I'll be spending 14 days in the islands so I will need to get off the beach at some point. I want to hike up Mauna Loa to the summit. There appears to be a trail from the USGS weather station to the summit.

Has anyone taken this hike?

Have not been on the Mauna Loa trail but have gone to the top of Mauna Kea. Realize you are going from sea level to almost 14,000 feet. Even at 9,000 feet [where the visitor center is on Mauna Kea] it was tough doing more than an eay walk.

A recent show on the Science(?) channel claimed that more people have walked on the moon than atop Mauna Loa!!!

That doesn't seem likely, as (at least the map shows) a trail and a rest hut at the summit.

Well, in the spirit of adventure, I'll start up and and see what happens, its gotta be all downhill on the return.

I hiked it about 20 years ago. By hiking standards, it is not difficult (albeit all uphill) hike. They used to have two cabins (10,000 ft, & top)which had water, bunks, tables, etc. As everyone says that has done it, it comes as close to being on the moon as possible. FYI - The early astronauts trained on the Big Island to simulate (anticipated) lunar conditions. Enjoy! PS: Depending on your hiking abilities, I'd allow 1 full day to reach the top. Since we explored alot, it took us two to get to the top.

The Science show depicted an area of Moana Loa where the volcano is active.

John D, sure you aren't watching the Cartoon Channel? Only 12 people have walked on the moon, more than are on Mauna Loa on any given day. While Mauna Loa is still considered an active volcano, it's been dormant for approx. 50 yrs. FYI- I'd call the parks dept. and/or visit their web site for more details on hiking up Mauna Loa.

Reply to Pumpy,
On the following reputable link is a "cartoon" about Moana Loa's last eruption in 1984, which seems to coincide with your hike or perhaps "pump" up Moana Loa. Do you recall any signs of activity, e.g. sulfur, and/or steam vents

http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/maunaloa/history/1984.html