Most People Have No Idea This One Awesome Thing Happens In Hawaii

The Hawaiian Islands are home to some of the most unique landscapes in the world – and nowhere is that more true than on the Big Island, particularly on the slopes of Mauna Loa. One of five volcanoes on Hawaii Island, Mauna Loa has historically been considered to be the largest volcano in the world, with gentle slopes and a volume estimated to be 18,000 cubic miles (its peak is 120 feet lower than its neighbor Mauna Kea).

Though the volcano’s peak is wildly impressive, it is the slopes that are home to lava fields reminiscent of an alien planet. In fact, the slopes of Mauna Loa have been used for astronaut training for years. At approximately 8,200 feet above sea level, and with hardly any vegetation, the landscape mimics that of Mars, making it the perfect location for the Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation missions.

Dave Mackoff/Flickr

Funded by NASA, and run by the University of Hawaii, there have been four of these Mars missions on the slopes of Mauna Loa, the shortest of which was four months in 2012.

University of Hawai’i News/Flickr

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University of Hawai’i News/Flickr

Last summer, the program welcomed six new scientists to the simulator dome, who spent the duration of the mission working on research projects, learning how to manage with limited resources, and avoiding conflict while in isolation with five other strangers.

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University of Hawai’i News/Flickr

After a long 12 months spent "on Mars," the crew of the latest HI-SEAS mission emerged in late August, welcomed by fresh fruit and pizza not available while inside the simulator.

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University of Hawai’i News/Flickr

University of Hawai’i News/Flickr

This is the longest mars simulation completed by HI-SEAS, and the second longest in the world - the only longer expedition was a 520-day mission in Russia that mimicked the trek to mars.

University of Hawai’i News/Flickr

The dome is a surprisingly spacious 1,200 square foot, six bed, one bath home that is completely reliant on solar power. Also inside are a large kitchen with island, science lab, office spaces, exercise equipment, and a beautiful vaulted cathedral ceiling.

University of Hawai’i News/Flickr

Oh, and did we mention that you can put in an application to live in this unique home for eight months? Applications are currently being accepted for both 2017 and 2018, and roommates are paired with careful consideration to ensure maximum compatibility and efficiency.

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University of Hawai’i News/Flickr

While we love backpacking food, powdered wine, Spam, Internet that lags 20 minutes, composting toilets, and sharing a space - and life - with five other roommates, you should know that you will not be allowed to leave the residence at all in your eight-month lease - unless you’re in a 60-pound space suit.

For a glimpse of the dome’s interior and surroundings, check out this footage.

Would you ever go into voluntary isolation for a mars simulation? For more information about HI-SEAS and their missions, check out their website. If you’re not quite ready to participate in the study, be sure to explore these 12 alien landscapes found throughout Hawaii instead.