Hilo, Hawaii – Travel to the highest elevations of the Big Island is becoming impossible as heavy snowfall continues to pile up on Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, creating rare but dangerous winter conditions through Monday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for Big Island summits above 11,000 feet until 6 p.m. HST Monday. Storm total snow accumulations between 10 and 16 inches are expected as periods of heavy snow continue under an upper-level disturbance drawing in deep moisture.
Conditions at the summits have already deteriorated, with snow-covered roads, sharply reduced visibility, and rapidly changing conditions making travel extremely hazardous. Access roads to Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa are likely impassable at times, and any remaining exposure at higher elevations poses serious risk for motorists and hikers.
Officials strongly urge residents and visitors to avoid all travel to summit areas until the warning expires. Even experienced four-wheel-drive vehicles may become stranded due to drifting snow and limited visibility.
Snowfall gradually eases Monday evening, but icy conditions may persist beyond the warning period. Authorities caution that additional advisories could be issued if snowfall lingers longer than expected or if access roads remain unsafe.
