although it is very different from other summits I have done (like Mount Whitney, Mount Langley, and Mount Dana), it is certainly right up there with these other summits in terms of scenic beauty and the whole experience of being there.
I made my climb to the true summit and summit cabin as a dayhike from the weather observatory via the Observatory Trail. This was certainly a very different experience from Whitney, as you are not hiking on a true trail. Rather, it is more of a cross country route across lava fields marked by Ahu (rock cairns). In this sense, it is somewhat like hiking Mount Dana, but with an even less defined path. This route takes you on a trip up and away to colorful, almost Dr. Seuss-like land in the sky, out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. In fact, you just KNOW that you are in a different place well before the trailhead when you break through the clouds and see the bright sunshine and deep blue high altitude sky.
Along the way up the mountain, you will see plenty of colorful rocks, interesting formations, and expansive views of the surrounding area. If the weather at low elevations is clear, you will likely see much of the Big Island, ocean, and Maui. But more than likely, you will see higher mountains (like Mauna Kea, Hualalai, and Haleakala) sticking up over a sea of clouds. Even this is a sight to behold!
Of course, there is also the summit caldera itself, which is HUGE. You get to walk across it for a while when hiking to the Mauna Loa Cabin. And particularly from the true summit, you can see steam issuing from cracks in the caldera floor - a reminder that this is indeed an active volcano. Although this is a HUGE mountain unlike smaller summits in California, you somehow still get that ‘top of the world’ feel up there.
Oh, and don’t forget about the pit toilet just before the crater at 13000ft! Even if you don’t have to go, it’s worth a visit, even if only for a picture. After all, you may never return to this site. Just remember to bring your own toilet paper if you plan to use it, as there is none there!
Overall, I didn’t find this hike to be NEARLY the ‘monster’ it is SO often made out to be. It’s certainly a whole lot easier than, say, Whitney or Langley. Elevation can be an issue for some. If altitude is a problem for you, it might be a good idea to at least spend some time near the trailhead. Some folks even camp out there overnight. But if you are generally FINE with altitude of this magnitude, you will do okay. Also keep in mind that the summit is quite chilly - even more so than a typical summer day on summits of comparable altitude in California (winter is another story). So dress accordingly.
Should you go there? If mountains are your thing, a most definite YES! This is probably about the most unique 13er you are ever likely to climb! Even if they aren’t, it will likely be an unforgettable experience - certainly more so than just another lazy day at the beach.
I made my climb to the true summit and summit cabin as a dayhike from the weather observatory via the Observatory Trail. This was certainly a very different experience from Whitney, as you are not hiking on a true trail. Rather, it is more of a cross country route across lava fields marked by Ahu (rock cairns). In this sense, it is somewhat like hiking Mount Dana, but with an even less defined path. This route takes you on a trip up and away to colorful, almost Dr. Seuss-like land in the sky, out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. In fact, you just KNOW that you are in a different place well before the trailhead when you break through the clouds and see the bright sunshine and deep blue high altitude sky.
Along the way up the mountain, you will see plenty of colorful rocks, interesting formations, and expansive views of the surrounding area. If the weather at low elevations is clear, you will likely see much of the Big Island, ocean, and Maui. But more than likely, you will see higher mountains (like Mauna Kea, Hualalai, and Haleakala) sticking up over a sea of clouds. Even this is a sight to behold!
Of course, there is also the summit caldera itself, which is HUGE. You get to walk across it for a while when hiking to the Mauna Loa Cabin. And particularly from the true summit, you can see steam issuing from cracks in the caldera floor - a reminder that this is indeed an active volcano. Although this is a HUGE mountain unlike smaller summits in California, you somehow still get that ‘top of the world’ feel up there.
Oh, and don’t forget about the pit toilet just before the crater at 13000ft! Even if you don’t have to go, it’s worth a visit, even if only for a picture. After all, you may never return to this site. Just remember to bring your own toilet paper if you plan to use it, as there is none there!
Overall, I didn’t find this hike to be NEARLY the ‘monster’ it is SO often made out to be. It’s certainly a whole lot easier than, say, Whitney or Langley. Elevation can be an issue for some. If altitude is a problem for you, it might be a good idea to at least spend some time near the trailhead. Some folks even camp out there overnight. But if you are generally FINE with altitude of this magnitude, you will do okay. Also keep in mind that the summit is quite chilly - even more so than a typical summer day on summits of comparable altitude in California (winter is another story). So dress accordingly.
Should you go there? If mountains are your thing, a most definite YES! This is probably about the most unique 13er you are ever likely to climb! Even if they aren’t, it will likely be an unforgettable experience - certainly more so than just another lazy day at the beach.
Written 29 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cecilia T
Vancouver, Canada388 contributions
Sept 2016 • Couples
This is an amazing place to visit. Rent a car with 4WD or go on a tour, but make sure you visit it. There’s also a stargazing lecture after dark, located at the Visitor Center where you will be able to learn more about stars and planets. We saw Saturn with naked eyes and through the telescope as well!
Written 7 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dan h
Iowa14 contributions
Mar 2017 • Solo
So this was my second attemp to drive up to Mauna Loa-first time I gave up after 2 hours crawling up from weather observatory with my family-they said no more-too scary.
First easy part is 17 miles drive on one lane road to the end of the paved road at the weather observatory.There the pavement ends and you can hike 6.0 miles over lava fields or I choose to drive up.
You must have 4WD with high clearance and even then you will scrape bottom several times-this is extremly hard trip.Do not attempt if you are not OK with chance to destroing your vehicle and geting stranded-no help there.After almost 7 miles of crawling in my jeep (about 2 hours),I made it to the gate,which was locked (thanks national park people).So I left my Jeep there and from there the trail to the caldera is only about a mile or so.So I hiked the rest.SOOO WORTH IT.Never met any hikers,but footprints in snow,shows at least couple people went there recently.
Way down was easier.There is other road,which is doable only on the way down and it was exactly 5 miles from gate to the paved road and it took me only 40 minutes in jeep-had to check bottom of the Jeep as I hit it few times.
Many thanks to people who made website with info.
First easy part is 17 miles drive on one lane road to the end of the paved road at the weather observatory.There the pavement ends and you can hike 6.0 miles over lava fields or I choose to drive up.
You must have 4WD with high clearance and even then you will scrape bottom several times-this is extremly hard trip.Do not attempt if you are not OK with chance to destroing your vehicle and geting stranded-no help there.After almost 7 miles of crawling in my jeep (about 2 hours),I made it to the gate,which was locked (thanks national park people).So I left my Jeep there and from there the trail to the caldera is only about a mile or so.So I hiked the rest.SOOO WORTH IT.Never met any hikers,but footprints in snow,shows at least couple people went there recently.
Way down was easier.There is other road,which is doable only on the way down and it was exactly 5 miles from gate to the paved road and it took me only 40 minutes in jeep-had to check bottom of the Jeep as I hit it few times.
Many thanks to people who made website with info.
Written 21 March 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
matt051886
Waverly, PA18 contributions
Jan 2017 • Couples
This place is awesome. Our guide was able to fill us in on the history and demographics of Mona Loa. Don't miss it.
Written 31 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan C
Grafton, MA137 contributions
Aug 2016 • Family
We were a group of 12 ranging from 10 years to 75 years old. The history and facts in the museum were great. But after dark the sky is nothing you can see in a urban/country area. The stars and skys were fantastic. The guy who said the roads are bad next time read the travel guides they warn you. Bring warm clothes the temperature after dark is COLD. I have heart and lung problems, get dropped off at the summit or use your HP plate. take your inhalers minimize the walking it was well worth the discomfort.
Written 3 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Douglas R
Digby, Canada208 contributions
Apr 2016 • Couples
We visited the area in the afternoon, enjoying hiking around seeing the crater, lava tubes, and steam vents, then returned in the evening for the volcano sight, which was wonderful. The sense of active geology is invigorating. The steam vents are the activity to which you can get closest (they fogged my glasses).
Written 17 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J'ai lu qu'il fallait 3 jours pour monter au sommet du Mauna Loa et redescendre, peut-on dormir ou l'on veut sur le trajet dans un ou 2 sacs de couchage sous les etoiles, ou faut-il dormir dans les gites?
Written 11 November 2019
The 11 mile Mauna Loa road to Mauna Loa Lookout in Volcanos National Park is closed to cars. It is open to walkers and bikers. We are considering biking it out and back, but curious if it is all uphill or all downhill one way, or rolling topography?
Thank you
Written 16 January 2019
Is there anywhere that you’re most likely to see lava flow? We’re about. What mountain?
Written 2 February 2018
Please go to Puna district (Pahoa area) and onto Highway 130. Keep following the Pahoa-Kalapana Highway, same as Hwy 130 to the end and hang the Right, you will have to walk or rent bikes to see the Lava flow. You won't be sorry.
Written 3 February 2018
Stargazing at ML Overlook
Any feedback about stargazing from the Mauna LOA (not Mauna Kea) Overlook? Are the star views good?
Is the road safe at night?
Written 29 June 2015
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