Aloha Luaus

The Hawaiian Islands are just the visible peaks of a vast underwater mountain chain, created by volcanic activity over millions of years. What most people don’t realize is that this archipelago is home to the tallest mountain on Earth — and it's mostly underwater! 😮
🏔️ Mauna Kea, when measured from its base on the seafloor to its summit, stands at an incredible 10,210 meters (33,500 feet) — making it taller than Mount Everest!
(Everest: 8,848 meters / 29,029 ft)
🗺️ The chain of islands and seamounts (like Loihi, Necker, and Kure) tells the story of Earth’s shifting tectonic plates and a powerful stationary hotspot beneath the Pacific Plate. The islands get older and smaller as you move northwest.
These formations are a breathtaking reminder of the dynamic forces shaping our planet — most of which lie hidden beneath the ocean surface. 🌍🌊

Hokulea sets sail for 50th birthday celebration The sound of oli accompanied the vessel’s sendoff from Sand Island Friday morning.