is a shield volcano with relatively gentle slopes, and a volume estimated at 18000 mi3, although its peak is about 125 ft lower than that of its neighbor, Mauna Kea. Lava eruptions from Mauna Loa are silica-poor and very fluid, and tend to be non-explosive.

Ancient Hawaiians arrived to the island bringing various changes to the ecosystem. Hunting resulted in the extinction of some bird species,