Snow fell on Hawaii’s tallest peak, Mauna Kea, this week, covering the summit area with about 2 inches of white powder. Although Hawaii is known for its warm weather and beaches, it is not uncommon for snow to fall at higher elevations on Mauna Kea during the wetter, winter months. Due to its high elevation of 13,803 feet, temperatures on the summit can drop below freezing year-round, creating the potential for snow at any time.
The snowfall this week was caused by an upper level disturbance bringing colder temperatures and moisture from the east, resulting in the perfect conditions for snow formation. Webcams captured the ground covered in white shortly after sunrise on Monday, but the snow had melted within two days.
Mauna Kea’s summit is a sacred site for many Native Hawaiians, believed to be the first-born son of the sky father and earth mother. The mountain’s limited light pollution and dry atmosphere make it one of the best places in the world for observing the night sky. Around a dozen telescopes have been built at the summit, leading to groundbreaking astronomical discoveries and Nobel Prize-winning research.
Overall, the snowfall on Mauna Kea this week provided a brief winter wonderland on the tropical island of Hawaii, highlighting the diverse climate and unique natural beauty of the state.
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