Hawaii is a global symbol of tropical warmth, but the islands are home to towering volcanic peaks that regularly receive seasonal snow. The most recent documented snowfall occurred on the Big Island in late 2024.
Where Does Snow Fall in Hawaii?
Snowfall in Hawaii is almost exclusively confined to the highest volcanic summits due to the necessary combination of moisture and freezing temperatures. These conditions are met primarily on the Big Island’s two massive volcanoes, Mauna Kea (13,803 feet) and Mauna Loa, and occasionally on Maui’s Haleakala. High elevation is the most important factor, pushing the summits above the warm, tropical air mass.
Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa are the most frequent recipients of wintry precipitation. Snow typically begins to fall above 10,000 feet, where the air temperature consistently drops below freezing during storm events. Snowfall on these two mountains is an annual occurrence, generally during the winter wet season from October through April.
Haleakala on Maui, which stands at 10,023 feet, is just barely high enough to receive snow. Snowfall there is a less frequent event, happening only when particularly cold and strong storm systems pass over the islands. The snow on these peaks often melts quickly, but significant winter storms can leave a blanket of white that lasts for several days.
The Most Recent Documented Snow Event
The most recent reported snowfall event occurred on the Big Island on October 27, 2024, accumulating on the summits of both Maunakea and Mauna Loa. This early-season event was brought on by a moisture-rich low-pressure system that swept across the Hawaiian Islands. The combination of a cold air mass and abundant moisture led to snow formation at the highest elevations.
The snowfall was significant enough to cause disruptions, temporarily closing the Maunakea summit road due to icy conditions and reduced visibility. Early reports indicated the summit received nearly two inches of fresh powder. The accumulation, though relatively light, dusted the ground and the astronomical observatories atop Maunakea. The National Weather Service canceled winter weather advisories soon after the storm as drier air moved in and the snow began to diminish.
The Rarity of Snow at Lower Elevations
While snow is a regular feature on the highest mountains, the phenomenon is nearly unheard of at the elevations where most people live. Snow rarely falls below 9,000 feet, and it is entirely absent in the major residential areas and along the coastlines due to warm, constant temperatures.
When reports of “snow” emerge from lower elevations, the precipitation is often not true snowflakes but rather heavier forms such as hail or graupel (soft ice pellets). These forms of frozen precipitation can occur at lower altitudes during intense thunderstorms but melt almost immediately upon hitting the ground.
A notable exception occurred in February 2019, when a historic storm brought snow down to an estimated 6,200 feet on Maui. This event, which blanketed Polipoli State Park, was cited as potentially the lowest-elevation snowfall ever recorded in the state. This extreme anomaly highlights how rare it is for snow to reach elevations far below the state’s highest volcanic peaks.