Silversword Loop

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, silverwords 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. This nearly flat loop does not add any distance to the regular Halemau'u Trail, so there is no downside to a visit. Stay on the trail to avoid damaging these endangered plants, their roots, or the fragile cryptobiotic soil crust.