big island | skiing

Mauna Kea (Hawaiian for 'white mountain') is a 13,796' (4205 meter) volcanic mountain whose summit sometimes gets a skiable/boardable mantle of snow. There are no lifts, no grooming, no resort, but a road goes to the summit to serve the dozen or so world class observatories located at the summit. You must have a 4-wheel drive vehicle to get to the summit, which serves as your "lift." Basically, skiers take turns being the driver, who picks up the other skiers at the bottom of the runs and ferries them up to the summit. Conditions at the top are extremely variable. Winter temperatures range from 25 to 40 degrees F (-4 to 4 C), but wind chill and the high altitude can make it seem much colder. Between April and November the weather is milder, with daytime temperatures varying from 30 to 60 degrees F (0 to 15 C).

The name is Mauna Kea or White Mountain, from its undersea base of -19,000 feet to the wind-swept peaks of 13,796 feet, it's the world's highest mountain! It offers some of the world's highest skiing.This massive extinct volcano is blessed with the finest snow in the world, opening almost 100 square miles of ski able terrain. At this latitude the conditions are spring like; the snow is sugar corn. We call it 'Pineapple Powder'.

Skiing Hawaii is not for the timid spirit or for anyone who is not in good physical condition. This is skiing in the wilderness, so to speak. There are no lifts, no grooming, and no resorts but a 4WD is your ski lift. Winter conditions at the top are constantly changing with temperatures from 25 to 40 degrees F (-4 to 4 C), but the wind chill and altitude make it seem much colder. The weather is milder from April to Novemeber ranging from 30 to 60 degrees F (0 to 15 C). Forget about skiing if the wind is blowing too hard. The wind chill will be too cold, it will be too dangerous and the road will probably be closed.

Ski Hawaii - join our snow skiing and snowboarding club for skiing, snowblading, and snowboarding any place there's snow; even in Hawai`i ! View the Site

Ski Guides Hawaii - Ski Guides Hawaii give more kick to the glide! An exclusive, one of Da-Kind Ski Experiences. You'll never forget the backside, hidden places on the mountain, spectacular vistas and miles of wide-open expansive skiing. Mauna Kea VIP luncheon and Mountain Ski Services & Equipment all inclusive. All tours include 4-by-4 'ski gondola' with driver, WEC Certified Ski Guide. Ski Rentals $50 per day for Skis, Boots & Poles ($100 cash Deposit) Snowboard Rentals $50 per day for Snowboard & Boots ($100 cash Deposit). Ski Specials Prices Available Upon Request. View the Site

Mauna Kea Weather Center - Summit temperature will be near 1 C tonight and 0.5 C tomorrow morning. Precipitable water will range between 4 and 8 mm. Winds will be North/Northwesterlies at 5 to 15 mph with shear at 50 to 70 mph. You Tube Video - Ski the Volcano! View the Site

You Tube Video - Greg and Scott carving some turns in Hawaii on some fresh pineapple powder View the Site