Mauna Kea, Hawaii’s tallest peak, experienced snowfall this week, transforming the mountaintop into a winter wonderland with about 2 inches (5 centimeters) of white powder. While Hawaii is typically known for its warm weather and beaches, snowfall at higher elevations on Mauna Kea is not uncommon during the wetter, winter months.
Due to its elevation of 13,803 feet (4,207 meters) above sea level, temperatures at the summit can drop below freezing year-round, creating conditions for snowfall at any time. This week, a combination of cold temperatures and moisture from the east resulted in the snowfall, according to Maureen Ballard, a senior meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Honolulu.
Webcams captured the snowy landscape at sunrise on Monday, but the snow had melted within two days. Mauna Kea’s summit, a sacred site for Native Hawaiians, is also renowned for its limited light pollution and dry atmosphere, making it an ideal location for stargazing. The mountain is home to several telescopes that have contributed to groundbreaking astronomical discoveries.
By Audrey McAvoy
