The Quiz: Which volcano is the tallest in the state of Hawaii?
A Mauna Kea
B Mauna Loa
C Hualālai
The Big Island’s Mauna Kea, at 13,803 feet above sea level, is the highest point in the state, albeit only 125 feet higher than Mauna Loa, its more massive neighbor to the south. After winter storms, snow can often be seen covering the summits of these mountains. Because its base begins underwater at the sea floor, some have labeled Mauna Kea the tallest mountain in the world at more than 30,000 feet. Mauna Kea is also an important site for astronomical observation. Since 1964, 13 telescopes have been constructed there, a cause of some controversy as Native Hawaiians consider the mountain a sacred site.
The correct answer to this quiz is Mauna Kea.