Hualālai
Hualālai (pronounced [huwəˈlaːlɐi] in Hawaiian) is an active volcano on the island of Hawaiʻi in the Hawaiian Islands. It is the westernmost, third-youngest and the third-most active of the five volcanoes that form the island of Hawaiʻi, following Kīlauea and the much larger Mauna Loa. Its peak stands 8,271 feet (2,521 m) above sea level. Hualālai is estimated to have risen above sea level about 300,000 years ago. Despite maintaining a very low level of activity since its last eruption in 1801, and being unusually inactive for the last 2,000 years, Hualālai is still considered active, and is expected to erupt again sometime in the next 100 years. The relative unpreparedness of the residents in the area caused by the lull in activity would worsen an eruption's consequences.
| Hualālai | |
|---|---|
View of Hualālai over 1800 lava flow | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 8,271 ft (2,521 m) |
| Prominence | 3,071 ft (936 m) |
| Coordinates | 19°41′32″N 155°52′02″W |
| Naming | |
| Language of name | Hawaiian language |
| Pronunciation | Hawaiian pronunciation: [huəˈlaːlei] |
| Geography | |
Hualālai | |
| Location | Hawaiʻi, U.S. |
| Parent range | Hawaiian Islands |
| Topo map | USGS Hualālai |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | Oldest-dated rock: 128,000 BP Estimated: over 300,000 years |
| Mountain type | Shield volcano |
| Volcanic arc/belt | Hawaiian-Emperor seamount chain |
| Last eruption | 1800 to 1801 |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Multiple trails exist. |
The area near Hualālai has been inhabited for centuries by Hawaiian natives, dating back to before recorded history. The coast to its west in particular had several royal complexes. The volcano is also important ecologically, is home to many rare species and several nature reserves near the summit, and is a popular hiking attraction. Today the coast near Hualālai is dotted by vacation resorts, some built on historic flows, and a National Historical Park.