Hidden beneath the Pacific Ocean is a geological marvel of unparalleled proportions: Pūhāhonu, the world’s largest and hottest volcano, quietly dominates the depths off the coast of Hawaii. While many are familiar with the huge, towering summits of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea on the Big Island, only a few know of the colossal presence beneath the ocean’s surface: the world’s biggest volcano in Hawaii!

Pūhāhonu, which means "turtle surfacing for air" in Hawaiian, holds a place not just in the geological landscape of Hawaii but also in volcanology worldwide.
Wikipedia/NOAA
Located 19 miles southwest of the island of Niʻihau, this submarine giant boasts staggering dimensions.
Measuring 170 miles long and 56 miles wide, Pūhāhonu's size dwarfs that of Mauna Loa, which previously held the title of the world's largest volcano!
NOAA / Wikipedia
Despite its submerged existence, Pūhāhonu's summit rises to within about 4,600 feet of the ocean's surface, making it a formidable presence.
While active volcanoes are known for their fiery eruptions and molten lava flows, Pūhāhonu exhibits a different kind of volcanic activity characterized by extreme heat rather than explosive pyrotechnics.
logofkaalokai00walk / Wikipedia
The waters surrounding the volcano can reach temperatures exceeding 600 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the hottest known thermal area on Earth.

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Scientists have embarked on research expeditions to study its geology and hydrothermal vents.
Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument / Flickr
These vents, which release superheated water and mineral-rich fluids into the ocean, support diverse ecosystems teeming with life, including exotic microbial organisms and unique species of fish that have adapted to survive in extreme environments.
Despite its remote location beneath the waves, Pūhāhonu's influence extends far beyond the ocean floor.
Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument / Flickr
The heat and minerals released by the volcano play a crucial role in shaping the surrounding marine environment, contributing to the formation of underwater geothermal fields and nutrient-rich habitats that sustain a wide array of marine life.
Pūhāhonu also holds cultural importance for the indigenous people of Hawaii.
Forest & Kim Starr / Wikipedia
The volcano's name reflects the spiritual connection that the native Hawaiians have with the land and sea. Volcanoes are revered as powerful deities, embodying nature's creative and destructive forces.
While Pūhāhonu remains largely unexplored and enigmatic, its discovery has opened new avenues into the mysteries of the Earth's geology and the complex interactions between land, sea, and life.
Forest & Kim Starr / Wikipedia
While much of the Earth's surface has been mapped and explored, Pūhāhonu serves as a reminder that there are still hidden wonders waiting to be uncovered beneath the waves.

Did you know about the world’s biggest volcano? And if you need somewhere great to stay in Hawaii, stay local at a VRBO.

Check out these other amazing natural wonders in Hawaii.

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