Yes, it does snow in Hawaii. While the islands are famous for their tropical beaches and warm weather, snowfall is confined to the highest elevations. This cold-weather event does not happen in the populated coastal areas enjoyed by most residents and visitors. The snow transforms the volcanic summits into a contrasting white landscape far above the palm trees and ocean shore.
Where Snowfall Occurs in Hawaii
Snowfall in Hawaii is almost exclusively limited to the peaks of the state’s tallest volcanic mountains. The two most frequent locations are Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, both situated on the Big Island (Hawai‘i Island). These two volcanoes rise to elevations of approximately 13,800 feet and 13,677 feet above sea level, respectively.
The only other location that experiences snow is Haleakalā on the island of Maui, which peaks at just over 10,000 feet, though this occurs far less frequently. Snow rarely falls below the 9,000-foot elevation mark, meaning it never reaches the towns or tourist areas. Honolulu, which is at sea level, has never recorded snowfall.
The Meteorological Reason for Snow
The primary factor allowing for snow in a tropical latitude is the sheer altitude of these mountains. The atmosphere cools significantly with increasing elevation, governed by the environmental lapse rate. For every 1,000 feet gained in altitude, the temperature drops by approximately 3.5 to 5.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
This cooling means that temperatures at the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa can fall below the freezing point of 32 degrees Fahrenheit, even when the air at sea level is over 75 degrees. When the cold temperatures combine with moisture, the precipitation falls as snow instead of rain.
The moisture required for snowfall often comes from a weather system known as a Kona low, a type of low-pressure system. A Kona low shifts the typical northeast trade winds, causing warm, moist air from the tropical Pacific to approach the islands from the southwest. As this moisture-laden air is forced up the steep volcanic slopes, it cools rapidly, condenses, and precipitates, depositing snow at the highest peaks.
Rarity and Seasonal Occurrence
While the highest peaks receive snow almost every year, it is a rare event that only occurs a few times per season. The most likely time for snow is during the Hawaiian winter, spanning from December through March. This is when the air masses are coolest and the atmospheric conditions are most favorable for a Kona low to form.
The snowfalls are usually light, often amounting to a dusting, and melt quickly due to the high solar radiation at the summits. Mauna Kea receives more frequent snow and occasionally accumulates a few feet. The sight of a snow-capped volcano over the warm, green, tropical landscape offers a striking contrast unique to the Hawaiian islands.