Hanalei, Hawaii Sees Rare Winter Weather

Unusual snow, sleet, and freezing rain hit the North Shore of Kauai.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Residents of Hanalei, a small town on the North Shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, were surprised to see rare winter weather conditions on February 21, 2026, with snow, sleet, and freezing rain reported in the area. This type of wintry mix is highly unusual for the tropical climate of Hawaii.

Why it matters

Hawaii's tropical climate means the islands rarely see any winter weather, let alone snow or freezing rain. This rare event has caused disruptions to daily life and travel in the Hanalei area, highlighting how even tropical regions can be impacted by changing global weather patterns.

The details

Meteorologists reported that a cold front moving through the region brought temperatures low enough to produce snow, sleet, and freezing rain in Hanalei and the surrounding North Shore area. This wintry mix created hazardous driving conditions and led to school and business closures as residents were advised to stay indoors.

  • The winter weather event began on the morning of February 21, 2026.
  • Freezing rain and sleet continued throughout the day, with some snow reported in the afternoon.

The players

Caitlin Kaiser

A meteorologist who provided expert analysis on the rare winter weather conditions in Hanalei.

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What they’re saying

“Snow, sleet, freezing rain and wintry mix may all sound similar, but each creates different driving conditions.”

— Caitlin Kaiser, Meteorologist (weather.com)

What’s next

Meteorologists will continue to monitor the weather system and provide updates on any additional winter weather that may impact the Hanalei area.

The takeaway

This unexpected winter weather event in Hanalei serves as a reminder that even tropical regions can experience the impacts of changing global climate patterns, underscoring the need for preparedness and resilience in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather.