Reasons to Visit the Lahaina Banyan Tree on Your Maui Vacation

Are you looking for something special to do on your Maui vacation? Look no further than the majestic Lahaina Banyan Tree. Located in the heart of Lahaina Town, this incredible tree is one of the most popular attractions in the area and a must-see for any traveler. At Vistas Vacations, we believe that a visit to the Lahaina Banyan Tree is an essential part of any Maui getaway. In this blog post, we'll discuss the unique history of this tree and why it's such a great spot to visit while on your Maui vacation.

The history of The Lahaina Banyan Tree

The Lahaina Banyan Tree is an iconic symbol of Maui’s history. It was planted by William Owen Smith in Lahaina’s Courthouse square in 1873, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Christian missionaries arriving on Maui. Smith was a descendant of American missionaries and a lawyer who served as Sheriff in Lahaina from 1872-1874. He was also a member of the Committee of Safety which organized the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1893.

Today, the Lahaina Banyan Tree is the oldest Banyan tree in the Hawaiian Islands and takes up an entire city block. The Lahaina Banyan Tree is an iconic symbol of Maui, so make sure you carve out some time during your stay to experience this majestic tree in all its glory.

When to Visit The Lahaina Banyan Tree

No matter what time of year you visit Maui, the Lahaina Banyan Tree is a must-see. Located in the historic town of Lahaina, the tree sits next to the old courthouse and provides a wonderful backdrop for photos.

In the early morning, the Lahaina Banyan Tree is cooler and less crowded, making it a great spot for taking photos or simply enjoying some peace and quiet. Early evening around sunset is also a popular time to visit, when the sun’s rays create a beautiful backdrop of golden light behind the tree.

During the holiday season, the Lahaina Banyan Tree is decorated with thousands of twinkling Christmas lights - creating an enchanting winter wonderland. The nearby old courthouse is now home to the Maui Arts Society, so it’s a great opportunity to explore the gallery while you’re there. Gallery hours are 9am-5pm.

What is a Banyan Tree

Banyan trees, (Ficus benghalensis), are fig trees native to India that thrive in Hawaii’s tropical climate. Also known as “strangler figs”, Banyans are aggressive growers with tiny seeds that fall onto other nearby trees or human edifices and root, slowly strangling their “hosts”. They spread via their aerial prop roots that grow down to the ground and develop into thick trunk-like branches. Left untrimmed, they can cover acres of land and live hundreds of years. The name “Banyan” originated in India, where merchants would sell their wares beneath them and it comes from the Gujarati word “vaniyan” meaning grocer or merchant. In Sanskrit, they’re known as Nyagrodha and Bahupada, meaning “the down-grower” and “the one with many feet” respectively.

Banyan Trees in Hawaii

Hawaii is home to many varieties of Banyan Trees. The oldest and most well-known is The Lahaina Banyan Tree, which was planted in 1873 on the island of Maui. It stands over 60 feet tall and has over a dozen main trunks, making it the largest banyan tree in Hawaii. The Lahaina Banyan Tree is a popular attraction for tourists, who flock to admire its sprawling beauty.

But the Lahaina Banyan Tree is just one of many Banyans in Hawaii. On the Big Island in Hilo, 50 Banyan trees were planted, including some by notable celebrities passing through, like Franklin Roosevelt, Babe Ruth, and Amelia Earhart in the early 1900s. The area where the trees were planted along Hilo Bayfront would later be named Banyan Drive. Two Banyan trees were also planted at 'Iolani Palace in Honolulu in the 1880s after they were given as a gift to King Kalākaua. The trees still stand today next to the Palace, a National Historic Landmark rumored to be haunted.

Banyan Trees are an important part of Hawaiian culture and history and can be found in many parts of the state. Visiting these majestic trees is a great way to experience Hawaii’s natural beauty and connect with its past.