Snow Falls on Hawaii

Hawaii has seen some of its first significant snowfall of winter 23-24.

About five inches (12cm) of snow was reported at the top of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on Hawaii’s Big Island. The snow was delivered by a “Kona low,”  subtropical cyclone, commonly in November.

Although its not widely known, snowfall is fairly common on Mauna Kea (4,207m / 13,803 ft), a dormant volcano which is actually the world’s tallest mountain, taller than Everest, but with about three-fifths of its 9,330 m (30,610 ft) height is below sea level under the Pacific.

The top of the mountain can receive 2-3 feet (60-90cm) of snowfall in major storms, which can last for weeks and months or thaw away again very quickly.

Skiing and snowboarding has taken place on Hawaii for decades and the state is seen as a ‘holy grail’ destination for skiers and riders attempting to ski/ride every US state.

In the 1980s and 1990s there was even a ski holiday business that used 4×4 vehicles for uplift on the snow.

However Mauna Kea is also a sacred mountain for some native Hawaiians and while sliding on snow is accepted, going off the edge of the snow onto any exposed land beneath is not.

While 5 inches may seem like a surprising amount for a tropical island like Hawaii, it would be nowhere near a record.

(Image top credit: Maunakea Weather Center)