Tucked inside Haleakala National Park on the island of Maui, the Hosmer Grove Loop Trail is a short hike that feels worlds away from the island’s famous beaches.
Known for its towering grove of non-native tree species planted in the early 1900’s, this easy Haleakala hike winds through a cool, forested landscape that contrasts sharply with the stark volcanic scenery the park is best known for.
At just under a mile, it’s the perfect warm-up hike before tackling bigger trails in the summit district. It’s also a favorite spot for birdwatchers hoping to catch a glimpse of Maui’s colorful native honeycreepers.
Whether you’re starting your Haleakalā crater adventure or looking for a quick, peaceful walk, the Hosmer Grove hike is a hidden gem worth adding to your Maui itinerary if time allows.
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Hosmer Grove Loop Trail Quick Facts
- 📍 Location: Summit District of Haleakala National Park
- 💪 Difficulty: Easy
- 🥾 Distance: 0.6 Mile loop
- ⏰ Duration: 20-30 Minutes
- ⛰️ Elevation Gain: Minimal but hike starts at a high elevation of 6800 feet.
- ⚠️ Need to Know: You must have an America the Beautiful Pass or pay to enter the park.
Keep scrolling for more details of the Hosmer Grove Loop Hike in Haleakala National Park, Maui.
About Haleakala Summit
The Haleakala Summit is one of the most breathtaking places on Maui and a highlight of any visit to the national park. Sitting at over 10,000 feet above sea level, the summit offers panoramic views of the massive volcanic crater.
Think – rust colored cones and sweeping valleys that look like what I’d imagine the surface of Mars looks like. On a clear day, you can see across the island and even spot the neighboring peaks on the Big Island, Mauna Kea & Mauna Loa in the distance.
Most visitors come at sunrise or sunset, when the skies explode with color and the views feel nothing short of magical. Just remember – it’s chilly up there, so pack layers to stay warm while soaking in this bucket list experience.
🌋 Read Next: Haleakala Summit Everything you Need to Know
The Hosmer Grove Loop Trailhead
Getting to the Hosmer Grove trailhead is simple, as it’s located just inside the entrance of the summit district of Haleakala National Park.
After passing through the main entrance station (about 30 minutes from the town of Pukalani and 1.5-2 hours from most resort areas on Maui), follow the main park road for less than a mile until you see the Hosmer Grove Campground sign on the left.
The trailhead begins right next to the campground parking lot, making it an easy stop before continuing your drive up to the summit. Since it’s about 6,800 feet in elevation at the trail, you’ll notice the cooler air as soon as you arrive – so bring a light jacket, even during the day.
What to Expect on the Hosmer Grove Loop Trail
On the Hosmer Grove Loop Trail, you can expect a short, peaceful walk through one of the most unique landscapes in Haleakala National Park. The short loop trail winds through a shady forest of cedar, pine, douglas fir, and eucalyptus trees.
If starting in clockwise direction, the beginning of the trail quickly brings you into Hawaiian forests of non-native trees. Along the way, you’ll pass through open native shrubland where keen eyes may spot native Hawaiian birds such as the bright red ‘i’iwi or crimson colored ‘apapane.
The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, with minimal elevation gain making it a great stop for families, birdwatchers, or anyone looking to stretch their legs before heading up to the summit.
Tips for Visiting Haleakala Summit
- 📌 Reserve Sunrise in Advance: Sunrise is the most popular time to visit the summit, and reservations are required through the National Park Service website. Spots often sell out quickly, so book early if can.
- ⏰ Arrive Early: Whether you’re visiting for sunrise, sunset, or midday, give yourself plenty of time. The drive from Kahului takes 1.5-2 hours, and winding roads can slow you down. You must drive many switchbacks to reach the top.
- 🧣 Dress in Layers: Even in the middle of summer, temperatures at the summit (10,000 ft elevation) can drop below freezing at sunrise. Bring a warm jacket, hat, and gloves.
- 💧 Pack Snacks & Water: There are no food vendors inside the Summit District. Carry water and snacks if you want.
- 🅿️ Plan for Parking: Parking area at the summit fills up quickly for sunrise. Arrive well before dawn to secure a spot.
- ✨ Stay for Sunset or Stargazing: If you can’t get a sunrise reservation, sunset is just as magical and sunset does not require reservations. Plus the summit is one of the best stargazing spots in Hawaii.
- 🪨 Respect the Land – Haleakala is sacred to Native Hawaiians. Stay on trails and don’t take rocks! Leave rocks where you found them. This is one of the biggest mistakes visitors make traveling to Hawaii. By leaving rocks in place we repeat Hawaiian beliefs and help nature thrive.
- ♻️ Leave No Trace – pack out all trash and avoid single-use plastics.
- 🌦️ Check Weather & Road Conditions – The summit can be windy foggy, or even snow covered in the winter.
- 🪶 Respect the native birds.
- ⛽️ Make sure you have a full tank of gas before driving up to the summit of haleakala.
More Haleakala Hiking Trails
Maui has a slew of hiking trails and personally I’ve hiked all of them. Below I listed all the other trails you can enjoy inside the Summit District of Haleakala National Park.
- Pa Kaoao Trail – Easy half mile hike to get a glimpse of a crater of a volcano.
- Halemau’u Trail – Trail starts in the crater, offering sweeping views of volcanic landscapes, cinder cones, and the vast wilderness.
- Sliding Sands Trail – 4 mile out and back that takes you down into the crater floor from the summit. One of my favorite hikes on Maui.
- Supply Trail – On a clear day you’ll be blow away by the views as you’ll be hiking just above the clouds that collect around the rim of Halakeala Crater.
- Leleiwi Overlook – Barely a hike but gives. you views of the crater at the summit Perfect to enjoy with kids.
- Silversword Loop – A short detour from the Halemau’u Trail where you can see a large number of the extraordinary silversword plants concentrated in one place.
More Maui Hikes
Click on the blue links for a detailed post of each hike on Maui.
- Kapalua Coastal Trail – Family friendly coastal trail in West Maui.
- Waihe’e Ridge Trail – Intermediate hike up the Waihee ridge offering scenic coastal and valley views.
- Pipiwai Trail – Located in the Kipahulu district of Haleakala NP, this trail takes you through a dreamy bamboo forest and ends at a 400-ft waterfall.
- Lahaina Pali Trail – A strenuous trail up to the windmills on the West Maui mountains.
- Ohai Trail – Easy 1 mile loop for the whole family.
- Hoapili Trail – The Kings Highway is a rugged trail along an unspoiled stretch of Hawaiian coast.
- Mahana Ridge – Highlights include fresh fruit trees, a vivacious forest and occasional coastal views of Mokupe‘a and Honokahua Gulches.
- Nakalele Blowhole – A 1.25 mile round trip trail that takes you past steep, rugged coastal cliffs.
- Waianapanapa Coastal Trail – Rugged coastal trail composed of jagged lava rock that goes all the way to Hana town.
🥾 Read Full Post: 21 Best Hikes on Maui
Haleakala Travel Guides
- 🎋 Haleakala NP Guide – Everything you need to know about Haleakalā National Park both Kipahulu and the Summit, including the best things to do in each district.
- 🌋 Haleakala Sunrise – One of the best things to do on Maui – 5 Things to know before you go.
- 🪿 Haleakala Cabins – A complete guide to camping inside the world’s largest dormant volcano.
Haleakala National Park Vlogs
Rather see what exploring Haleakala looks like? Check out the vlogs that Joe and I filmed inside Haleakala National Park as we’ve visited more times than we can count.
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