Silversword Plants [Suggest Edits]

Description

Take this short detour from the Halemau'u Trail for your chance to see a large number of the extraordinary silversword plants concentrated in one place. One of the world's rarest plants, silverswords only grow in a few locations on Hawaii and only between 6,000-10,000 ft in elevation. The silversword is a relative of the common sunflower- which makes more sense when you see it in bloom. Stay on the trail to avoid damaging these endangered plants, their roots or the fragile cryptobiotic soil crust.

All-Day Run: It takes about 5 miles of moderately strenuous hiking from the Halemau'u Trailhead/Overlook on the Halemau'u Trail to reach the Silversword Loop. The greater part of the 5 mile return trip is steeply uphill.

Gem Type: Other