HONOLULU (KHON2) — Every island in Hawaiʻi has its own personality, history and landscape. From beach sands of many colors to mountain peaks, there is a tremendous amount of diversity and beauty.
One of Hawaii’s most unique phenomena is that of snowcapped mountains. Nestled between the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator, the islands aren’t typically associated with snow. But it happens!
So, KHON2.com decided to explore the highest peaks on each of the Hawaiian islands. Let’s take a look.
Hawaiʻi Island
Mauna Kea is the tallest on the island, standing at 13,803 feet (4,207 m). Technically, it is the tallest mountain peak on earth, but no one really knows that since most of the mountain is under water.
Maui
Haleakalā’s peak stands at 10,023 feet (3,055 m). It’s a massive shield volcano with a summit crater that is considered to be the center piece of Haleakalā National Park.
Oʻahu
Kaʻala stands at 4,025 feet (1,227 m) and is located on the island’s North Shore in the Waiʻanae Range. It is often shrouded in clouds and contains rare summit bog ecosystems. It was also a sacred place for Oʻahu’s royal family.
Kauaʻi
Kawaikini has a peak that reaches 5,243 feet (1,598 m). It rises far above the Alakaʻi Wilderness, and it’s also a shield volcano. It can be found in the remote rainforest of Kauai, which is one of the wettest ecosystems on the planet.
Molokaʻi
Kamakou’s peak reaches 4,961 feet (1,512 m), and it’s part of the East Molokaʻi Mountains that are within the Kamakou Preserve. The preserve is home to rare and endangered Native Hawaiian plants and birds that include some species found nowhere else in the world.
Lānaʻi
Lānaʻihale reaches 3,366 feet (1,026 m). It’s another shield volcano that provides sweeping views of the island. This mountain is culturally important to Native Hawaiians and is home to varied ecosystems that have been altered by ranching and invasive species.
Niʻihau
Mount Pānīʻau’s summit reaches 1,281 feet (390 m). But you’ll never get to see this summit since Niʻihau is a private island.
Kahoʻolawe
Puʻu Moaulanui has a peak that reaches 1,477 feet (450 m). While Kahoʻolawe has deep cultural and spiritual importance for Native Hawaiians, the United States Navy has used it for military experimental bombing for decades. Fortunately, it is now being restored.
So, while you are planning your holiday or staycation, Hawaiʻi has much to see and do that will help you understand just how unique and special these islands really are.