Hosmer’s Grove - Haleakala National Park
I’Iwi on native Mamane seeking nectar from the flowers. Large eucalyptus tree in background.
Scenic Views, BIRDWATCHing & Trail:
The grove is located at a 6,500 feet in elevation just after the entrance booth to Haleakala National Park on the left. A campground and picnic area provide visitors with panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the volcanic landscapes of Haleakalā and the lush slopes of the mountain. Best spot for a picnic, short hike and birdwatching.
One of the main attractions is the Hosmer's Grove Trail, a short loop trail that takes you through the grove. The trail is around 0.5 miles long, offering a pleasant and easy hike that allows visitors to explore the area and its unique vegetation and beautiful native forest birds up close. Small signs on the loop describe the trees and their country of origin. Our family has been coming up to Hosmer’s for decades for a nice afternoon picnic and birdwatching.
William Hosmer Tree Planting
William Hosmer, an early settler in Hawaii, was primarily interested in introducing trees that might be valuable for timber production and other purposes. Around 1910, he began planting a variety of trees in the area, experimenting with species that were not native to Hawaii. His goal was to determine which types of trees could grow well in the high-altitude climate of the Haleakalā region.
Hosmer's initiative was motivated by the idea of developing a forestry industry on Maui, leveraging the cool, elevated conditions of the area for tree growth. He planted various species, including eucalyptus, pine, and acacia, which he believed might be useful for timber or other economic purposes.
Reason for the Planting:
Economic Experimentation: Hosmer was trying to see if the land's environment would support large-scale timber production. He was among several early settlers who sought to introduce non-native species to the Hawaiian Islands in an attempt to diversify the islands' agricultural and forestry resources.
Tree Species: The introduced trees grew relatively well in the area, and some of them, such as eucalyptus, have since become quite common in higher elevations of Hawaii. However, over time, some of these introduced species became invasive, outcompeting native plants.
Outcome:
While Hosmer's experiment was not ultimately successful in creating a profitable forestry business, it had lasting effects on the landscape. Many of the introduced species can still be found in Hosmer's Grove today, which has created the unusual mix of native and non-native vegetation in the area. The introduction of these species also shaped the current ecological makeup of the grove. Providing visitors with a beautiful location and forest birds with a haven.
Birdwatching:
Hosmer's Grove is also a prime location for birdwatching. The area is home to a variety of native Hawaiian birds, such as the
iiwi (scarlet honeycreeper) and the `apapane (another honeycreeper species). These colorful and rare birds are often seen flitting around the trees, making it a popular spot for bird enthusiasts.