An unsettled name
The meaning is not established. Hua is fruit or offspring and lālai has been suggested, but Pukui, Elbert and Mookini do not commit. It is also given as the name of a wife of Hawaiʻiloa, the navigator.
At 8,271 feet it is much lower than Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa, and it is easy to overlook behind them.
Under the airport
Hualālai last erupted in 1801, and the flow reached the sea. Kona's international airport is built directly on that lava, which is why the drive in crosses a black field with nothing growing on it.
The volcano is considered active and is expected to erupt again.