Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano on the Island of Hawaiʻi, is the highest point in the entire state, rising to an elevation of 13,803 feet above sea level. This height creates a climatic paradox where a tropical island hosts an alpine environment. The peak receives snow, a fact acknowledged in its traditional name, “Mauna Kea,” which translates to “White Mountain.” This volcanic giant regularly transforms into a snow-capped peak, offering a momentary alpine landscape near warm, palm-fringed beaches. The snow is a consequence of unique geographical and atmospheric conditions that overcome the typical year-round warmth of the Hawaiian Islands.
Seasonal Snowfall and Frequency
Snowfall is an annual occurrence on the summit of Mauna Kea, typically arriving in late fall and persisting intermittently through early spring. The heaviest snow events take place during the winter months, from December through February, when storm systems are strongest. While the mountain receives snow almost every year, total accumulation is light compared to mainland ranges; the annual average snowfall is estimated at around 7.41 inches.
The snow often falls as a light dusting, but occasional major winter storms can blanket the summit with significant accumulation, sometimes exceeding two feet in a single event. The duration is usually short-lived, often melting within a few days due to the strong tropical sun. The cycle of melting and refreezing, coupled with high winds, can create a hard, icy crust on the summit. The seasonal presence of a white cap remains a predictable characteristic of Mauna Kea.
The Mechanism of Snow in the Tropics
Snow at this low latitude is entirely a function of Mauna Kea’s extreme elevation, just under 14,000 feet. The mechanism is adiabatic cooling, which dictates that air temperature decreases as air rises and expands. For every 1,000 feet of elevation gained, the temperature of unsaturated air drops by approximately 5.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
This atmospheric lapse rate results in a temperature difference of nearly 50 degrees Fahrenheit between the warm beaches at sea level and the summit. Even when air at the base is warm, the summit is cold enough to sustain freezing temperatures, particularly during winter cold fronts or at night. The mountain’s height places its peak above more than 40 percent of the Earth’s atmosphere. This position above much of the atmospheric moisture and heat allows for the necessary conditions—low pressure and cold air—to convert precipitation into snow rather than rain.
The Mountain’s Unique Profile
Beyond its winter weather, Mauna Kea is one of the most revered sites in Native Hawaiian culture. It is often referred to as a piko, or sacred umbilical cord, connecting the people to the heavens. It is considered the realm of the gods, particularly Poliʻahu, the goddess of snow.
The high altitude that facilitates snowfall also creates a unique environment for scientific endeavor. Mauna Kea is home to one of the world’s premier sites for astronomical observation. The elevation, combined with extremely dry air, stable airflow, and a lack of light pollution, provides unparalleled clarity for viewing the universe. This combination of physical properties makes the summit a world-class platform for deep space research.