25 Common Beliefs That Are Totally Wrong

The highest mountain is Everest.

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Everest vs. Mauna Kea Mount Everest is hailed as Earth's tallest peak at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet) above sea level. But if we measure from base to summit, Hawaii's Mauna Kea steals the spotlight as the world's true giant. Mauna Kea stretches about 10,000 meters (33,500 feet) from its ocean floor base to its top. Yet, only 4,207 meters (13,802 feet) rise above sea level, which is why it’s often overlooked compared to Everest.

This difference between "highest" and "tallest" shows how perspective shapes our view of nature's wonders. While Everest holds the record for height above sea level, Mauna Kea's hidden underwater mass makes it a jaw-dropping rival for the tallest title.