[ad_1] More Great Content: Introduction While most tourists view Hawaii as a destination characterized by sparkling sands and tropical temperatures, unconventional winter activities exist within the state. In fact, a visitor can take to the slopes rather than to the beach. Skiing and snowboarding opportunities are available within Hawaii on Mauna Kea. Although most do
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While most tourists view Hawaii as a destination characterized by sparkling sands and tropical temperatures, unconventional winter activities exist within the state. In fact, a visitor can take to the slopes rather than to the beach. Skiing and snowboarding opportunities are available within Hawaii on Mauna Kea. Although most do not venture to the mountain to ski, some have participated in this one-in-a-lifetime skiing opportunity in Hawaii. Discover the ins and outs of snowfall and winter activities in Hawaii.
The climate in Hawaii is humid and warm for most of the year, and Hawaii only experiences summer and winter seasons. While many might assume that temperatures in Hawaii are brutally hot, the state experiences a milder range of temperatures. For instance, summer temperatures, which prevail between the months of May and October, average in the high 70s. However, the temperature can reach up to 90ºF during this season. Nevertheless, Hawaii is not as hot as arid states within the United States, such as Arizona or New Mexico.
During the winter months, from November to April, Hawaii maintains a temperature average of around 70ºF. Although, the temperature can dip down into the high 50s during winter. Winter in Hawaii is characterized by heavy precipitation, as it is the rainy season. However, these average winter temperatures do not account for skiing in Hawaii, as 70ºF is too high for snowfall. Snowfall in Hawaii occurs mainly on Mauna Kea due to its elevation. In fact, Mauna Kea receives snowfall regularly, and it has recorded temperatures as low as 1.4ºF.
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Hawaii is famous for its many volcanoes, which many tourists visit yearly. Volcanoes in Hawaii formed due to the movement of tectonic plates along a hotspot. Most volcanoes within Hawaii are dormant, meaning that they will not erupt. However, a few volcanoes in the state are considered active. On occasion, these volcanoes will erupt and spill out lava. However, these eruptions rarely pose a threat to the residents of Hawaii.
The highest mountain points in Hawaii are Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. The two mountains stretch over 13,500 feet above sea level. Hawaii also includes unique topographic features like cliffs, caves, valleys, and craters. Many of these features developed due to precipitation, wind, and sea erosion. Rainfall contributes to erosion because Hawaii experiences a large amount of runoff. Overall, the movement of water and resulting erosion are the main sources of Hawaii’s topography.
Due to snowfall on Mauna Kea, skiing and snowboarding are activities available to tourists. The best time to visit Mauna Kea is between January and March. However, precipitation on the mountain is difficult to predict, so a visitor might be disappointed to find very little snowfall on the slopes. Nevertheless, the views atop Mauna Kea and the surrounding topographic features are always impressive. If little snowfall is available for skiing, a tourist can always rely on Hawaii’s natural beauty to fulfill their desire for the outdoors.
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Reaching the summit of Mauna Kea is no easy feat, though. There are no ski lifts, nor are there resorts on the mountain. Therefore, skiers must take a car or other vehicle with four-wheel drive to reach the top. Tourists should also bring their own ski gear because ski supplies cannot be rented on the mountain. Furthermore, volcanic activity can disrupt a ski run. It is possible that snow will turn to lava during the trek down the mountain, so a skier should bring older equipment that they won’t mind damaging.
Weather and climate atop Mauna Kea can be dangerous, so it is crucial to take necessary precautions before making the trip. Altitude sickness can plague a skier that reaches the summit. Furthermore, harsh sun rays can blind or sunburn a skier that does not take protective measures. The wind chill on Mauna Kea is extreme, cutting through clothing layers. Before making the journey, a visitor should always check the forecast for Mauna Kea, according to the Hawaii Institute for Astronomy. This way, a tourist will not experience the dangers of harsh weather conditions when visiting the mountain.
Most importantly, a visitor should treat Mauna Kea with the utmost respect. The mountain holds great significance to the Hawaiian people. For instance, the summit of Mauna Kea is believed to be the temple of the Supreme Being. Other traditional Hawaiian gods also reside on Mauna Kea, and it is the meeting place for the deity of the sky and the earth. Overall, the mountain is a location for religious ceremonies and serves as a sacred place for the Hawaiian community. Therefore, a skier should recognize the importance of Mauna Kea to Hawaiian culture and respect its natural beauty.
While skiing is an unconventional way to spend time in Hawaii, other attractions showcase Hawaii’s beauty. In fact, several tourism opportunities in Hawaii include activities like snorkelling or whale watching. No matter what a visitor is looking for, they will likely find it in this top-rated destination. Below describe some popular and exciting activities to do while visiting Hawaii.
With Airborne Aviation Tours, visitors can take to the skies in a helicopter that surveys amazing sights within Hawaii. Participants must be at least 10 years of age to fly, and the average price lies around $325 per person for the flight. The flight will last 50 minutes, and participants can see stunning natural scenery like waterfalls, cliffs, mountains, valleys, and more. Below is a list of the specific locations a tourist will see on this flight.
Several whale-watching opportunities exist in Hawaii. Sea Maui on Ka’anapali beach offers whale watching for all ages at a reasonable price of less than $90 per person. Tourists can see whales from the ocean and enjoy unlimited drinks from an open bar. The trip lasts approximately two hours, and tourists will see a variety of other sea creatures, too.
Another whale-watching experience from Makai Adventures allows small group tours of up to 20 guests. All ages are welcome, and the average rate is less than $90 per person. After departure, tourists will see humpback whales and can ask questions to knowledgeable staff and guides onboard. The trip lasts two hours, and guests are encouraged to bring cameras to snap pictures of beautiful whales.
Tourists will see incredible natural sights on this helicopter journey, including volcanoes. Safari Helicopters offers a 55-minute journey for a little over $300 per person. Participants must be at least two years old to fly. The helicopter will fly over forests, orchid farms, and, most importantly, volcanoes with gushing lava in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Furthermore, this helicopter company is the longest-running on the island, meaning participants can be at ease with safety and pilot experience.
Charter Oahu offers snorkeling in Hawaiian waters for $85 per person. Participants must be between the ages of 3 and 70, and the maximum number of participants within a small group is 20. Tourists will see incredible sea creatures like angelfish and sea turtles. Furthermore, beautiful corals will be visible underwater. Snacks and drinks are available to tourists, but the boat maintains a BYOB policy for alcoholic beverages. Snorkeling gear is included in the journey, and certified staff remain close by for questions or safety concerns.
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