Video shows Hawaii summit glisten: See snow blanketing Mauna Kea

Any place, including Hawaii, can become a winter wonderland with the right amount of snow. 

The Aloha State experienced likely its first snowfall of the season on Monday after a winter storm rolled in, coating a summit in glistening white snow. 

The arrival of snow in the region is not uncommon, especially in higher elevations between 9,000 and 10,000 feet, Alan Reppert, senior meteorologist at AccuWeather shared with USA TODAY on Tuesday. 

Nevertheless, the snowfall gave Americans a sneak peak of what could be coming to their neck of the woods over the next few months.

Video shows first snowfall of the season in Hawaii

Derek Petrowski witnessed the snowfall firsthand earlier in the week, taking a short video to document the appearance of snow on Mauna Kea, the highest peak on the island.

Mountain ranges as well as volcanic peaks in the surrounding area are most affected by winter weather during the wet season, which typically runs from October through April. Most severe weather and blizzard warnings are commonly issued within that timeframe. 

“Most of the snow that happens in Hawaii is over (8,000-9,000 feet) … They can even see some snow in the highest peaks in Hawaii during the middle of the summer as well,”  Reppert said. “It’s something that happens there.” 

Residents and tourists are lucky enough reap the benefits of the Big Island’s good weather through the wet season because they are not close enough to see or experience the snow. 

The only evidence of snow in the area, other than the video and pictures taken by residents, may be a slight breeze or an increased risk of showers.

Mauna Kea stands at a height of 13,803 feet, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. 

According to Newsweek, the National Weather Service meteorologists issued a winter weather advisory ahead of the snowfall since “deep moisture” was expected to move over the area through Monday, leading to “periods of rain and snow on the high summits.” The winter storm brought heavy snow to higher elevations and heavy rain to areas in lower elevations until Tuesday morning, Newsweek reported. 

The last time a winter weather advisory was issued for the volcano was May 11 NWS meteorologist Derek Wroe told Newsweek before the weekend winter storm.