Hawaii's highest mountain is one of the most spectacular hikes on the planet, a place where the Arctic and the tropical meet. Lake Waiau is a surprising feature of Mauna Kea, a small but permanent ...

Snowfall high up on Mauna Kea brought on by this winter's storm. The snowcapped summit of Mauna Kea with telescopes. Courtesy of UHH Center for Maunakea Stewardship ...

Not everybody can work up on the summit or at this elevation,” he said. Miyashiro has worked on Mauna Kea since 1985. He and his team performs their duties in extreme conditions.

Photos from Mauna Kea’s summit show a springtime dusting of snow. And forecasters say flurries are possible through Thursday night. Some spots could see up to an inch of snow.

The summit area of Mauna Kea on the Big Island received about 2 inches of snow this week. Here’s what you need to know about the mountain’s unique climate.

Mauna Kea’s summit soars 13,796 feet above sea level, evoking an ethereal feeling as fluffy clouds swaddle its cinder cones and blanket its reddish, almost Mars-like soil.

Once upon a time, more than 50 years ago, it seemed the perfect brainstorm intersect of science, economy, geography and culture: creating an astronomy complex atop Mauna Kea on Hawaii island. And ...