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When many people think of Hawaii, they picture golden beaches, palm-trees, tropical surf and sun-drenched rainforests. But perched high above the tropical zone are some of the most surprising sights in the islands: snow-capped volcanoes. On Hawaii’s tallest peaks, the combination of elevation, cold air and storms can turn what seems like a perpetual summer paradise into a snow-covered landscape. In this post I’ll explore the volcanoes in Hawaii that actually get snow, how and when it happens, and what it means for visitors and the environment.
The Main Players: Mauna Kea & Mauna Loa
Mauna Kea (13,803 ft) & Mauna Loa (13,679 ft)
Towering 13,803 feet above sea level, Mauna Kea is not only the tallest volcano in Hawaiʻi — it’s the tallest mountain in the Pacific. Its name literally means “white mountain” in Hawaiian, a nod to the snow that graces its summit several times each winter.
Snow on Mauna Kea usually appears between December and February, when cold air from passing winter storms meets the moist atmosphere over the Big Island. At this elevation, temperatures regularly drop below freezing, turning rain into snow and transforming the volcanic slopes into a dazzling winter landscape.
When conditions are right, the contrast is stunning — a white-capped mountain rising above the palm trees and lava fields below. Even though the snow might only last a few days before melting, it’s a breathtaking reminder of the island’s extreme elevation changes.
The Mauna Kea Access Road often closes during heavy snowfall due to icy conditions, so anyone hoping to visit should always check local updates before attempting the drive. And if you make it to the top, dress warmly — temperatures can easily dip below freezing, even while it’s 80°F on the beaches below.
Just south of Mauna Kea sits Mauna Loa, the largest volcano on Earth by volume. Standing at 13,679 feet, its massive shield shape dominates more than half of the Big Island. Like its neighbor, Mauna Loa also receives occasional snowfall, particularly during strong winter storms that sweep across the Pacific.
The snow usually blankets the upper slopes for a short time, creating a surreal view of white streaks running across the dark volcanic rock. It doesn’t last long — the sun at this elevation is intense — but for a day or two, Hawaiʻi’s largest volcano looks like a snow-covered mountain straight out of a postcard.
Mauna Loa’s immense size and gradual slopes make it less accessible to casual visitors than Mauna Kea, but those who catch a glimpse of it under snow often describe it as one of the most awe-inspiring sights in the islands. Seeing snow on an active volcano that erupted as recently as 2022 feels like watching fire and ice coexist in perfect harmony.
A Third Volcano: Haleakalā
Haleakalā (10,023 ft) – Maui
On Maui, the massive Haleakalā volcano rises more than 10,000 feet into the sky and forms much of the island’s eastern half. While it’s best known for its breathtaking sunrises / sunsets, dreamy stargazing and vast crater views, Haleakalā occasionally receives its own dusting of snow.
Snowfall here is much rarer and usually lighter than on the Big Island’s peaks, but when it happens, the scene is unforgettable — a white cap crowning the island’s tallest summit, visible all the way from the beaches of Kihei or Wailea.
When a cold winter storm passes through the islands, freezing temperatures can drop low enough to create a thin layer of snow or ice near the summit. On rare occasions, even lower elevations on Maui, such as Polipoli State Park, have experienced snow — a remarkable event considering Hawaiʻi’s tropical latitude.
If you’re visiting Maui in winter, keep your eyes on the summit of Haleakalā after a big storm. You might just spot one of nature’s most unexpected Hawaiian wonders.
Why Snow in Tropical Hawaiʻi?
It all comes down to altitude and atmosphere. Hawaiʻi’s tallest volcanoes rise well above 10,000 feet, reaching the cold, thin air of the upper troposphere. Even though the islands sit near the equator, the temperature at those heights can easily fall below freezing.
When moist air from Pacific storms climbs up the slopes of these volcanoes, it cools rapidly — and under the right conditions, the moisture turns into snow rather than rain. This process is most common in winter, when Kona storms bring cooler air and heavy precipitation to the islands.
As a result, Hawaiʻi can have both tropical beaches and snow-capped peaks — sometimes on the same day.
Tips for Visitors
- If you plan to see snow on one of these volcano summits, aim for winter months (late fall through early spring) when the combination of cold air and rain/storms are more likely.
- Bring warm clothing — just because you’re in Hawaiʻi does not mean it’s tropical up there. At 13,000+ ft in freezing air you’ll need layers, gloves, hat, etc. Especially when there is crazy wind chills.
- Check road conditions and weather forecasts. Some roads to these summits may close or become icy. For example, access to the summit of Mauna Kea is sometimes restricted due to snow/ice. (Uprooted Traveler)
- Respect access rules and cultural sites. On Mauna Kea especially, the summit has significant cultural and ecological importance.
- Photography opportunities are unique: snow-on-volcano in Hawaiʻi is unlike many places. You get tropical surroundings in the lowlands and wintry conditions at high altitude.
- If you’re on Maui and hope to see snow on Haleakalā, remember it is less common — you may only get a dusting, if any.
Don’t base your entire trip on snow there unless you’re flexible.
Snowfall on Hawaiʻi’s volcanoes is one of those delightful paradoxes that reminds us just how varied Earth’s climates can be. The same islands that host surfers and sun-seekers also host peaks that look like they belong in the Rockies or Alps—blanketed in white after high-altitude storms. Whether you go to Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa on the Big Island, or you’re visiting Maui and glance up at Haleakalā on a crisp morning, seeing snow in Hawaiʻi is a memorable experience.
It underscores how elevation and geography can override the usual “tropical island” expectation. For both adventurers and those seeking nature’s surprises, these volcano summits provide a rare glimpse into a colder world, right next to palm-fringed beaches.
Further Reading & Links
- Does it Snow in Hawaiʻi? (SeaParadise) – https://www.seaparadise.com/does-it-snow-in-hawaii-where-and-how-often/ (Sea Paradise)
- Snow in Hawai’i (Lyman Museum) – https://lymanmuseum.org/exhibits/archive-special-exhibits/snow-in-hawaii/ (lymanmuseum.org)
- Volcano Watch: Ice & Snow on Hawaii’s Volcanoes (USGS) – https://www.usgs.gov/news/volcano-watch-frozen-time-ice-and-snow-yield-secrets-past (USGS)
How rare is snow in Hawaii? (Newsweek) – https://www.newsweek.com/how-rare-hawaii-snow-records-1976758 (Newsweek)
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