Hawaii is a vacation spot unlike any other, drawing visitors from around the world for family vacations, honeymoon getaways, and groups of friends looking for nonstop fun. The island’s features include pristine beaches, magnificent peaks with sweeping views of the island, mouthwatering Hawaiian cuisine, and a laid-back atmosphere. Hawaii is a tropical haven and, for many people, a getaway from the frigid climate. But do you know it snows in Hawaii?
It Snows In Hawaii!
In Hawaii, it snows in locations that are more than 10,000 feet above sea level. The three tallest volcanic mountains in this state of sunshine are Haleakala, Mauna Loa, and Mauna Kea. While, Hualalai, Pu’u Kukui, and Kauno Kaleihoohie are some more places that have cold weather without snowfall.
A “Kona Low,” which is Polynesian for “leeward storm,” occurs in Hawaii, therefore, the wind direction in Hawaii will significantly alter. While Kona Lows may occur even in the summer, a 2017 study by the University of Hawaii’s International Pacific Research Centre showed that snowfall on the volcanic highlands may eventually disappear owing to climate change.
The high peaks of Haleakala, Mauna Loa, and Mauna Kea get the majority of the snowfall each year, which frequently causes their temperatures to fall below freezing during snowstorms. Snowfall occurs more frequently in Hawaii during the winter season, which lasts from December to February. Mauna Kea’s summit is occasionally known to receive a dusting of snow, even in Hawaii’s dry season, which lasts from May to October. The length of the snowfall could range from three to six days, depending on the intensity of the storm.
Also Read: Hawaii Wildfire: Lahaina’s Landmarks Like Centuries-Old Church, Banyan Tree & More In Ruins
It’s difficult to ignore a large temperature drop during the winter in the regions bordering Hawaii’s snow mountains. Even though the rest of Hawaii doesn’t get any snow, adjacent locations do. Hawaii is a tropical country in general, but you’d be astonished to learn that a few miles apart, one location can seem very cold while another is bearable.
Volcanic Mountains On The Island
Hawaii’s three volcanoes get snow but snow rarely falls below 9,000 feet, and it normally melts away a few days after a snowstorm.
1. Haleakala
Haleakala, which can be found on Maui Island, is 10,000 feet tall and last erupted 400 years ago. Visitors swarm to Haleakala, whose name translates to “house of the sun,” to see sunrises and sunsets. Haleakala receives less snow than Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea due to its position as the lowest of Hawaii’s three volcanic mountains. It does, however, have a trail leading up the mountain.
2. Mauna Loa
The biggest snow mountain in the world, as well as one in Hawaii, is Mauna Loa. The dome of the active volcano, whose name is literally translated as “Long Mountain,” is 75 miles long and 64 miles wide. It rises close to 13,600 feet above sea level. Early in 2021, there were rumours that the island that makes up about half of Hawaii’s area would be awakening following its last eruption in 1984.
3. Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea, the tallest but dormant summit of the three Hawaii snow mountains, occasionally gets covered in snow even in the height of summer. Locals frequently refer to it as “White Mountain,” and the fact that the temperature there is almost always below freezing makes it a favourite among professional skiers.
However, its peak is inhospitable and dominated by lava rock and alpine tundra.
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