7 Places in Hawaii Where You Can Actually See Snow

Think Hawaii is all sunshine and surf? Think again. During winter, the islands’ tallest peaks catch snow—sometimes enough to ski on. While it’s rare and fleeting, these chilly spots offer a surreal contrast to the islands’ warm beaches. Here’s where to head if you’re hoping to spot snow in paradise.
Mauna Kea, Big Island

Don’t be fooled by the palm trees—Mauna Kea regularly gets snow in winter. Towering nearly 14,000 feet, it’s Hawaii’s highest point and coldest. When conditions align, the summit becomes a snow-capped marvel. While private vehicles aren’t allowed at the top, guided astronomy or sunrise tours may take you there. Seeing snow framed by lava and sky is a surreal experience that flips the script on what Hawaii looks like in your imagination.
Mauna Loa, Big Island

Mauna Loa, the largest volcano on Earth, also gets dusted with snow in the colder months. While harder to access than Mauna Kea, snow here is visible from miles away and occasionally falls deep enough for winter trekking. It’s not a ski destination, but for photographers or geology lovers, the sight of icy slopes on a massive volcano in the middle of the Pacific is pure visual contradiction—and absolutely worth a winter visit.
Poliʻahu, the Snow Goddess

At over 10,000 feet, Haleakalā occasionally receives snow or frost at the summit during winter. While not as common as on the Big Island, flurries have been recorded—especially during January and February. If you’re planning a sunrise visit, wear layers. The air is thin, cold, and still, and a dusting of frost on the crater floor transforms the whole landscape into something out of another world—just for a moment.
Haleakalā, Maui

At over 10,000 feet, Haleakalā occasionally receives snow or frost at the summit during winter. While not as common as on the Big Island, flurries have been recorded—especially during January and February. If you’re planning a sunrise visit, wear layers. The air is thin, cold, and still, and a dusting of frost on the crater floor transforms the whole landscape into something out of another world—just for a moment.
Puʻu Waʻawaʻa Forest Reserve

Hawaiian mythology explains the Big Island’s snowfall through the story of Poliʻahu, the snow goddess who resides atop Mauna Kea. Legend says she battles fire goddess Pele, covering the summit in snow. While not a physical location, understanding Poliʻahu gives cultural depth to your visit. Seeing the snow after learning her story adds meaning beyond weather—this is a sacred peak where myth meets meteorology.
Saddle Road Scenic Drive

Saddle Road (Route 200) cuts between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, offering stunning winter views of snow-capped peaks—without the need to hike or climb. In the cooler months, especially December through February, a sunrise drive reveals snowy slopes under glowing skies. Pull over safely and you’ll get one of Hawaii’s most unexpected sights: a frigid, white contrast to the tropical coast just an hour away.
On a Flight Over the Big Island

If you’re flying inter-island during winter, grab a window seat. On clear days, you might spot Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa shimmering with snow from above the clouds. It’s one of the most surprising aerial views in the Pacific—snow in the tropics, flanked by ocean and lava fields. The contrast is surreal, and pilots sometimes call out the view for passengers. No need to land to enjoy this unexpected Hawaiian highlight.