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Mauna Loa | Mauna Loa erupting | Source: Instagram/flyinjd | Getty Images
Fun Facts about Mauna Loa to Learn More about the Hawaiian Volcano That Was Bombed Once
By
Milla Sigaba
Jan 19, 202412:30 P.M.
Enjoy a brief and fun history lesson with these four fun facts about Mauna Loa — from the English translation of its beautiful name to its bombing in an attempt to save civilians.
Mauna Loa is the world's largest active volcano, nestled in southeast Hawaii. After 40 years of dormancy, the threatening volcano caught the attention of the whole world when it erupted in 2022.
In light of the volcano's relatively recent eruption, enjoy these four fun facts about Mauna Loa you might have forgotten or never known — from its fascinating history and impressive size.
Mauna Loa | Source: Getty Images
Fun Facts about Mauna Loa
1. Mauna Loa means "long mountain" in Hawaiian.
Like many other islands and volcanoes in Hawaii, Mauna Loa, which impressively stands at 13,681 feet (4,170 m) above sea level, has a beautiful name that translates to "Long mountain" in Hawaiian.
Mauna Loa | Source: Getty Images
2. The U.S. Air Force bombed Mauna Loa in 1935.
In November 1935, Mauna Loa erupted, threatening the then 15, 000 residents of the Hawaii town Hilo with its advancing lava river. In an attempt to stop the lava from harming the residents, volcanologist Thomas Jagger proposed Mauna Loa's walls be bombed.
And so, on December 27, the United States Army Air Corps stationed in Oahu sent ten bombers to Mauna Loa, where they dropped twenty 600-pound bombs. Five bombs landed in the lava flow, while the rest missed the target.
Mauna Loa | Source: Getty Images
3. Mauna Loa is so enormous it makes up roughly half of the biggest island in Hawaii.
Mauna Loa is the world's largest active volcano, standing tens of thousands of feet above sea level and making up roughly half of Hawaiʻi island, also known as Big Island, Hawaii's largest island. For more context, Hawaiʻi Island is twice the size of other Hawaiian islands.
Mauna Loa | Source: Getty Images
4. Mauna Loa has erupted 34 times since the 1800s.
In November 2022, Mauna Loa made headlines worldwide when it erupted for the first time in 38 years, making the 2022 eruption the volcano's 34th time erupting since 1843. Mauna Loa averages an eruption every five years.
Mauna Loa | Source: Getty Images
For some, Mauna Loa is a beautiful landmark. For others, the volcano is a looming threat. Regardless of where on the spectrum you stand, you can still appreciate the volcano's rich history encapsulated in these four intriguing facts you might not have known about.
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