MOLI VIEW™

Measured from its base at the ocean floor, Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii is one of the tallest mountains on the planet. Though only 14,000 feet above sea level, the summit, aptly named "White Mountain" by the ancient Hawaiians, is often covered in snow. No, obviously we aren't talking about major powder or killer ski slopes, but there's a surreal majesty to standing on a beach on a typical 80-degree day and being able to see the snow-capped peak. It takes just about two and a half hours to drive up there from the shore, making it possible to surf and snowboard in the same day (though realistically, you should take your time getting up there, allowing an hour for your body to adjust at the Visitor's Center at 9,000 feet, as altitude sickness resulting in "poor judgment and nausea" is common).

Right now, both Mauna Kea and its little sister, Mauna Loa (the name means "long mountain" in Hawaiian and it's the largest shield volcano in the world), 1,250 feet at the summit, are covered in snow. And thanks to a swell that's been hitting the Hawaiian islands, the waves are pumping — to have both extremes at the same time is truly AWESOME. Reality check: Contrary to popular belief, the Big Island does have good surf. It's just not as easy to get to as on the other islands (as in it's not visible from paved roads), and you have to drive longer distances to get to it (since it's the biggest island: All seven of the other islands — Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Lanai, Molokai, Kahoolawe, and Niihau — can fit on top of this one). But it's a rare day when you can't find waves.

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