If you think Everest is the most high mountain in the world, then you are mistaken. Everest is the highest point on the planet. A point, but not a mountain. The record holder for height is in Hawaii. This Mount Mauna Kea.

The fact is that there is a small incident here. What should be taken as height - the absolute indicator from the base to the top or the height above sea level? It is logical to assume that the size of a mountain should be determined by its absolute height. Imagine that you went waist-deep into the water of some amazing beach, well, for example, Hanauma Bay in Hawaii, has your height changed? Of course not. So, the first place comes out to Mount Mauna Kea on the island of Hawaii of the archipelago of the same name.

Mauna Kea on the map

  • Geographic coordinates 19.822098, -155.467083
  • Distance from the state capital, Honolulu, approximately 300 km
  • The nearest Hilo International Airport is about 45 km

The absolute height of Mauna Kea is 10,203 meters. Its peak is located at an altitude of 4,205 meters above the sea, but the rest is hidden in the depths of the Pacific Ocean. Thus, its height exceeds the height of Everest by 1355 meters, which makes it the most high mountain in the world.

Although it is actually a volcano (one of five on the island), approximately 1 million years old. About 500 thousand years ago it was powerful and very active. Gradually the volcanic activity died down. The last eruption occurred about 4,500 years ago. On this moment The volcano is considered extinct. Even the American Geological Survey assigned the volcano the lowest activity rating.

Mauna Kea means White Mountain in Hawaiian. This is quite understandable, since in winter the top of the mountain is covered with a cap of snow. Tourists can even go skiing there. But not at the very top, where the wind speed exceeds 100 km/h, but a little lower. There is a completely normal road on the mountain, along which you can drive SUVs almost to the very peak.

According to Hawaiian lore, the island's peaks are sacred, and the Mauna Kea volcano is the most sacred of them all. Only the highest-ranking leaders of local tribes have the right to go there. Ordinary Hawaiians are prohibited from climbing.

Apparently, this ban does not apply to tourists and scientists, since the former climb 100 thousand a year to the top of Mauna Kea, and the latter have set up as many as 13 observatories there. By the way, these astronomical centers belong to 11 countries.

It’s not for nothing that astronomers liked the mountain, because it’s one of the most best places for space observations. The altitude of the location, proximity to the equator, and minimal cloudiness create ideal conditions for this. But there are still disagreements with local population on the legality of building scientific centers in a sacred place. Plus, a large number of tourists can harm the ecology of the volcano. There is debate about this too.

  • This is the highest point in Hawaii
  • According to scientists, the volume of Mauna Kea is more than 3,200 cubic kilometers
  • The volcano occupies 22.8% of the entire island

Mauna Kea photo

Mauna Kea is one of the most amazing mountains in the world. It begins at the bottom of the ocean and reaches an altitude of 10,205 meters. However, a significant part of this rock formation is hidden under water. On the surface, only a peak with a height of 4205 meters is visible. As a result, Mauna Kea holds the world record for height.

The highest mountain in the world, Mauna Kea, is a shield volcano that was completely inactive more than 4.5 thousand years ago. This makes it absolutely safe for travel, hiking, climbing attempts and exploration. It is located on the island of Hawaii. It is interesting that even the part that is visible above the water surface is considered the highest in this region.

The name Mauna Kea itself is also interesting. Translated from Hawaiian, it means “White Mountain”. It was no coincidence that this “name” was given to the rocky formation. This happened back in those distant times, when there was always snow and ice blocks on the top. Today this occurs from October to March, and the rest of the year depends solely on weather conditions.

The local population is sure that the peak of the mountain is sacred. That is why there is an opinion that only tribal leaders and high-ranking representatives have the right to climb to the top. For everyone else, the routes should be completely closed. However, the climbers, of course, did not adhere to local customs. This is why the local population did not like them. The Hawaiians themselves blame climbers for many of the troubles associated with Mauna Kea, for example, avalanches, extinction of flora and fauna. Today they look more favorably on attempts to reach the summit.

Since ancient times, the forests that grow on the slopes of the mountain have been used by the local population for food. However, with the arrival of foreigners here, the flora and fauna began to change. Many animals and plants were brought here. They took root, but local plants began to “survive.” As a result, the introduced plants had to be abandoned in order to preserve the Hawaiian ecology and restore the natural balance.

Today, on the slopes of Mauna Kea there are also observatories from around the world. This is due to the fact that there are the most comfortable conditions for conducting research and astronomical observations - a mild climate and low humidity. This is where NASA does research. There is also a unique observatory at the top, located above 40% of the earth's atmosphere. One of the observatories has the largest telescope with a mirror, the equivalent of which is not found in any other place on Earth.

Although Mauna Kea rising above sea level “only” a little over 4,200 meters, this mountain is the highest on our planet. Most of it is hidden under water, and its foot begins at a depth exceeding 10,000 m. Thus, it is Mauna Kei that holds the record for the highest mountain, and not Everest, as is commonly believed.

Mauna Kea is located on Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean and is the most high point in that region. The islanders have great respect for the mountain, considering its peak a sacred place. Even today, not all Hawaiians can climb to the summit, and only high-ranking chiefs are allowed to visit the peak of Mauna Kei.

The age of the mountain is about 1 million years, but it “lived” its most active period of life about 500 thousand years ago, and currently the volcano is extinct, and scientists believe that no eruption is expected in the foreseeable future. Although activity on Mauna Kea cannot be completely ruled out, most residents of the region feel fairly calm. The fact is that there are 13 observatories on the top of the mountain - the mountain is simply ideal for astronomical observations. Scientists who are constantly located above the very mouth of the volcano, as well as scientific geological equipment located there, minimize the suddenness of the onset of the eruption. That's why US Geological Survey assigned the volcano the lowest possible rating.


Although Mauna Kea is located in tropical latitudes, at its summit all year round snow lies, forming large ice caps over the centuries. The slopes of the volcano are completely overgrown with dense forest, in some places almost impenetrable. The ancient Hawaiians revered the Mauna Kea bush, which provided them with food. Before the arrival of Europeans on the island, the indigenous population existed thanks to the fruits of the forest. However, the appearance of domestic animals with " big land“only shook the ecological balance of nature, and some representatives of the unique fauna disappeared, and the remaining ones are under pressure from introduced animals and plants. It got to the point that the Hawaiian authorities took an unprecedented step, announcing the beginning of the eradication of introduced species of flora and fauna.

Flora and fauna

At the top of the volcano there is the so-called alpine belt. This place is characterized by high lighting (and therefore high solar radiation). The average air temperature is below zero degrees. Strong winds are typical. Neither trees nor shrubs grow in such alpine meadows. Most of flora in this zone it is represented by low herbaceous perennials, including evergreens.

Located at the top of Mauna Kea Alpine Belt Nature Reserve. Under its protection are all representatives of the animal and plant world that live on such high altitude. Lives here wolf spider, which can live at an altitude of 4,200 m. The total number of spiders at the top is not known, since the study of the endemic began only in the 80s of the 20th century. Local landmark - butterfly " forest scarf”, which hides in the crevices of stones that are heated and retain the heat received during the day.

Below the alpine meadows there is a forest consisting of Golden leaf Sophora- legume trees that grow only in Hawaii. The forest area is constantly shrinking, under the yoke of introduced species. It is estimated that the current area of ​​Sophora's forests is only 10% of its former size, so they are declared critically endangered. Now the entire forest area (212 sq. km) is a nature reserve.

Below 2 km. located lower Mauna Kea zone, which is also a nature reserve. It is home to 8 species of birds that are on the verge of extinction, and 12 species of plants, the numbers of which are also inexorably falling. The ecosystem was greatly damaged by Europeans who arrived in Hawaii and cut down a significant part of the trees for their settlements, as well as clearing places for future sugar plantations.

Rest

More than 100 thousand tourists from all over the world visit the mountain every year. There is a road to the peak that can be used by powerful SUVs. The main attraction at the top of the volcano (besides the beautiful view) is the observatory. 13 scientific astronomical centers from 11 countries have been built on Mauna Kea.

During the winter months, when the snowpack is denser, many visitors to Mauna Kea ski. True, the routes are chosen not at the very top, where the wind speed can reach 110 km/h, but slightly lower.

Few people know that Mauna Kea, located in Hawaii, is considered higher than Everest. True, only the peak of this giant can be seen above sea level, since it protrudes from the water at 4205 meters. The rest of the mountain is hidden from view, so it is rare that this mountain is among the highest. The absolute height of the peak is 10,203 meters, which exceeds Everest by more than a kilometer.

Mauna Kea - a dangerous volcano or a calm mountain?

The volcano is classified as a shield volcano due to its shield-like shape. In pictures the crater is not clearly expressed and more often it looks like a caldera. This species appears due to frequent eruptions of high temperature liquid lava. The magma flow in this case covers the entire surrounding area and forms a slightly sloping slope.

Mauna Kea appeared a million years ago, and its peak activity ended 250,000 years ago. Currently, researchers classify it as extinct and set minimum values ​​for the probability of awakening. Shield volcanoes typically go through several stages:

  • pre-panel - occurs from the moment the hot spot is formed;
  • shield period – is the most active period;
  • post-shield – the form is finally formed, but the behavior is already predictable;
  • inaction.

Today it is the highest mountain in the world, most of which is under water. She is part Hawaiian archipelago and one of the brightest attractions of Hawaii. The highlight of Mauna Kea is snow cap, which is rarely seen in tropical climates. That is why the name appeared, meaning “White Mountain”.

Tourists come here not only to soak up the beach, but also to go skiing or snowboarding. The view from the mountain is stunning, so you can do beautiful photos or just take a walk around the surrounding area, because there are several nature reserves here due to the presence of dozens of endangered endemic species.

World Observatory

Since Hawaii is located close to the equator, the island becomes an ideal place for astronomical observations. It is not surprising that the highest mountain in the world has become a real center for the study of celestial bodies. Mauna Kea is located far enough from the city that the lights are not likely to spoil the view, resulting in ideal atmospheric clarity.

Today there are 13 telescopes on the mountain from different countries. Among the most significant are the Keck Interferometer Telescope, NASA Infrared Telescopes and the Japanese Subaru Telescope. If you want to take a look at this large-scale center for astronomical research, you can connect to a webcam that allows you to watch the work of the observatories online.

Not everyone knows that Mauna Kea is famous for another record. Not only are telescopes from eleven countries gathered at the summit, but they are also located at the highest point, exceeding 40% of the atmospheric layer. At this altitude it is relatively dry, so no clouds form, which is ideal for year-round stargazing.

Flora and fauna of the giant mountain

Mauna Kea – amazing place, where several nature reserves are located. Each of them occupies a certain area depending on the height of the mountain. The summit is a rather aggressive environment with high illumination and solar radiation. This is an alpine zone characterized by low temperatures and strong winds.

The flora in this zone consists of perennial low-growing grasses, most of which are evergreen. In the Alpine Belt Nature Reserve, they are trying to monitor an endangered species of wolf spider, which chooses altitudes of more than 4,000 meters as its habitat. Forest scarf butterflies are also found here; they hide from the cold between the stones.

The second layer is occupied by a reserve protecting the Golden-leaved Sophora. These leguminous trees grow exclusively in Hawaii, but their population declined significantly after Europeans arrived on the island in the 18th century. Currently, the number of trees is 10% of the original forest size. The area of ​​the reserve is estimated at 210 square meters. km.

The lower elevation of Mauna Kea is the third reserve, which is home to endangered species of plants and birds. Ecosystems have been severely damaged by imported cattle and sheep, as well as extensive clearing for sugar plantations. To preserve endangered species, it was decided to eradicate introduced species from the island.

No, we haven’t forgotten about Everest, but what we were all told at school is not entirely true. According to the Guinness Book of Records, the highest mountain in the world is not Chomolungma, but Mauna Kea. It is also the highest point in Hawaii. It is an inactive shield volcano located on the island of Hawaii in the Hawaiian Islands archipelago.

Mauna Kea rises 4,205 meters above the water, but beneath the surface lies its biggest secret. What is revealed to our eyes is only a small part of this majestic mountain. Its height when calculated from ocean floor is neither more nor less than 10,203 meters.

Since ancient times, Mauna Kea has been especially important for local residents, the mountain appears in local mythology as the most sacred of all peaks; at one time only tribal leaders and no one else could climb here. In Hawaiian, “Mauna Kea” means “white mountain”; it is so called because in winter its peaks are always covered with a dense layer of snow.

At the top of the volcano, at an altitude of 3730 - 4190 meters above sea level, there is one of the most interesting observatories in the world - the Mauna Kea Observatory. Due to its location at a sufficient height and isolation in the middle Pacific Ocean, it is recognized as one of the best places in the world for astronomical observations.

According to scientists, Mauna Kea is about a million years old, but the period of high activity of the volcano passed hundreds of thousands of years ago. According to 2003 data last eruption Mauna Kea occurred between 6 and 4 thousand years ago. The volcano currently has a minimum rating according to the US Geological Survey.

IN last years Experts are of great concern about the environmental situation on Mauna Kea. Since Europeans settled here in the 18th century and began raising livestock, the volcano's native flora and fauna have suffered serious damage, with many species now on the verge of extinction. In attempts to save Mauna Kea Department natural resources Hawaii even decided to eradicate plant and animal species brought here in order to return the volcano to its true appearance and preserve unique representatives of flora and fauna. In particular, Mauna Kea is home to forests of Goldenleaf Sophora, a leguminous tree that remains only in Hawaii. Their area today is only 10% of its former size. Complete extinction threatens 8 bird species and 12 plant species in the lower Mauka Kea zone within a 2-kilometer belt.

Today Mauna Kea is the most popular attraction in Hawaii; about 100,000 tourists from all over the world come here every year. They climb the slopes of the volcano, can get to the top by SUV along the road built to it, visit the observatory, and in the winter months ride alpine skiing.

The most convenient way to get to the island of Hawaii is by plane; in the western part of the island there is international Airport Kona International Airport(KOA)). The most popular transport for moving around the island is a car, whether you rent it with or without a driver. Go to Mauna Kea organized tours, which can be purchased from numerous travel agencies.