LAHAINA, Hawaii — In August, a catastrophic wildfire ravaged Lahaina on Maui, leaving behind scarred landscapes, including the historic banyan tree on Front Street that has stood for 151 years. Remarkably, this iconic tree not only survived the inferno but is now showing signs of recovery, thanks to the devoted efforts of arborists and volunteers.
As we mark one year since the devastating fire, here’s an update on the banyan tree and ongoing restoration efforts.
The banyan tree, Maui’s oldest living specimen, was originally gifted from India in 1873 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first Protestant missionaries in Lahaina. This planting took place a quarter-century before the Hawaiian Islands became a U.S. territory.
A beloved landmark, the banyan tree has become a symbol for many: while tourists cherish its majesty, others view it as a reminder of colonialism and the legacy of land dispossession for Native Hawaiians.
Historically, the banyan tree has served as a vital gathering space in this coastal town, growing over 60 feet tall with its expansive canopies providing shade and shelter. Its branches not only offer refuge to visitors but also serve as roosting spots for local birds.
During the wildfires of 2023, the tree endured severe damage, primarily due to intense heat that desiccated many of its branches, leading to about half of them dying. “Once that section of the tree desiccated, there was no coming back,” stated a local arborist.
Fortunately, resilient parts of the tree are flourishing once again. To aid its recovery, arborists have removed dead branches, channeling the tree’s energy toward the healthier parts.
Monitoring the restoration progress has involved installing 14 sensors within the tree to track sap flow. “It’s basically a heart monitor,” the arborist explained, noting that treatment efforts are yielding positive results as the tree’s vitality improves.
Plans are in motion to install vertical tubes aiding the tree’s aerial roots by providing compost and water. This irrigation system aims to support these branches as they anchor into the soil, ultimately stabilizing the tree while nourishing the surrounding landscape.
“We see long branches adorned with hundreds of leaves, and some are even bearing fruit,” the arborist added, expressing optimism at the sight of renewal.
The devastating fire led to the loss of approximately 25,000 trees in Lahaina, affecting both personal gardens and culturally significant species. A key initiative is focused on restoring trees like the ulu or breadfruit tree, which saw devastating losses.
A dedicated coalition of arborists and farmers has come together with a mission to save and regenerate these important trees. One such initiative is Treecovery, a nonprofit established to support tree restoration efforts across Maui. Currently, about 3,500 trees are being nurtured in micro-nurseries until families can return to their homes.
“We have grow hubs throughout Maui, ensuring we can provide trees for families when they are ready to plant them in their yards,” the arborist emphasized. “Restoring Lahaina’s greenery is crucial for the community.”
