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Hosmer Grove

Hawaii  >  United States

This former forest plantation is the only publicly-accessible site to find Maui's endangered endemic songbirds.

Added* by Alexander Lin-Moore
Most recent update 2 septembra 2025

Description

Hosmer Grove is a tract of former experimental forest on the slopes of the Haleakala volcano, within the namesake Haleakala National Park. The area contains large trees, many of which have been imported from around the world, as well as several key native species ('ohi'a lehua, koa, olapa, mamane and others) that provide food and habitat for Maui's endemic and introduced birdlife. Several native species are common at this site, including Iiwi , Apapane, and Hawaii Amakihi. The island endemic Maui Alauahio can be found here easily with a bit more effort. Maui's two rarest endemics, Akohekohe and Maui Parrotbill (aka Kiwikiu), have historically been recorded at this site, but are exceedingly rare and should not be expected. Outside the tall forest of the grove itself, more open-habitat species can be found on the nearby slopes of Haleakala, including Short-eared Owl (Hawaiian) , Pacific Golden Plover (winter), and Hawaiian Goose. As elsewhere in Hawaii, introduced species are also common, and likely species in the forest include Warbling White-eye, Japanese Bush Warbler, Red-billed Leiothrix, Chinese Hwamei, Common Myna, House Sparrow, House Finch, Red-crested Cardinal and Northern Cardinal. Introduced species are also common in the open habitat surrounding the grove, including several gamebirds (Ring-necked Pheasant, Chukar, Grey Francolin), Spotted Dove, Zebra Dove, Eurasian Skylark and Northern Mockingbird.

Details

Access

Hosmer Grove is located off the Haleakala Highway, which is reached by car from the foothill town of Kula on Maui's eastern half, and continues to the summit of Haleakala. Parking for the site is located 16 km after the start of the Haleakala Highway off Kekaulike Ave. Press P on the map for directions. Hosmer Grove has a 0.8 km dirt trail through the forest. The trail is relatively even and suitable for most walkers, but is not wheelchair-accessible, and parts of the trail can be uneven or contain exposed roots.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Mountain , Moors/heathland

Conditions

Hilly

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

No

Good birding season

All year round

Route

Wide path , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Extra info

Please note that an entry fee must be paid to enter Haleakala National Park, which is $30 USD per day for a vehicle. A reservation must be booked at least one day in advance ($1) if entering the park before 7:00. This measure is in effect to minimize crowding at sunrise.

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

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