The Kohala Mountains are the oldest of the five volcanoes that make up the Big Island of Hawai‘i, located at the island’s northern tip. Formed over a million years ago, Kohala last erupted around 120,000 years ago and is now considered extinct. Over time, erosion has dramatically shaped its landscape into deep, lush valleys and steep, rugged cliffs, especially on the windward (northeastern) side where abundant rainfall supports dense cloud forests and rich biodiversity. In contrast, the leeward (western) slopes are much drier due to the rain shadow effect. Rising to an elevation of about 5,480 feet, the mountain range is a crucial watershed, feeding numerous streams and rivers that carve their way through the terrain to the ocean. Kohala holds deep cultural significance as the birthplace of King Kamehameha I, who united the Hawaiian Islands.

Mauna Kea is a majestic dormant volcano on Hawaiʻi Island, rising above the clouds as the tallest mountain on Earth when measured from its base on the ocean floor. Revered as a sacred place in Hawaiian culture, its summit offers breathtaking views, rare alpine landscapes, and some of the world’s most important astronomical observatories.

Mauna Loa is the world’s largest active volcano, covering much of Hawaiʻi Island with its vast, gently sloping landscape. Known for its powerful yet typically slow-moving lava flows, it is both a striking natural wonder and a living reminder of the island’s ongoing volcanic creation.

Hualālai is an active volcano on Hawaiʻi Island, rising quietly above the Kona Coast with forested slopes and rugged lava fields. Less visited than its neighboring peaks, it offers a sense of solitude while playing an important role in the island’s volcanic history and cultural landscape.