Snow on the White Mountain: Skiing Mauna Kea
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Snow might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Hawai‘i—but up on the island's volcanic crown, it’s part of the winter rhythm. Mauna Kea, meaning “white mountain,” rises 13,796 feet above sea level on the Big Island. It's not only the tallest peak in Hawai‘i, but also one of the only places in the Pacific where snow skiing happens... naturally.
The First Ski Tracks: 1936
The story of skiing Mauna Kea begins in 1936, when Dudley Lewis and his son strapped on wooden skis and became the first recorded individuals to descend the mountain on snow. They hiked up without lifts, carved their turns into untouched powder, and skied down into the volcanic silence. Their pioneering effort became folklore, quietly inspiring generations to follow.
Summit Roads and Rise in Popularity
It wasn’t until the summit road was completed in 1964 that access to the snowfields of Mauna Kea became easier. What followed was a rise in recreational skiing interest—locals and visitors began venturing to the top during winter storms. With no chairlifts, ski patrol, or signage, it was an untamed experience. By the late 1960s, informal ski contests were being held at the summit, with word-of-mouth inviting adventurous skiers to participate in this uniquely Hawaiian tradition.
No Lifts, No Lodge, Just Aloha
There’s still no ski resort on Mauna Kea. The tradition remains fiercely grassroots. Skiers today drive to the summit, drop off gear (and often people), and meet again at the bottom of a run. It’s one of the few places in the world where snow meets lava rock and where you might ski in the morning and surf in the afternoon.
To explore pieces inspired by this rare and beautiful collision of climate and culture, visit our Mauna Kea Search Collection.
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