Mauna Loa in Hawaii

Hawaii is a very popular tourist attraction because of the gorgeous beaches, five star resorts, amazing hula dancers, volcanoes, and many other exciting activities for everyone to enjoy. The Mauna Loa is a medium size island completely made up of volcanic activity. The volcano is referred to as the "Long Mountain" because it's 3 by 5 kilometers long and 183 miles deep. Geologists estimate the volcano collapsed 600 to 750 years ago and is currently in a shield-forming stage. The oldest rock reported to be found on the Mauna Loa is approximately 100,000 to 200,000 years old. The first dated eruption took place between 700,000 to 1,000,000 years ago with the most recent eruption occurring March 25, 1984 after 9 years of silence. The 1984 eruptions were predicted because the volcano endured several high magnitude earthquakes the previous year in 1983. Several fissures began erupting and spreading lava across the Earth's surface. The volcano eruption was quick and long lasting as the lava flow did not end until April 15, 1984. Natives to Hawaii are familiar with volcanic activity and don't get surprised by frequent eruptions. However, the 1984 eruptions caused major damage to homes, trees, vehicles, and anything that stood in the way of the lava path. Overall, researchers report the volcano has had historical eruptions a total of 33 times. (2007, Mauna Loa). According to several articles, the Mauna Loa volcano has not caused any known fatalities during eruptions. (2006, Dyorak).

Please keep in mind the Mauna Loa is an active volcano but according to the tour organization there are currently no significant changes in activity levels. None of the tour groups will be granted access if any changes are noticed in activity ranges.

Hawaii's volcanoes are very different than most volcanoes located throughout the World. The general action for people once a volcano begins to erupt is to fear for their life and flee the area as soon as possible. Hawaiian residents are so used to the eruptions of volcanoes that they don't gather their things and head in the opposite direction. Most of them run towards the view of the lava flow to get a glimpse. While on the islands of Hawaii you may be able to see volcanic activity and you might just see some while visiting the Mauna Loa. Currently there are only small quiet earthquakes beneath the surface.

Hawaiian volcanoes are located in the middle of plates while a volcano such as Mt. Saint Helens is located on tectonic plates. The Mauna Loa is considered a mellow and mild volcano that should be only feared if there is a major eruption. The lava flow should be slow enough for people to get out of harms way before mass destruction. (2004, Pacheco).

References
Dvorak, J. (2006). How many deaths have eruptions of Mauna Loa caused? Volcano Word. Retrieved February 25, 2007 from http://volcano.und.edu/vwdocs/frequent_questions/grp5/question3642.html
Mauna Lao. (2007). Hawaiin Volcano Obervatory. U.S. Geological Survey. Retrieved February 25, 2007 from http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov
Pacheco, R. (2004). Reading the Land. Hawaii Forest & Trail. Retrieved February 25, 2007 from http://www.hawaii-forest.com/essays/9712.html