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Features
Shield volcanos have sides with a gentle slope built up after centuries of lava flow. Mauna Kea volcano evolved past the shield-building stage, so it differs from neighboring shield volcanoes because of the irregularity of its topography, the steepness of its sides and an absence of long fissures near the summit. If Mauna Kea did erupt, the lava would have a different chemical composition than the islands other volcanoes.
Eruptions
The volcano's post-shield-building stage status means that only a very slight chance of eruption exists. Mauna Kea last erupted around 4,500 years ago. The long period since the last eruption, however, makes it more likely that, if another eruption occurs, it will come sooner rather than later.
Glaciers
The high summit of Mauna Kea, which means "White Mountain" in Hawaiian, receives snowfall up to several feet deep. Geologists have found residue evidence of glaciers that formed on the volcano up to 200,000 years ago.