naahhhh.... There isn't any snow in Hawai`i....
Well sports fans - In January (if the snow gods deem us worthy) THERE IS!

NEWS FLASH

Snow-sports types are advised to check the info-line at 808-974-4203 before heading up and be sure to check the summit-cams (see below) for snow cover, which typically requires appx 12" in one storm to make for adequate coverage (length of runs)

We will bring reports of conditions to this page as soon as snow depths increase and will be organizing an expedition ASAP.........

We even have a ski club, The Ski Association of Hawai`i and there are a number of shops that cater to skiing and cold weather gear. But the best bet is to bring yer own.......

The most important factor for skiing, here in the tropics, is the arrival of the major winter storm systems that holo holo on down from the North Pacific and if you can schedule a vacation at a moments notice, watch The Weather

Mauna Kea ("White Mountain") is an extinct volcano on the island of Hawai`i, the Big Island, the southernmost island in the State of Hawai`i. It is located about 200 miles from Honolulu (about 1/2 hour by air). The "Top Of The Pacific" and the highest island-mountain in the world, Mauna Kea rises 9,750 m (32,000 ft) from the ocean floor to an altitude of 13,796 feet above sea level, which places its summit above 40 percent of the Earth's atmosphere.

Which means - If walking up a flight of stairs makes you wheeze - don't even think of trying to ski up here!

The weather at the Mauna Kea summit can be severe, especially during the winter months, when heavy storms commonly deposit several feet of snow. Minimum nighttime winter temperatures at the summit are around -4 degrees Celsius (25 degrees Fahrenheit); maximum daytime temperatures are about +4 degrees Celsius (40 degrees Fahrenheit), but wind chill and the high altitude can make it seem much colder.

Some Basic Stuff

Bring yer own stuff - no rental shops

Arrive in Hilo - unless you want to drive an extra 2 hours (fly to Kona)

Rent a Jeep (not a car) at the airport and no ragtops! (unless yer the "fresh air" type)

Don't tell them where you are going (and don't walk up to the counter with skis)

Stay Tuned to this site for Lektrode's Mauna Kea Primer