Rain, Wind, and Feet of Snow Targeting Parts of Hawaii

Most people do not associate blizzard conditions with the Hawaiian islands. But that is exactly what is developing this week in one part of the Aloha State. Here is a look at the wintry weather coming together on the Big Island as well as what the rest of the tropical paradise should expect out of this unsettled pattern.

Two Feet of Snow in the Forecast for Hawaiian Summit

It is going to be anything but warm and sunny for a part of the Big Island. The peaks of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa are bracing for snowfall of up to 2 feet thanks to a powerful storm that is pushing to the north of the islands. This storm will deliver a cold front across the region, triggering widespread rain, thunderstorm activity, high winds, and snow for the highest elevations through the end of the week.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter storm warning for the island peaks. The warning is predicting snowfall accumulations of 12 to 24 inches. Wind gusts of up to 85 mph will create blizzard conditions during the peak of the storm.

The pair of volcanic mountains rise over 13,500 feet in the air, making them susceptible to snow and powerful winds this time of the year. For instance, webcams located on top of Mauna Kea have recorded accumulating snow this season on October 28, November 6, and January 13. While the mountains are no stranger to snow accumulation, an all-out blizzard is a rare occasion.

Heading down to the lower elevations of the Big Island, places such as Hilo will see the mass amounts of moisture fall as rain. Hilo is forecast to see a steady rain to start the day Friday with thunderstorms potentially erupting in the afternoon. Highs will reach the upper 70s before falling to about the 70-degree mark. The silver lining for Friday is that the winds are expected to die down when compared to what the city saw on Thursday.

What About the Rest of the Islands?

Although the snow will remain relegated to the top peaks of the Big Island, the rest of the state will not escape the impacts of this weather maker. The NWS also issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Kauai. This is the first advisory of its kind to be issued for this island since April 12, 2024.

The community of Kapaa on Kauai saw widespread storm activity late Thursday, ushering in heavy rainfall. After a brief break on Friday morning, the moisture machine will pick up again in the afternoon hours. The Friday forecast is calling for a high of about 78 degrees, an overnight low of 60 degrees, and winds out of the northwest at 10 to 15 mph.

Meteorologists are warning that Oahu will also see significant impacts from this system. The merger of cool air to the north and warm and moisture-rich tropical air will fuel the development of thunderstorms that could turn severe. High winds with gusts of 30 to 40 mph are also in the forecast. There is also the chance of waterspouts coming to life.

The worst of the conditions hit Oahu late Thursday. Parts of the island saw 1 to 2 inches of rainfall, disrupting outdoor plans for tourists and residents. Friday will bring clearer weather, however, the breezy conditions will remain.

After dodging severe storms on Thursday, the popular resort area of Kaanapali on the island of Maui is forecast to see more rain on Friday. While the heavy rain and thunderstorms will likely wrap up by the latter part of the day, the showers will linger through the evening and overnight hours. Highs will hover in the upper 70s with winds clocking in at 15 to 25 mph from the southwest. Overnight lows will drop to about the 70-degree mark.

On the southern side of Maui, the town of Wailea will also see meaningful moisture on Friday with rainfall of about a half of an inch in the forecast. The showers will persist into the overnight hours before the sun comes out again on Saturday. Friday's highs will remain stable, hitting about 78 degrees before sliding to 70 degrees after the sun goes down. Winds will continue to be an issue on Friday, coming from the south-southwest at 15 to 25 mph.

The beginning of February will bring a calmer period to the islands with drier conditions and seasonable temperatures. This long-range forecast is good news for vacationers hoping to escape the cold temperatures and wintry precipitation on the mainland.

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