Mauka: a word in the Hawaiian language, meaning “toward the mountain,” and most commonly used in giving directions. Mountains are an integral part of the Hawaiian landscape, and while there are countless mountain ranges, peaks, and valleys across the islands, some are more well-known than others. Each of these eleven summits has a topographic prominence of at least 500 meters, or 1,640 feet, and are collectively classified as the highest mountains in Hawaii.

1. Mauna Kea, Big Island
Wolfram Burner/Flickr
Standing at 13,796 feet above sea level, Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano, is the highest point in the state of Hawaii. Much of the mountain, however, is underwater, and if measured from its oceanic base, it would be 33,000 feet tall — which would be higher than Mount Everest!
2. Mauna Loa, Big Island
Joe Parks/Flickr
Mauna Loa has historically been considered the largest volcano on earth, and has been erupting for an estimated 700,000 years. The nearby city of Hilo was partially built on lava flows from the late 19th century.
3. Haleakala, Maui
Bill Devlin/Flickr
This massive shield volcano forms approximately 75 percent of the Hawaiian Island of Maui. The active volcano has erupted in the last 500 years or so, and is designated to be in a non-eruptive phase by the United States Geological Survey.
4. Hualalai, Big Island
Rosa Say/Flickr
Another volcano in Hawaii? Yep. There are five major volcanoes that form the Hawaiian Islands, and Hualalai is considered to be the third most active. It has not erupted since 1801, but it is expected to erupt within the next century.
5. Pu’u Kukui, Maui
Buck/Flickr
Considered one of the wettest spots on earth, the mountain receives an average of 385 inches of rain each year. Rainwater that is unable to drain away floats into a nearby bog, making the soil dense, deep, and acidic.

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6. Kawaikini, Kauai
Brad Hagan/Flickr
The highest point on the island of Kauai is — you guessed it — another volcano! Though the summit is only 1,600 feet in elevation, it is a difficult climb due to the extensive rain in the area.
7. Kamakou, Molokai
Bogumil Kozera/Flickr
Part of the extinct East Molokai Shield Volcano, Kamakou is home to the Molokai Forest Preserve, estimated to contain more than 250 rare native Hawaiian plants.
8. Ka’ala, Oahu
Leonard S Jacobs/Flickr
Part of the Waianae Range on Oahu’s west side, this eroded volcano is home to an FAA-maintained active tracking station at the summit, closed to the general public and secured by the United States Army.
9. Lanaihale, Lanai
Mayumi Pavy/Flickr
Lanaihale is the highest point on the small island of Lanai, which is only 142 square miles. The island, and is 98 percent owned by Larry Ellison, founder and chairman of Oracle.
10. Konahuanui, Oahu
Leonard S Jacobs/Flickr
Part of the Ko’olau Mountain Range in east Oahu, the 3,000-foot summit is a popular hiking destination for experienced outdoors enthusiasts. I can only hope that I will gain the strength to complete this tough hike in the next few years.
11. Haupu, Kauai
tyarab77/Flickr
Seen from the east and south side of the island is Haupu, which is apparently best experienced via an ATV tour.

Which of these is your favorite Hawaiian summit? Share your photos, stories, and opinions in the comments, then click here to discover The Colossal Mountain Range In Hawaii Where Time Stands Still.

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Hawaii's Mountains

Megan Shute | September 28, 2020

What is the tallest mountain in Hawaii?

The highest point in the entire Aloha State is Mauna Kea, which measures in at 13,796 feet above sea level. When measured from its oceanic base deep in the vast Pacific, however, the mountain measures in at more than 33,000 feet tall — higher than Mount Everest! In Hawaiian mythology, the peaks of Hawaii Island are sacred, and Mauna Kea is considered to be the most sacred; an ancient law mandated that only high ranking ali’i could visit the summit. Luckily, today, anyone can — and should — visit the summit of Mauna Kea. Did you also know that Mauna Kea is one of the few places in Hawaii where it actually snows?

What is the most beautiful mountain range in Hawaii?

While the answer to this question is highly subjective, we'd have to say that our favorite mountain range is the Ko'olau Mountain Range on the island of Oahu. Designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1972, the Ko'olau Mountain Range is located on Oahu's windward coast and is what remains of the island's eastern shield volcano. The volcano became dormant approximately 1.7 million years ago, and steady erosion resulted in the mountains as we know them today — tall, majestic wonders that tower over the Hawaiian landscape.

What are the best mountain trails in Hawaii?

From the lush, green mountains of Kauai to the stark volcanic landscapes of Hawaii Island, there is little more awe-inspiring than Hawaii’s mountain ranges. While you can experience these mountains from afar, there’s little better than embarking on a hike in the mountains. Not all trails are created equal, and though many of Hawaii’s hiking trails are reserved for those with plenty of experience, these 11 mountain hikes are ideal for beginners.

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