Mauna means mountain in the Hawaiian language. Since the race goes across the two largest mountains in the world (as measured from the sea bed), it seemed natural to name our race the Mauna to Mauna Ultra.

Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea are culturally and spiritually important to the Native Hawaiians. While Pele, goddess of volcanoes, lives on Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea is the dwelling place of Pele’s rival, the snow goddess Poli’ahu. The more fiery of the two, Pele often vents her displays bursting from the earth's molten core. Kilauea, situated on the flanks of Mauna Loa, is the world’s most active volcano. In 2018, Kilauea explosively erupted sending massive amounts of lava into the ocean which destroyed over 700 houses.

Mauna Kea is also known as White Mountain, as the summit is often covered in snow.

Native Hawaiians believe they can feel the close relationship between heaven and earth when they are on the mauna, so it is a privilege to be able to run in this sacred part of Hawaii.

During the Mauna to Mauna Ultra, you will learn about the history and culture of Hawaii from Hawaiian elders and cultural practitioners.