The largest volcano in the world is Mauna Loa, located on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is a shield volcano, characterized by its broad, gently sloping profile formed by the eruption of low-viscosity basalt lava. Mauna Loa covers about 2,035 square miles (5,271 square kilometers) and rises about 13,681 feet (4,169 meters) above sea level, though its true height from its base on the ocean floor is over 30,000 feet (around 9,144 meters). It has erupted numerous times in recorded history, with its last eruption occurring in November 2022, making it a subject of scientific study and monitoring.