The orange sun sets behind Hualalai (8271 feet elevation) seen from Mauna Kea's Sunset Hill. Hualalai is the westernmost and third-youngest of the five shield volcanoes that form the island of Hawaii. Hualalai rose above sea level about 300,000 years ago. Last erupted in 1801, Hualalai is still active and may erupt again within the next century, which will be a rude shock to the town of Kailua-Kona built on its flanks. For colorful sunset views of the Saddle Road region, walk 1 mile round trip (160 ft gain) to the cinder cone of Pu'u Kalepeamoa, or Sunset Hill, from the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station at 9200 ft elevation. About a million years old and last erupted 6000 to 4000 years ago, Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii, USA. Mauna Kea stands 13,800 feet above sea level and is the highest point in the state of Hawaii. Measured from its base on the ocean floor, it rises over 33,000 ft, significantly greater than the elevation of Mount Everest above sea level. Paving ends at the Visitor Info Station, and four-wheel drive is recommended to reach the top, where Mauna Kea summit's dry, clear, stable air makes one of the world's best sites for astronomy. This image was stitched from multiple overlapping images.
Add to Cart Add to Lightbox Download