No one really expects to see snow when they visit Hawaii, do they? After all, many people travel to the beautiful Aloha State in an attempt to escape cold weather and snow. But snow is exactly what you’ll find if you head to the summit of Hawaii’s tallest mountain, Mauna Kea. Now, obviously, Mauna Kea isn’t always covered in snow, and the conditions have to be just right, but on Wednesday, a storm rolled through and the summit; was covered in a blanket of glistening white snow — just in time for Christmas!

That’s right, this majestic spot on the island of Hawaii will make you feel as though you’re at the north pole. We truly couldn’t have asked for a better Christmas present!
Chris Lewis/Flickr
Mauna Kea measures in at 13,796 feet above sea level, the highest point in the state of 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, higher than Mount Everest.
Lost In Transliteration/Flickr
The summit is also home to state-of-the-art observatories, with more than a dozen telescopes funded by 11 countries, and (right now, at least), SNOW!
Dennis Crabtree/Flickr

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And it looks as though the snow is here to stay — at least for a few days. The temperature at the summit is expected to fluctuate between 10 and 35 degrees over the course of the next week.
Kanaka Rastamon/Flickr
According to a report on weather.com, snow rarely falls below 9,000 feet in elevation across the Hawaiian Islands, and the fluffy white stuff never stays for more than a few days, but we’re certainly going to enjoy it while it lasts. 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
Even if there’s no snow by the time you visit this year, you’re still sure to get your fix of cold weather while at the summit of Mauna Kea; winter temperatures average from 25 to 40 degrees fahrenheit, while summer temperatures varying from 30 to 60 degrees.
Aaron Smith/Flickr
If you’re planning to visit, call ahead! When it snows, it takes crews a few days to clear away the ice and make the roads safe to drive again. If the road is closed, at least we can admire the beauty in these gorgeous photographs and pretend for just a moment that we are indeed experiencing a white Christmas. Mele Kalikimaka, everyone!
ttfnrob/Flickr

This incredible timelapse found on The Washington Post’s website depicts Mauna Kea’s snowy conditions earlier this week:

For up to date weather conditions on the summit, check out Mauna Kea’s live streaming weather cams. Want to learn more about Mauna Kea? Click here!

And if you’re looking for a little more Christmas cheer to make your holiday memorable, why not listen to these 8 Hawaiian Christmas songs?

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