Last month, following a series of winter storms, I visited the summit of Mauna Kea, Hawaii's little slice of Alaska. The recent weather had transformed it into a veritable winter wonderland. I would have spent many more hours up there had I brought a snowboard, which I sadly lack. There were dozens of other snowboarders up there, rubbing in my face what I was missing. Of course, just spending time at that majestic place, taking in the breathtaking views while drinking snow-chilled tea and cold cheddar cheese and crackers, made it all worthwhile. Sure, I was freezing my tail off, especially in the ice-flinging 50 mph wind gusts at the very top, but that's all part of the exceptional experience. The observatories would have made a nice windbreak to hide behind, if it weren't for the large, falling shards of ice.

Awesome pics, man.

I knew that there were some hiugh mountains in Hawaii, but I didnt realize that the elevation was enough for them to accumulate snow.

Reminds me of when I visited Maui a year or so ago and took a helicopter tour of the island. Except I don't remember snow. =(

Oh, and a request. If you've got any pictures you've taken of local waterfalls, then would you mind showing them to me?

It's humourous because you have more snow that my city does

Good pictures though.

Beautiful pictures, to say the least. The clouds are brilliant, especially with the sky such striking shades of blue. You're lucky to be living in such an amazing location (more pictures are welcome).

On a sidenote, how long have you been snowboarding? I've always wanted to try, and will hopefully have an opportunity or two sometime in the future.

Your weakness:




If there is interest, I could devote a thread to images of waterfalls, since I have dozens of said pictures.

I've never been snowboarding, but I'm certain it would be entertaining. I wouldn't have been embarrassed about wiping out my first few tries, since many others were already doing the same.

I wouldn't mind a thread full of gorgeous waterfalls.

those are some badass winter pics man. Im suprised hawaii actually has snow plows...looks like the roads were plowed.

I hate snow. You want snowy pictures? I can take them nearly year round.

I wouldn't mind a thread full of waterfall pictures, either. All I ever see is snow falling.

ive seen snow twice in the past three years...which is sacreligious considering my 'roots'. Those waterfalls are very pretty pictures as well.

It's been a cold week for the pacific! Like, snow at 1000 ft.

That looks like good snowboarding if you're good. That looks a little steep for me.

Took these yesterday. Less snow, more stormy conditions:

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I've seen snow once, and it was only light flurries, AND it was in Wisconsin

I like how the whole picture is black and white, and then when you see the sky, its jsut an expanse of intense blue.

This one is my favorite, with the last picture being a close second. Now for the waterfalls, yes?

It's pictures this fantastic that lead me to question how you manage to get all of these, or lead me to question where you really do live.

I'd also like to second the waterfall notion.

I'll get to posting the waterfall thread eventually. I plan on making it quite a colossal assortment. Right now, my primary concern is finishing my project for graduation, and stabilising my internet connection.

I go outside at least once or twice everyday for at least two hours at a time, and carry my camera with me everywhere I go. I'm always, always paying attention to the scenery, and it's naturally beautiful, day after day. As I posted in my livejournal:

My digital camera has nearly become an extension of my body, it seems... I hardly feel comfortable venturing anywhere without it, and I'm not certain whether this is a good or bad thing. I think there must be some kind of specialised term for this, since I'm sure it's happened to many others before me. You know, I believe that the one time I leave home without my camera I'm going to witness something extraordinary, something I will never see again and desperately wish I could capture on fi- err, bits and bytes. I will then live a life full of regret that I hadn't bothered to bring my camera with me, thinking there wouldn't be anything worth capturing for the amount of time I would be away.

I live in Hawaii. It's so exotic even the most thorough and gaudiest brochures don't do it justice.

I knew you lived in Hawaii, I've been there before and it seems I didn't spend enough time there, seeing as I don't remember my trip being as beautiful as what you've posted. The pictures make it seem more you live in Eden instead of Hawaii.

What island(s) did you visit?

Oahu when I was about seven or eight, didn't see much there, a couple of beaches are all I remember.

Two years ago we went to Maui and that was fantastic, we spent about two weeks there in a condo and that still wasn't enough time there.

Ah yes, Maui. Beautiful place once you get past all the commercialisation. I would love to take the famous windy, narrow road to Hana on the verdant, mountainous east side again. I can actually see it from the house on clear days. As for Oahu, once you break away from the city, you can find some spectacular places to explore there as well. But really, all you need is more time and an adventurous spirit.

All in all, though, Kauai is the most beautiful island to visit. Not to live on, necessarily, but to visit.