When visiting the Hawaiian Islands, a place known for its tropical climate, breathtaking beaches, and crystalline turquoise waters, most people don’t expect to see snow. After all, many people travel to the beautiful Aloha State in an attempt to escape cold weather and snow. But, atop Mauna Kea — the highest mountain peak in Hawaii and one of the most fascinating mountains in the Pacific — you shouldn’t be surprised to see snow, depending on the season, of course.

While many might opt to forgo a trip to the snowy summit of Mauna Kea in Hawaii because they have neglected to pack long pants and a jacket, there are countless locals who visit Mauna Kea to see snow in Hawaii — whether, as transplants, they miss the snow, or they’ve lived here their entire life and have never experienced snow.
Dennis Crabtree/Flickr
Mauna Kea measures in at 13,796 feet above sea level, the highest mountain peak in Hawaii. In fact, when measured from its oceanic base deep in the vast Pacific, the mountain measures in at more than 33,000 feet tall — that’s higher than Mount Everest.
Vadim Kurland/Flickr
As a matter of fact, the peak is so tall that visitors are advised to stop at the visitor center for at least half an hour to acclimate to the elevation before continuing on to the summit.
Stefan Klopp/Flickr
The summit lies about the tree line and primarily consists of lava rock and alpine tundra. Growth is restricted by extremely cold temperatures, a short growing season, little rainfall, and snow during the winter months.
Alan L/Flickr

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That's right — snow in Hawaii!
Robert Simpson/Flickr
The last time Mauna Kea received significant snowfall was in January 2020. A powerful storm that pounded windward shores of the islands with torrential downpour dropped nearly two feet of snow on the mountain's summit.
Kanaka Rastamon/Flickr
The snow never falls below 9,000 feet in elevation and doesn’t usually last long, but that doesn’t mean that residents don’t take full advantage of the snowy mountaintop. Though not maintained as a recreational ski area, many intermediate and expert skiers and snowboarders flock to the mountain during a snowstorm.
The Alec/Flickr
Don’t forget to call ahead, though — when it snows in Hawaii, it takes crews a few days to clear away the ice and make the roads safe to drive again.
Chris Lewis/Flickr
And even if there’s no snow, you’re still sure to get your fix of cold weather while at the summit of Mauna Kea in Hawaii; winter temperatures average from 25 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, while summer temperatures varying from 30 to 60 degrees. Bundle up — especially if you plan to stay after sunset to do a little stargazing.
Wolfram Burner/Flickr
After all, as the highest mountain peak in Hawaii, Mauna Kea is one of the best destinations in the Aloha State to gander at the night sky.

For up to date weather conditions on the summit, check out Mauna Kea’s live streaming weather cams here. Have you visited the summit of Mauna Kea while it was covered in snow? To learn more about this surreal summit, read about how Mauna Kea is one of the most otherworldly destinations in the Aloha State.

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Hawaii's Weather

Megan Shute | April 20, 2020

What is the weather in Hawaii like? 

Though many people associate Hawaii with warm, tropical weather year-round, that isn't necessarily the case. The average daytime temperature at sea level in the summer months is 85 degrees, while the winter average is 78 degrees — though that certainly changes when you head into the mountains. Temperatures at the summit of Mauna Kea range from 17 degrees to 47 degrees depending on the month, and you'll find similar temperatures at the summit of Mount Haleakala, the second-highest mountain peak in Hawaii.

What was the biggest snowfall in Hawaii? 

It doesn't often snow in Hawaii, but depending on when you visit, you might find snow at the summits of Hawaii's tallest mountain peaks. The large snowstorm blanketed more than two feet of snow in Hawaii at the summit of Mauna Kea in December 2016 — just in time for Christmas. Prior to 2016, the single largest snowfall ever recorded in Hawaii took place atop Maui’s Mount Haleakala on April 6, 1938, with a whopping six inches of snowfall.

Is Hawaii a good place to visit in the winter? 

If you want to get away from chilly weather, there's no better place to visit than Hawaii in the winter! While locals won't hesitate to admit that they break out their sweaters when the temperature drops below 75 degrees, winter temperatures in Hawaii seem quite warm to anyone who visits from a cooler climate. Christmas is one of the most popular times to visit the Hawaiian Islands — and for good reason — but if you are able to visit in January or February, you'll likely enjoy cheaper flights and fewer tourists.

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Mauna Kea, Hawaii 96720, USA