The survival of a 150-year-old banyan tree in Lahaina is now in the spotlight. Its revival will prove the strength of the Maui people for years to come. About 50 years after the tree was planted, a fire broke out in Lahaina on New Year’s Day, destroying 30 buildings. And now, more than 104 years after that fire, the tree has caught fire again, only this time in the desolation of Lahaina, only to burn it badly.
The tree was installed there in 1873 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first Protestant mission on Maui. The tree was a gift from a missionary from India and was planted by Sheriff William Owen Smith on April 24, 1944 at the request of Queen Keopuolani when the monarchy was still ruling Hawaii.
it was When first planted, it stands 8 feet tall and has a single trunk.
From there, it grew into a 60-foot tall West Maui landmark with a canopy spread of 1.94 acres and a perimeter of 400 meters. It is believed to be the largest banyan tree of this type in the United States. From one stem many more stems sprouted over the years. It’s amazing how this happened. The roots that hang down from the branches will eventually grow roots, and when they come into contact with the ground, they will become new trunks. There are a whopping 64 main trunks. When first planted, residents hung jars of water over the aerial roots to help them grow. And their efforts paid off.
Although this tree has undergone many changes over the years, it has always stood in the heart of Lahaina and is loved by both Lahaina residents and visitors. The fact that it still stands in Lahaina Harbor brings hope to a community that is beginning to recover from an incomprehensible loss.
Efforts are underway to determine if there is life in this tree.
A tree near Front Street in Courthouse Square was under stress long before the fire due to the effects of Maui’s drought. It is also due to environmental problems associated with increased development and increased traffic. Irrigation for this tree was already in place prior to the fire, with the help of the Lahaina Restoration Foundation.
What scientists don’t yet know is just how fire-resistant the Lahaina banyan trees are. These are trees with thin bark, so they are usually not very useful in wildfires. Heat and flame can penetrate the bark and reach the living cells of the tree.
That was not the case with this majestic tree. Tree doctors at the Maui County Board of Tree Doctors report that there is tissue still alive under the bark and no noticeable charring. This gives hope to the people of Maui, including Anthony Steele, who has been tending the tree since 2009.
However, the sap flow after fire does not seem to be good. With no sap oozing out, the tree is almost in a coma, and arborists treat it as such.
Current remediation activities include a daily water truck watering program and adding a 2-inch layer of compost and soil aeration. It takes 4-6 months to find out what the future holds for the tree.
Share your memories of Lahaina’s banyan trees.
Memories of the Beat of Hawaii for us include standing in its shade or taking a break from the Lahaina sun while waiting to board the Lanai ferry. Or you can walk there from the now-destroyed iconic Pioneer Inn. I also remember walking while the lights were on during the consecutive holidays in December. It has always been a meeting place for locals and tourists alike, and is a famous venue for festivals.
It is reported that in 1886 King Kamehameha III held a birthday celebration and royal ball under the tree of the historic landmark. And recently, a birthday celebration for this tree was held in April to mark his 150th anniversary. I hope that the banyan tree will continue to bring you many birthdays and celebrations.
