Kona Low Phenomenon: Rare Snow Covers Hawaiian Mountaintops

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - In early January 2026, an unusual phenomenon blanketed the summits of Hawaii's Maunakea and Mauna Loa mountains in thick snow.

These two tallest volcanoes on the Big Island of Hawaii transformed into a stunning winter landscape, caused by a storm system known locally as a "Kona low."

This system developed over the Hawaiian Islands, causing a drastic drop in temperatures and bringing heavy rain for several days.

Although Hawaii is known as a tropical paradise, snow on its mountaintops is not entirely uncommon, but the amount and impact this time were quite significant.

The National Weather Service (NWS) even issued a winter weather warning for the region.

Hawaii snow ❄️❄️ As much as 10 inches of snow coated the peaks of Mauna Kea, Hawaii, on Monday. pic.twitter.com/obbYTxWVaw

— AccuWeather (@accuweather) January 6, 2026

The "Kona Low" storm is behind the extreme cold and snow blanketing the mountaintops in Hawaii.

It is a low-pressure system that forms near or over the Hawaiian Islands, typically during the colder months, brings a moist, unstable air mass from the south and southeast, countering the usual northeast trade winds.

As a result, temperatures drop significantly, and heavy rains persist for several days across the islands.

The combination of cold temperatures at high altitudes and the moisture brought by the Kona Low creates ideal conditions for snow formation on the very high mountaintops.

While there are no definitive official measurements, it is estimated that approximately 2 to 3 feet (about 60-90 cm) of snow has fallen on the summits of Maunakea and Mauna Loa.

This amount of snow is significant enough to drastically change the landscape.

In response to these extreme weather conditions, the National Weather Service (NWS) initially issued a winter storm warning for the summits of the Hawaiian Islands.

This warning was later downgraded to a winter weather advisory for elevations above 11,000 feet (approximately 3,350 meters) on Tuesday.

Due to hazardous snow and ice conditions, the summit road above the visitor center remains closed until further notice.

Although often considered a strange condition, snow on Hawaiian mountaintops is actually an annual phenomenon.

Snow most frequently falls on the summits of Maunakea and Mauna Loa on the Big Island of Hawaii, which rise nearly 14,000 feet (approximately 4,267 meters) above sea level.

The summit of Haleakala on Maui, at approximately 10,000 feet (approximately 3,048 meters), also occasionally receives snow, although not as frequently as Maunakea and Mauna Loa.

This phenomenon typically happens at least once a year, primarily from October to April, but it can occur at any time.

In contrast to conditions at the mountaintops, most of Hawaii experiences warm and pleasant weather in January.

The average daytime temperature is around 23°C (73°F), with highs reaching 26°C (79°F) during the hottest part of the day.

At night, temperatures drop slightly to around 20°C (68°F), so light layers may be necessary.

Average highs are around 79 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit in January, while lows average around 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

January falls within Hawaii's rainy season, which runs from October to March, so occasional showers are possible, especially on the eastern side of the island and at higher elevations.

However, rain showers are usually short-lived and often followed by bright sunshine.

The sea temperature in January is also quite warm and comfortable for swimming, ranging from 22-24°C (72-76°F).