Does It Ever Snow in Hawaii? (Where, When, & How Often)

1. Yes, it does snow in Hawaii.

Yes, it does snow in Hawaii, although it is a rare occurrence. Snowfall is more common in the state’s higher elevations, such as on the peaks of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on Big Island or Haleakala in Maui. Snowing, skiing, and snowboarding are possible in these areas and it is possible to drive from cold, snowy weather to a hot beach minutes later. Snow is primarily on top of the Big Island’s three volcanic mountains and other areas experience small amounts of snow. The chances of snowfall depend on the winter weather conditions and can vary greatly from one year to the next.

 

2. It only snows very rarely in Hawaii.

Snow in Hawaii is quite rare and can vary greatly from one year to the next. The best chances for snowfall occur on the highest peaks of Maui and the Big Island between December and February, but it typically only happens every few years. In 2008, snow fell on Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, two of Hawaii’s tallest volcanoes, but this is an uncommon occurrence. There was also snowfall on the mountains during the winter of 2022-2023.

3. The last time it snowed in Hawaii was in 2022.

The last time it snowed in Hawaii was in December 2016, when Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, two of Hawaii’s tallest volcanoes, had snowfall. This was the second highest recorded snowfall ever in Hawaii and was the only snowfall below the 13,000-foot level on record. In January and February of 2023, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa both had over a foot of snow, and Haleakala, on Maui, had snowfall in December of 2022, though it didn’t last longer than a day or two. Hawaii’s three snow mountains also had their second-biggest snow covering since the monitoring started in 2000 in January 2021. Although snow in Hawaii is not common, it has been recorded on the highest peaks in Hawaii on Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii.

4. It doesn’t often get cold enough for snow to fall.

No, it is not common for it to snow in Hawaii. While other locations in the US may experience regular snowfall during the winter season, Hawaii is generally a tropical travel destination and temperatures rarely drop below 32°F at sea level. However, areas near Hawaii’s snow mountains can experience a significant drop in temperature (below 64°F) and experience a cold downdraft. Additionally, some areas around the Great Lakes, Pacific Northwest, and Upper Midwest experienced above-average snowfall last month.

5. The only place in Hawaii that it snows is on top of Mauna Kea.

Yes, it does snow in Hawaii, albeit rarely. Snow usually only falls on the highest peaks of Maui and the Big Island, such as Haleakala, Mauna Loa, and Mauna Kea. Mauna Kea, the tallest mountain in Hawaii, is the best place to see snow with an average of 30 inches of snow each year. Snow on Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, also on the Big Island, can occur during the winter months and sometimes even in the dry season and summer. Haleakala on Maui also receives snow but the least of the three volcanoes.

6. The snow in Hawaii is usually only a few inches deep.

The snow in Hawaii typically does not exceed more than a few inches, although there have been occasions where it has been measured to be more than a foot deep. Snowfall in Hawaii is rare and occurs only in the highest elevations, usually between December and February. Snow is found on the tops of Haleakala, Mauna Loa, and Mauna Kea, Hawaii’s three volcanic mountains, which reach elevations of 10,000 feet or higher.

7. The best time of year to see snow in Hawaii is in the winter.

The best time of year to see snow in Hawaii is from December to February. This is during the winter season in Hawaii, when temperatures drop and precipitation levels increase. Snow is most likely to fall on the highest peaks of Maui and the Big Island during this time. Snowfall on other parts of Hawaii, like Koolau Gap, is rare, but can happen during the winter months. Skiing and snowboarding are possible on Mauna Kea, although it is best suited for experienced extreme skiers and snowboarders due to hazardous conditions.

8. It doesn’t snow very often in the rest of the United States, either.

The frequency of snowfall in the rest of the United States varies depending on the winter weather conditions. November 2021 saw a majority of the country with below average snowfall, with the only exceptions being around the Great Lakes, Pacific Northwest, and Upper Midwest. This weekend, a moderate snowstorm is expected to move across the Midwest, bringing with it the potential for snowfall of greater than 5 inches across the northern half of North Dakota. In the Northeast, cold blustery northwest winds will bring the possibility of lake effect snow showers throughout the weekend. Snow in Hawaii is rare, but it can happen anywhere from once every few years to a few times per winter season.

9. If you want to see snow in Hawaii, you should book a trip soon.

If you want to see snow in Hawaii, you should book a trip soon. Snow is rare in Hawaii, with most of the snowfall occurring on the three volcanic mountains of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and Haleakala on the Big Island and Maui. The best chances for snowfall occur on these peaks between December and February, so if you want to experience the magic of snow in Hawaii, you should plan your trip accordingly. Even if you don’t see any snow, visiting these volcanoes is still an incredible experience, offering breathtaking views and unforgettable memories. Booking a trip soon is the best way to explore this unique and beautiful part of the world while also having the chance to experience snow.

10. Check out our favorite places to see snow in Hawaii.

If you’re looking to experience some winter weather while in Hawaii, there are a few places you can go to see snow. The peak of Mauna Kea is the most popular destination, as it receives an average of 30 inches of snow each year and the temperatures can drop below freezing. The other two places where you can expect to find snow are Mauna Loa and Haleakala National Park, both of which reach elevations of 10,000 feet or higher. While you’re at Haleakala National Park, you can also explore the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which is home to two volcanoes and covers 523 square miles. You can also give back to the community by participating in the Stewardship at the Summit volunteer program.

Where and When Does it Snow in Hawaii?

Snow in Hawaii is a rare event and can occur anywhere from once every few years to a few times per winter season. The best chances for snowfall occur on the highest peaks of Maui and the Big Island, including Haleakala, Mauna Loa, and Mauna Kea, between December and February. Other places on the islands can get cold but rarely receive snowfall, such as Hualalai, Pu’u Kukui, and Kaunu o Kaleihoohie.

How Often Does it Snow in Hawaii?

It snow in Hawaii is rare, but it does occur anywhere from once every few years to a few times per winter season. The best chances for snowfall generally occur on the highest peaks of Maui and the Big Island between December and February. During an average winter season, the three mountains in Hawaii that accumulate snow typically see the white stuff 1 to 3 times. Snow usually only lingers on the peaks for 3 to 6 days, depending on the strength of the snowstorm.