The National Weather Service office on Oahu in Honolulu, Hawaii has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for portions of the Big Island of Hawaii for today through 6 pm this evening. While snow may mix with rain at times, snow accumulations of around 4″ or possibly more are possible on portions of Hawaii Island.
While most people don’t associate the tropical paradise Hawaii is known for with snow, they’re surprised to learn that it does snow in the winter due to the elevation of the volcanic peaks on Hawaii and Maui islands. Mauna Kea is the highest of the bunch at 13,803 feet. Maui’s Haleakala is much lower at 10,023 feet. Because of that difference, Hawaii Island will see snow more frequently than the lower Maui Island. Just one storm in January 2020 dropped 2-3 feet of snow on Hawaii Island and created snow drifts that were far deeper. Another storm in January 2021 brought snowboarders and skiers out to the mountain by the dozens.  And while snow during the winter months is most common, due to the high altitude of the state’s highest peaks, snow is possible in any month of the year.
A disturbance moving through the state is responsible for the snow. According to the National Weather Service, an upper level low southwest of the islands will pull moisture over the eastern half of the state through the day. This feature, along with a developing surface trough, will bring an increased chance of heavier showers Tuesday night through Wednesday, especially for windward portions of Maui and the Big Island. As the moisture encounters the higher terrain of the Big Island where there’s ample cold air, snow will fall instead of rain although rain may mix in from time to time.
“Plan on slippery road conditions,” the National Weather Service cautions, adding that a “winter weather advisory means that periods of snow, sleet, or freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibilities and use caution while driving.”
For the safety of drivers, there really aren’t any places open where people can ride through the wintry conditions. The Rangers at Mauna Kea closed the road, stating, “The Mauna Kea Access Road is closed to the public at the Visitor Information Station at an elevation of 9,200 feet due to icy roads, fog, high humidity, freezing temperatures, and rain. A light layer of snow covers the summit area with more to follow.” Rangers will check on the summit road and weather conditions again later today and/or tomorrow and will reopen the road when conditions are safe.
