MEAWW.COM / NEWS / HUMAN INTEREST

Burned but 'still standing': 150-year-old Lahaina Banyan tree emerges as 'beacon of hope' amid Hawaii wildfires

'We will rebuild,' read one tweet after the Lahaina Banyan tree survived against all odds, seemingly reminding the local community to stay resilient

MAUI, HAWAII: With its magnificent leafy branches providing shade from the Hawaiian sun, the iconic banyan tree along Lahaina town's historic Front Street served as a gathering place for years.

But now, the town has been left charred and unrecognizable, it's very survival in doubt, because of the horrific Maui wildfires in Hawaii, destroying years of history.

But the 150-year-old Lahaina banyan tree is reportedly still standing tall. The huge tree, which in its full glory stood more than 60 feet (18 meters) tall and was supported by several trunks that covered almost an acre.

Serving as the heartbeat of the local community, many were worried about the tree's survival as the wildfire raged.

As per the Associated Press, the ancient banyan tree shielded locals and visitors, fitting for a site that was previously known as "Lele," the Hawaiian word for "relentless sun."

When did the Lahaina fire start?

The historic Maui town of Lahaina was largely devastated by the ravaging fire. According to Maui County officials, the roaring wildfire that has severely damaged Lahaina is "80% contained," as of Thursday, August 10.

The flames started on Tuesday, August 8 night, and have not ceased completely. Although the National Weather Service withdrew the warnings late on Wednesday, August 9, heavy winds and dry weather had been forecasted — ideal conditions for the flames.

The fires have wreaked havoc on Lahaina, a beach town of 13,000 residents on the northwest coast of Maui that once served as the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom and today attracts 2 million visitors annually.

Historic Lahaina largely devastated by Maui blaze

Thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes due to deadly wildfires raging in Hawaii, which are being fed by a combination of atmospheric and ground conditions that can produce "fire weather."

Due to the extensive damage, movement in Lahaina is restricted. A large portion of the surrounding area has been entirely destroyed as residents tried to jump into the ocean to escape the advancing flames.

According to the US Coast Guard, 17 people were saved after they jumped into the Lahaina port to try and escape the flames. Business owner Alan Dickar recounted witnessing properties "engulfed" in flames on both sides of Front Street, a well-known tourist destination.

Due to a lack of power and phone coverage, communication was broken. Even the 911 number was unreachable there. Concerns were raised concerning the locals as well as the iconic banyan tree.

When the tree was first planted in 1873, it was only an 8-foot (2-meter) sapling. It was a gift from India given to mark the 50th anniversary of the first Protestant mission in Lahaina.

It was planted 25 years before the Hawaiian Islands became a US territory and 70 years after King Kamehameha designated Lahaina as his kingdom's capital.

In the charred branches of the tree, Tiffany Kidder Winn sensed hope as she passed it while surveying the devastation in Lahaina on Wednesday. She hoped that the iconic banyan tree would endure the Maui fires.

Kidder Winn said, "It’s burned, but I looked at the trunk and the roots and I think it’s going to make it. It was kind of this diamond in the rough of hope."

'Feels like a small beacon of hope'

On X, formerly known as Twitter, a user by the name HawaiiDelilah commented, "There is nothing that has made me cry more today than the thought of the Banyan Tree in my hometown of Lahaina. We will rebuild. And the natural beauty of Maui will be forever. But as we move forward, we must do so with cognizance of the #climatecrisis within which we are living."

Another X user hoped, "Not my video- a ground view of Lahaina today shows the Banyan Tree somehow still stands amidst so much destruction, for those who have been worried. Only time will tell if it survives the injuries sustained in the fires, but it feels like a small beacon of hope in this disaster."

A third one exclaimed, "Banyan Tree in Lahaina smoldering at the base, but still standing. Just about the only thing left, other than the Lighthouse."

Hopeful NowThis News wrote, "Though severely burned, Lahaina's 150-year-old banyan tree emerges as a symbol of hope in the historic Hawaiian town amid the surrounding devastation caused by unprecedented wildfires."

Someone else exclaimed, "The best news I’ve heard today: Planted in 1873, Lahaina’s famed banyan tree may survive. County officials said it “looks burned” after the Maui fires, but roots may still be healthy."

"The loss of lives, buildings, fields, property, etc in Lahaina is devastating. If this amazing 150 year old banyan tree has a chance to survive, that would give me some small consolation, and some hope that things will be rebuilt. Stay strong Maui!" chimed in another X user.