Historic Banyan Tree in Lahaina Suffers Fire Damage, Future Uncertain
Amid the wreckage left by the devastating fires that swept through Lahaina, Maui, one of the town’s most treasured landmarks, a 150-year-old banyan tree, stands scarred but resilient. The fires, which engulfed the west coast town, have left the fate of the iconic tree uncertain.
The banyan tree, located on Front Street, is a testament to Lahaina’s rich history as Hawaii’s royal capital. Planted in 1873, the tree was a commemoration of a Protestant mission that had taken place in Lahaina fifty years prior. Over the years, residents meticulously cared for the tree, enabling it to grow to an impressive height of over 60 feet, according to the Lahaina Restoration Foundation.
Late Wednesday, county officials provided an update stating, “It’s said that if the roots are healthy, it will likely grow back. But it looks burned.” However, they did not offer any further information. Requests for more details from county and tourism officials on Thursday morning also went unanswered.
Banyan trees, native to the Indian subcontinent, can grow to such immense sizes that they resemble small forests. With their unique aerial roots, which develop in the branches and extend downwards, banyans form new trunks as their canopies expand. In Lahaina, residents have even hung jars of water to encourage the growth of the most promising aerial roots towards the ground.
Covering more than half an acre, the leafy canopy of Lahaina’s banyan tree has provided shade and a meeting place for locals and visitors alike. Adjacent to the tree stands an old courthouse that has served as a customs house and also hosts craft fairs and community events. Unfortunately, the courthouse’s roof was destroyed by the fires, and the heritage museum it housed has been lost.
Despite the challenges, there is still hope for the banyan tree’s survival. Theo Morrison, the executive director of the Lahaina Restoration Foundation, expressed optimism about its future, saying, “Banyan trees are hard to kill.” While it may take time, with its resilient nature, there is a chance the tree will recover.
The fires in Lahaina have wreaked havoc on the town’s historic sites and landmarks, leaving behind a trail of devastation. Efforts will be needed to rebuild and restore these valuable pieces of history.