Rooted on Front Street in Lahaina town, Maui's Banyan Tree Park is a natural attraction you simply, and literally, cannot miss. The tree stands 60 feet tall, has 12 major trunks, and provides two-thirds of an acre of shade for sun-wary pedestrians. Although this arboreal wonder's vine-like hanging roots and wide-arching limbs appear tempting, climbing and swinging are strictly prohibited.
The park's benches make excellent resting spots for enjoying a shave ice, people watching, or taking a break from perusing Front Street's numerous shops, restaurants, and boutiques. On weekends local artists and crafters demonstrate, display, and sell their wares under the canopy of branches while local musicians provide live music of Aloha.
Banyan Tree Park also hosts numerous celebrations and events including the Ocean Arts Festival, the Holiday Lighting of the Banyan Tree, and the Banyan Tree Birthday Party, complete with cake, clown, and piñata. The tree turns 136 in 2009. During its early days, the park was a popular meeting spot for local sugar mill and pineapple workers. Throughout the years, it has also been the site of many luaus, dances, and political rallies.
Sheriff William O. Smith planted the Banyan Tree on April 24, 1873, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the first Protestant Christian mission in Lahaina. Since its eight-foot-tall beginnings, the Banyan Tree has grown to become the largest, and perhaps the most famous, of its kind in the country. Additional information about the park and the town's history and culture may be found inside the Old Lahaina Courthouse, located at the far end of the park, which houses the Lahaina Heritage Museum and Visitor Center.
Attraction Information
- Hours:
- Sunrise to sunset
- Admission:
- Free
- Contact:
- Location: Front Street at Canal Street, Lahaina, HI
- Phone: 808-661-46855
- Website: www.co.maui.hi.us
