From sandy beaches to snowy mountains, it seems like Hawaii now has it all! Due to the Big Island of Hawaii being in the path of an oncoming winter storm, the island received up to 2ft of snow at high attitudes. The rest of the island, experienced heavy thunderstorms and were under a flash flood watch. According to USA Today, “Despite the rain, temperatures will be typically mild throughout the rest of Hawaii, with a high near 80 degrees in Honolulu Sunday and Monday.”

 The island’s highest peaks, Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea are under a winter weather warning and the access roads have been closed until the storm has passed. However, this snowstorm is not unusual for the summits, as they are about 14,000 ft. Matt Foster, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service, stated that the peaks like Mauna Kea which means “white mountain” can receive snow five or six times during the winter.

 Snow is possible in this environment as the volcanos are “alpine ecosystems.” Yet usually they receive a dusting, not deep snow like this. “As long as we have deep enough clouds to support ice crystals, and when you have cold enough temperatures at the summit level, you can get snowfall,” said Foster.

Many locals went up to the summit with skis, sleds and snowboards to enjoy the rare occasion. Although Mauna Kea discourages skiing, due to no maintained ski area as well as reservation, it did not stop the locals. After hearing about the snow, Junior Sarah Perkalis stated, “That’s really weird! I wish I could go and see the snow in Hawaii. If I was in Hawaii when it snowed I would definitely go skiing instead of surfing!”

Out of a poll of 25 WMC students, 5 students agreed that it is possible for Hawaii to receive snow, leaving 20 to disagree. Many of the students after learning about Hawaii’s winter storm, recognized that Hawaii has more geographic features than just having picture perfect beaches and dense rainforests. The chain of islands contain 13 major peaks, reaching above 1,640 ft! Hawaii is so diverse in climates, as the islands contain 10 of the world’s 14 climate zones!

This occasion is not uncommon but worth a celebration! It looks like Hawaii was dreaming of a White Christmas!