Archive · 7 Jan 2026
Snow Covers Hawaii's Maunakea and Mauna Loa
Snow covered the tops of Maunakea and Mauna Loa in Hawaii.
This happened because of a special kind of storm called a Kona Low.
Normally, Hawaii has warm weather, but this storm brought cold air and lots of rain.
At the very high parts of the mountains, it was so cold that snow fell.
The snow is about 2 to 3 feet deep.
The roads to the tops of the mountains are closed because of the snow and ice.
The storm is called a Kona Low because it brings winds from the south, which is different from the usual winds in Hawaii.
These storms can last a long time and cause a lot of rain and strong winds.
Snow and ice blanketed the summits of Maunakea and Mauna Loa in Hawaii due to a Kona Low storm system.
The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for elevations above 11,000 feet.
Estimated snowfall was 2 to 3 feet, with no official measurements taken.
The road to the summit remains closed due to hazardous conditions.
Kona Low storms bring heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, and cooler temperatures, unlike typical trade-wind weather in Hawaii.
- Who
- National Weather Service, Will Ahue (meteorologist)
- What
- Snowfall and icy conditions due to a Kona Low storm system
- When
- Winter weather advisory issued on Tuesday
- Where
- Summits of Maunakea and Mauna Loa, Hawaiian Islands
- Why
- Kona Low storm system brought heavy rain, strong winds, and cooler temperatures, leading to snow at high elevations
- Location
- Hawaiian Islands, specifically Maunakea and Mauna Loa
- Cause
- Kona Low storm system
- Affected Elevations
- Above 11,000 feet
- Snowfall Estimate
- 2 to 3 feet
- Road Closure
- Road beyond the visitor center to the summit is closed