They really did
ski a volcano.
Long before the club booked flights to Japan, Hawaiians were hauling skis up a 13,803-foot volcano. It's one of the strangest, most wonderful chapters in skiing — and the reason we exist.
- Since 1936
- Mauna Kea · 13,803 ft
- A sacred summit
In winter, the summit of Mauna Kea catches real snow — sometimes feet of it. And where there is snow, someone will find a way to slide down it.
In 1936 a handful of locals first carried skis to the top. A 1937 expedition led by Jackie Bryan proved it was no fluke, and a newspaper of the day declared that “skiing in Hawai‘i is more than a mere fantasy.” Clubs formed. A portable rope tow appeared. Jeeps clawed their way up the cinder cones.
For four decades the sport flourished in the unlikeliest place on earth — complete with race meets, a governor’s proclamation, and a visiting Olympian. This is how it happened.
By the numbers
- 13,803 ft
- Summit elevation of Mauna Kea
- 1936
- First skiers reach the top
- 1970
- Governor declares ‘Ski Hawai‘i Week’
- 1 of 3
- Hawaiian volcanoes that see snow
Eighty winters on the mountain
- 1936
The first skiers climb Mauna Kea — proof that snow in Hawai‘i is more than fantasy.
- 1937
Jackie Bryan's expedition makes it official; the Hilo Ski Club forms.
- 1952
The Hawaii Ski Club begins organizing its first winter trips.
- 1953
The Ski Club of Hawai‘i is established on the Big Island.
- 1967
The first annual Mauna Kea Ski Meet; the graded summit road is completed.
- 1970
Governor John A. Burns proclaims an official ‘Ski Hawai‘i Week.’
- 1971
Olympic freestyle skier Suzy Chaffee makes the pilgrimage to the summit.
- 1976
The Legislature appropriates funds for ski facilities on the mountain.
- Today
Out of respect for a sacred summit, we no longer ski Mauna Kea — we chase the snow abroad.
Some mountains you honor by leaving alone.
Mauna Kea is sacred in Hawaiian culture, and its summit is a fragile alpine environment. Out of respect — and for reasons of health, safety, and conservation — the Hawaii Ski Club and all travel agencies no longer organize ski trips to the volcano.
We carry the heritage with us, but we point our skis outward now. The mountain gave us our name and our spirit; the least we can do is let it rest under its snow.
From a volcano to the world.
The tradition continues every winter — just a few thousand miles from where it started. Come carry it forward.