Hawaii is known as a tropical paradise. Lesser know is that Hawaii island (Big Island) has four out of the five major climate zones in the world, and eight out of 13 of the sub-zones. During winter months, the summit of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea will have freezing temperatures. — and it snows. It snows in Hawaii. When it does, I grab my snowboard and head up the volcano for an epic time.
Mauna Kea stands 13,803 ft above sea level. From its oceanic base, its height is 33,100 feet — more than twice Mount Everest’s base-to-peak height. The neighboring volcano, Mauna Loa, also gets dusted with powder a few times a year.
While it does snow here enough to ski or board a few times a year, it’s difficult planning a trip specifically to ride; the old volcano is too unpredictable. Snow comes and goes within a week, and it’s not the best powder on the planet.
Fortunately, it’s possible to drive to the summit where astronomy observatories crowd the volcano’s peak. From there you strap on your board and throw yourself down the mountain hoping you don’t crack your head open on some hidden lava rock. To get back to the summit, you either hitch a ride or hike. There are no lifts or dedicated runs. It’s a backcountry adventure where the altitude makes you want to puke most of the time. Hiking takes forever with every step feeling as if you have lead in your boots. I recommend being provisioned with a flask of Jameson.
Big Island is an amazing place. It’s sure-as-shit a fun time snowboarding all day, then getting an evening surf session in at Honoli’i in Hilo town. Anywhere you can snowboard and surf in the same hour is alright in my book.
For more from Mike Caputo, visit AlohaBigMike.com, and be sure to follow him on Instagram and Flickr.
