Has It Ever Snowed on Oahu? No—And Here's Why

Short answer: No. There is no recorded instance of snow falling at sea level on Oahu in modern meteorological history.

Why Not?

• Tropical latitude: Oahu sits at 21°N—well outside any snow-producing climate zone
• Sea-level temps: Average lows ~68°F (20°C) in winter; record low ~52°F (11°C)
• Warm ocean: Surrounding waters (75–80°F) moderate temperatures year-round
• No elevation: Highest point (Ka'ala) is 4,025 ft—too low for snow in the tropics

What About Hawaii's Other Islands?

Yes, it snows—on Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa (Big Island), and Haleakalā (Maui). These volcanoes exceed 13,000 ft. Snow occurs annually above ~11,000 ft, mostly Dec–Mar. Skiing happens (no lifts, backcountry only).

Confusion Sources

• Hail/graupel during intense thunderstorms (rare but happens) — sometimes mistaken for snow
• Viral photos of snow on Mauna Kea labeled "Hawaii snow" — technically true, but not Oahu
• Movie/TV scenes filmed elsewhere

If you want snow in Hawaii, book a trip to the Big Island's summit in January. On Oahu, you'll be in board shorts year-round.