Hiking the Hosmer Grove Trail in Haleakalā National Park on Maui, Hawaiʻi
Distance: 0.5 miles / 0.8 km
The Hosmer Grove Trail, also called the Hosmer Grove Loop Trail, is a favorite among both locals and visitors alike because it is one of the few trails in Hawaiʻi that allows visitors the unique opportunity to see various native Hawaiian birds that cannot be seen throughout other parts of the island.
In short, trails like Hosmer Grove, or the Kaulana Manu Nature Trail on the Big Island, share this unique experience because they sit much higher in elevation than the surrounding landscape. Therefore, these upper-elevation habitats have become a place of refuge for Hawaiʻi’s endemic birds because non-native/ invasive mosquitoes that carry avian malaria thrive at lower and warmer elevations, essentially decimating the native bird populations that once lived there.
However, the cool elevations on the slopes of Haleakalā, as well as Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on Hawaiʻi Island, are places where Hawaiʻi’s endemic birds can thrive like they once did across all the islands, making Hosmer Grove not only one of the best things to do in Haleakalā National Park but on all of Maui!
U.S. National Park Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
My Print - ʻIʻiwi - (Drepanis coccinea)
Hosmer Grove Trailhead Parking
Parking for both the Hosmer Grove Trail and campground is located at the very end of Hosmer Grove Access Road—the first road on the left-hand side of Haleakalā Highway following the park entrance station.
The parking area is small, but since the trail is so short, visitors tend not to spend too much time at Hosmer Grove as opposed to other areas, like the summit.
Google Maps Directions: Hosmer Grove Trailhead
My Hawaiʻi Hiking Checklist
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
Hiking the Hosmer Grove Trail
The Hosmer Grove Trail can begin either here at the north trailhead or at the hidden south trailhead behind the restroom shown at the end of this article.
Immediately after beginning the hike, the Hosmer Grove Trail passes through a large forest filled with non-native conifers, pines, spruces, and eucalyptus trees.
Being the case, this overstory forest is not the best place on the trail to see some of the various native birds that can be found. Rather, the best locations are all near the far end of the trail in the native alpine shrublands.
Hosmer Grove Bird Lookout
This is the first of two lookouts on the Hosmer Grove Loop, and while both can be great places to see the native birds flying above the gulch below, both lookouts, in my experience, are not the best places to see the endemic birds up close, which I talk more about below.
Second Hosmer Grove Bird Lookout
This is the second lookout, but I recommend hiking just a little further to get into the alpine shrublands, where visitors will most likely have the best opportunity to see a handful of endemic Hawaiian birds!
Just past the second lookout, the Hosmer Grove Trail splits for both the shorter and longer sides of the loop.
Go right to take the shortest route back to the trailhead, or go left to take the longer loop, which is also the better route for increasing your chances to see some of the endemic birds in Hosmer Grove.
How to See Native Hawaiian Birds in Hosmer Grove?
There are essentially two main things that will increase the likelihood of the native birds coming in close proximity to you.
First, find a flowering native tree, like ʻŌhiʻa lehua or Māmane, and second, be patient! It doesn’t take long for numerous birds to visit a brightly-colored tree in full bloom, meaning that as long as you are patient and quiet, you will have the best opportunity to see these birds up close as they visit the blooms!
The most common of these birds are the ʻIʻiwi, the ʻAmakihi, and the ʻApapane.
With all that in mind, the native alpine shrublands shown here are generally regarded as the best place to see Hawaiʻi’s endemic birds on the Hosmer Grove Trail because the vegetation isn’t towering overhead, like the initial non-native forest.
This is where both the shorter and longer sides of the loop meet back together.
Go left to continue on the Hosmer Grove Trail back to the trailhead.
Overall, the Hosmer Grove Loop Trail is a very easy day hike, especially if you take it slow while looking for the native birds.
Native Plants on the Hosmer Grove Trail
Even though the Hosmer Grove Trail is filled with non-native introductions, the native alpine shrublands are still dominated by native Hawaiian plants that visitors can enjoy!
Some of these include Māmane, ʻŌhiʻa lehua, ʻIliahi, Nohoanu, ʻAʻaliʻi, Pūkiawe, and Koa—to truly only name a few.
If you would like to learn more about these and many other native Hawaiian plants from across the islands, I encourage you to check out my separate post linked below.
Read My Separate Post: Native Hawaiian Plant Guide
More Maui Adventures
If you’re interested in reading about some more amazing Maui adventures, check out my separate posts below!
Best Hotels & Vacation Rentals on Maui
Since Maui is such a big island and driving from place to place can take a long time, many of the best places to stay are located on all different sides of the island.
I recommend starting your search on VRBO to compare places from Kīhei, Kahului, Lāhainā, Kāʻanapali, and Hāna.
Maui
Maui Airport-Hotel Shuttle
Prices on ride-share apps like Uber/ Lyft cannot beat the price of booking your hotel or vacation rental shuttle prior to arrival.
That being said, the shuttle options below are incredibly cheap, and they are a great option to get across North, South, West, and Upcountry Maui!
Best Way to Book Rental Cars!
I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.
In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!
Book Here: Discover Cars
One of my favorites!
Visiting Other Islands
If you are visiting Maui or heading to another island, check out some of my personal recommendations for Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, Molokai, Lānaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island (Big Island) in these separate posts.
If you’re trying to decide which island is right for your visit, check out my overview about each island in the post below.
Read My Separate Post: What is the Best Hawaiian Island to Visit?
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Hawaiʻi?
The weather in Hawaiʻi can often appear to be warm and beautiful throughout the year, but in my experience, there is a lot more to consider when planning what time of year to visit the islands, such as what island you are considering, what sides of each island do you plan to stay, what activities are you most interested in, the wildlife, and countless other nuanced variables that can all impact the type of trip you can expect to have.
For these reasons, I highly recommend reading through my separate article to not only understand my thoughts regarding the best time of year to come to Hawaiʻi but also what you need to consider based on the time of year that you plan to visit.
Read My Separate Post: What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Hawaiʻi?
Safety
All hikes in Hawaiʻi should not be compared to trails outside of the islands, and hikers should exercise due caution on every adventure, given that many are extremely dangerous.
By this, I mean that Hawaiʻi is known for hot, humid weather, steep, dramatic, and unstable cliffs, and flash floods, which can occur without warning. Therefore, it is important that you check the local forecast, understand the physical condition of your entire group, and pack sufficient food and water before attempting any adventure.
Disclaimer
All information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for information or advice from qualified professionals or managing agencies.
Noah Lang Photography LLC makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided here, and readers should use their own discretion, judgement, and seek professional advice where it is appropriate.
Furthermore, Noah Lang Photography LLC shall not be held responsible for any injuries, lost individuals, or legal issues arising from the use of information provided on this website, and if applicable, the above safety disclaimer should be referenced to provide a generic overview of the risks involved.
All said, the content on this blog is for the sole use of Noah Lang Photography LLC, and unauthorized use or reproduction of this content is strictly prohibited.
Safety
All hikes in Hawaiʻi should not be compared to trails outside of the islands, and hikers should exercise due caution on every adventure, given that many are extremely dangerous.
By this, I mean that Hawaiʻi is known for hot, humid weather, steep, dramatic, and unstable cliffs, and flash floods, which can occur without warning. Therefore, it is important that you check the local forecast, understand the physical condition of your entire group, and pack sufficient food and water before attempting any adventure.
As always, find the most up-to-date information and conditions on the official National Park website.
National Park Service: Haleakalā National Park
Disclaimer
All information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for information or advice from qualified professionals or managing agencies.
Noah Lang Photography LLC makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided here, and readers should use their own discretion, judgement, and seek professional advice where it is appropriate.
Furthermore, Noah Lang Photography LLC shall not be held responsible for any injuries, lost individuals, or legal issues arising from the use of information provided on this website, and if applicable, the above safety disclaimer should be referenced to provide a generic overview of the risks involved.
All said, the content on this blog is for the sole use of Noah Lang Photography LLC, and unauthorized use or reproduction of this content is strictly prohibited.
U.S. National Parks Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
More U.S. National Parks
If you’d like to read more about some of my best recommendations when visiting other U.S. National Parks, check out some of my other posts below!
Disclosure
This post is not sponsored.
However, some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission if a purchase is made through one of those links. This commission comes at no additional cost to you, and I only recommend products that I personally use and believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support, which enables me to continue creating more!
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