The ecosystems of Haleakala National Park stretch from the summit of the mountain at 10,023 feet (3055 meters) all the way to sea level. This geographic variation means a huge range of rainfall and temperature and translates into an amazing biological diversity of plants - many of which are only found in the park.
A walk through Haleakalä National Park is an introduction to these rare and unique native Hawaiian plants. Whether you explore the sub-alpine cinder desert at the summit, high-elevation shrubland, lowland/coastal areas or rainforest, there is a multitude of plants that you can see.

Haleakala is known for the endemic species who call the park their home. The most famous of these might be the Haleakala ahinahina or the Haleakala Silversword. These can easily be seen in front of Park Headquarters Visitor Center or at the summit, but the adventurous hiker will find many living in the cinder desert along the Keoneheehee (or Sliding Sands) Trail. Leleiwi trail, Halemauu trail, and Hosmer Grove are all great places to experience the native shrubland. To find high elevation cloudforest plants, join a Park naturalist on the guided Waikamoi Hike. To explore coastal and lowland rainforest plants, visit the Kipahulu Visitor Center and surrounding areas.

To learn more about native Hawaiian plants, check out these websites:

University of Hawaii, Department of Botany

Hawaiian Ecosystems at Risk (HEAR)

Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources