Hawaii's Elevation: Mauna Kea Summit at 13,802 Feet Above Sea Level

The Hawaiian Islands are volcanic peaks rising from the Pacific seafloor. While the islands themselves are at sea level, the highest point in the state is the summit of Mauna Kea on the Big Island:

• Elevation: 13,802 feet (4,207 meters) above sea level
• From base on ocean floor: ~33,500 feet (10,210 m)—taller than Everest base-to-summit

Other high peaks: Mauna Loa (13,679 ft), Haleakalā (10,023 ft), Hualālai (8,271 ft).

Most population centers are coastal, near sea level. The elevation gradient creates diverse microclimates—from tropical beaches to alpine desert and even permafrost at Mauna Kea's summit.