I'iwi
Hosmer Grove
Haleakala Nat'l Park

Gain enough altitude on the slopes of Haleakala and you will see native Hawaiian Honeycreepers. The road to Poli Poli Spring, for example, begins with a series of switchbacks up a steep grassy slope. Through the fall of 1985, we frequently picnicked at the top of the switchbacks, enjoying colorful hang-gliders soaring over the grassy slope below and bright red Apapanes and yellow-green Amakihis in the native shrubs close to the car. Over many years, we have picnicked at Hosmer Grove, just beyond the entry station of Haleakala Nat'l Park. There we see Maui Creepers and I'iwis as well as the Amakihis and Apapanes. In the early 1990s, an Amakihi would join us for lunch, climbing onto our paper plates to share our food. A nature trail forms a short loop from the pinic area. About halfway along the trail is an overlook of a ravine full of native plants, and the honeycreepers often are especially abundant there. Close to the overlook are several Mamane shrubs, whose yellow blossoms contain some of the "honey" that honeycreepers seek. Occasionally an I'iwi will include those shrubs in its periodic feeding rounds. When that happens, a little patience can yield photographs like this. For me--- well worth the wait.

Last updated 01/05/12