Guest Author - Joe Collvins

When you think of Hawaii, you think of palm trees, sparkling beaches, coral reefs and hula girls. I am going to give you something new to think about Hawaii: Skiing! Yes, you can snow ski and snowboard in Hawaii! Mauna Kea (Hawaiian for "white mountain") is 13,796 feet high, and sometimes in the winter it gets snow and you might get the chance to ski. Then you can relax on the beach the same day in your swinsuit! The best of both worlds, but you need to know some things before skiing Hawaii.

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 Guides Hawai'i (885-4188) acts as a guide and will take small groups to the top of Mauna Kea where there are a dozen or so observatories. Call them when you arrive to see if skiing is available because the snow comes and goes and the company may be hard to get in touch with. If you would rather go it alone, you can take a 4WD to the observatory area where everyone but the driver can ski down , while the driver takes the vehicle to the bottom to act as a ski lift and bring everyone back up, most people take turns being the driver.

Runs are fairly short from the summit to the road and can be quite steep but if there is enough snow, longer runs are available. Keep in mind that the snow on the runs can end suddenly and the ground underneath is hard lava rock and cinder. The air is very thin and most people experience some altitude sickness. Snow conditions can be very unpredictable and lava rock very dangerous but if you're in shape and the snow is there and everything else falls into place, Mauna Kea is the place to go for roughing it on a sort of "ski safari".

Keep in mind that Mauna Kea is sacred to some Hawaiian people. Even if it weren't, you should treat the area with respect. Ski Safe, Play Safe, Stay, Safe!