Mauna Loa is a shield volcano located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is one of the largest volcanoes in the world, both in terms of height and volume. It is a massive shield volcano that covers an area of about 2,035 square miles (5,271 square kilometers) and rises to an elevation of over 13,678 feet (4,169 meters) above sea level, making it one of the largest active volcanoes on Earth.

Mauna Loa has been continuously active for over 700,000 years and has erupted 33 times since its first well-documented eruption in 1843. The most recent eruption occurred in 1984 and, unlike Kilauea, Mauna Loa's eruptions are relatively infrequent and its activity is typically characterized by low-explosivity and the emission of lava flows.

Like Kilauea, Mauna Loa is also of significant cultural and spiritual importance to the native Hawaiian people and is considered sacred. In recognition of its scientific and cultural value, Mauna Loa was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980 and is also a National Park.

Visitors to Mauna Loa can enjoy scenic drives and hiking trails, including the popular Mauna Loa Observatory Trail, which offers stunning views of the volcano and the surrounding landscape. Mauna Loa is also a popular destination for scientists, who study its geological activity, geology, and impact on the atmosphere.

Despite its massive size and geological significance, Mauna Loa is considered one of the safest volcanoes in the world for visitors and residents, but it is still important to be aware of the latest eruption updates and to follow safety guidelines when visiting the area.