CMS Rangers
Maunakea Rangers from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Center for Maunakea Stewardship (
CMS) are urging the public to exercise caution after an isolated severe thunderstorm dumped snow and ¼-inch sized hail over the 9,000-foot mid-level section of the mauna on Saturday, May 22. According to forecasters at the Mauna Kea Weather Center, it is rare for widespread snow to reach the mid-level area of the mountain and for the summit to remain bare.
Mid-section hammered, mountain’s summit remained calm. Photo credit:
CMS Rangers
The area, known as Halepōhaku, is a facility frequented by those visiting Maunakea. No damage or injuries were reported but the rangers want to remind visitors that dangerous wintry weather can break out with little warning at any time.