Mauna

Mauna is a Hawaiian word meaning mountain or hill. It is a common element in toponyms across the Hawaiian Islands and is often combined with descriptive words to form proper names such as Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. The term is rooted in the Hawaiian language and is used in both everyday speech and place names to denote elevated landforms.

Mauna Kea is a dormant stratovolcano located near the center of the island of Hawaiʻi. It is the highest point in the state when measured above sea level, standing at about 4,200 meters (around 13,800 feet). The summit zone hosts a renowned complex of astronomical observatories and sits in a high-alpine environment that is culturally significant to Native Hawaiians. The mountain is valued for its scientific importance as well as its sacred status in Hawaiian tradition.

Mauna Loa is a shield volcano also on the island of Hawaiʻi. It is one of the largest volcanoes on Earth by volume and area covered. Mauna Loa rises roughly 4,100 meters (about 13,700 feet) above sea level and forms a substantial portion of the island’s landmass. Its most recent eruption occurred in 1984, and its activity is closely monitored as part of the broader Hawaii volcanic system created by the Hawaii hotspot.

Beyond these two major peaks, the word Mauna appears in various other Hawaiian place names. The term itself underscores the central role of mountains in the geography and culture of Hawaii.