Hawaii

November 5-28, 2011

hawaii - november 10

Hana Highway

Hosmer Grove Loop

The beginning of the Hosmer Grove trail loops through an alien forest - the result of a failed experiment. In the 1800s ranchers had cleared the slopes of native 'ohi'a and koa forests. To slow hillside erosion, safeguard watersheds and to jump-start the timber industry, Ralph S. Hosmer established a forest reserve here, and in 1910 planted species from all over the globe. However, only 13 of the newly planted species survived and the trees failed to produce viable lumber. Some of these alien species are highly invasive and are being removed.

More than 50 unique species and subspecies of Hawaiian honeycreeper evolved in the islands' mosaic of habitats, from rainforest to alpine. On the upper mountain, the health of the headwaters affects everything downstream. When native forests have been cut at this elevation, severe erosion and runoff pollute streams and smother coral reefs.

Sam and Christopher have some special camping cereal for breakfast.

Before we leave Hosmer Grove we figured we should do the short Nature Trail at the campground.

Signs identify various trees planted by Hosmer such as this incense cedar (calocedrus).

Along the trail... do we look like we're in Hawaii? :)

The tree itself may not be the healthiest, but the goats' beard lichen on it seems to be doing great.

Some huge tree trunks!

Sugi pine (japanese cedar) - cryptomeria japonica

Cones and leaves litter the forest floor.

Monterey Pine (pinus radiata) - native to western United States

Lodgepole pine (pinus contorta) - native to western United States

'Ohi'a lehua (myrtle family) - metrosideros polymorpha - endemic to the Hawaiian islands. Ohi'a wood is very hard and fine textured. It was used in house and heiau construction and to make weapons, tool handles, statues, idols, etc. Due to its wide availability it was also used for fencing and for firewood. The flowers and leaf buds were used in lei making and the flowers were used medicinally to treat pain during childbirth.