Hawaii Wildfire: Imported 150 Years Ago, 46-Trunk Indian Banyan Tree Battles For Survival

This towering Banyan tree, known as "paniana" in Hawaiian, stretches across the expanse of Front Street, resembling the dimensions of an entire city block.

An aerial image shows the historic Banyan tree surrounded by burned cars in Lahaina in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui in Lahaina, Hawaii.

A 150-year-old Banyan tree, originally imported from India and now considered one of the largest in the United States, is battling for its existence as raging wildfires wreak havoc across the Hawaiian island of Maui. The inferno has left the island's Lahaina town scarred, with buildings reduced to ashes and a tragic toll of over 50 lives lost.

The sprawling Banyan tree, with an astounding 46 trunks, was first planted as an 8-foot sapling in Maui's Lahaina town back in 1873, as reported by the online resource lahainatown.com. Its planting marked a significant moment — the 50th anniversary of Lahaina's first American Protestant missionary, a turning point that irrevocably shaped the town's trajectory.

This towering Banyan tree, known as "paniana" in Hawaiian, stretches across the expanse of Front Street, resembling the dimensions of an entire city block. It was imported from India and is firmly rooted in front of the Lahaina Courthouse and Lahaina Harbour. The historic tree, which stands more than 60 feet tall, has been a beloved fixture since its planting, providing cooling shade to generations of residents and visitors beneath its sprawling branches and cascading vines, as recognised by the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

As per a CNN report, widespread destruction occurred in the historic town of Lahaina. Everything in the town centre has been completely destroyed. The fires have left the valuable and sprawling banyan tree with little to no vegetation, it said. 

In April of this year, the banyan tree celebrated its 150th birthday. While its exact condition is unknown, images show that the tree has been burned but is still standing. According to the town's website, "If the roots are healthy, they will likely grow back."

"I tend to believe it'll be fine. It's really very hard to kill a banyan tree" Theo Morrison, executive director of the Lahaina Restoration Foundation, told the BBC. 

According to the Lahaina Restoration Foundation, the tree has 46 major trunks in addition to its massive original one and shades nearly two-thirds of an acre. According to CNN, the Maui County Arborist Committee maintains its health and shape.

According to media reports, at least 55 people have died as a result of the devastating wildfires in Maui. Thousands of people are still homeless.