What characteristic makes Mauna Loa unique among the volcanoes on the Big Island of Hawaii?

Mauna Loa is considered unique among the volcanoes on the Big Island of Hawaii because it is the most massive above-sea volcano in the world. This distinction is attributed to its extensive subaerial and undersea blanket of lava flows, which account for its enormous size and volume. Mauna Loa rises approximately 13,681 feet (4,170 meters) above sea level, but when measured from its base on the ocean floor, it reaches more than 30,000 feet, showcasing its significant vertical rise and dominant presence in the Hawaiian chain of islands.

In contrast, other volcanoes on the island may be smaller in terms of both height and mass. Additionally, while some volcanoes might be considered dormant or have higher eruption frequencies in terms of annual activity, Mauna Loa's sheer size and geological characteristics set it apart as the most massive, making it a subject of extensive scientific study regarding volcanic activity and Hawaiian geology.