Acre-Wide Lahaina Banyan Tree Under Survey For Possible Revival After Deadly Maui Wildfire

An arborist is examining the Lahaina banyan tree, which has spread to cover an acre, to determine whether it can be revived after the recent deadly wildfire tore through Mauii, Hawaii.

Wildfire Burns Lahaina Banyan Tree

Senator Mazie Hirono said Sunday that she is "optimistic" the historic Lahaina banyan tree, which is regarded as a landmark throughout the state, will bloom once more. Maui's historic Lahaina town suffered extensive damage after the wildfire raged consuming at least 2,170 acres of land, which includes the banyan tree planted in April 1873 and now occupies an entire acre on the town's historic Front Street.

Hirono reported having an exchange with an arborist while in front of the banyan tree about whether or not the tree is still alive and how it might be supported.

In a video that was shared on social media, Hirono expressed her optimism and said that if they could get the tree to start to recover, it would give everyone hope.

At least 150 employees of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Small Business Administration chief Isabella Casillas Guzman were present, according to Hirono.

In the port city of Lahaina, then the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii, a rare banyan tree was planted in 1873 when it was just 8 feet tall.

According to the Lahaina Restoration Foundation, the tree's limbs have grown over 60 feet high and even wider, shading close to a third of an acre. It has been conserved and maintained by Maui's historic town, where it has become a landmark and a place for community gatherings. It is recognized as the nation's largest banyan tree.

Maui Deadly Wildfire

By Sunday night, the Maui wildfire had claimed the lives of at least 96 people, making it the most fatal in recent American history. According to Maui County officials, there are still persons missing, and search and rescue operations are being conducted on the island.

The Pacific Disaster Center (PDC) alongside FEMA assessed on Friday that the Lahaina fire had burned or damaged at least 2,207 houses. FEMA and PDC stated the damages are pegged at about $5.52 billion in a damage assessment map uploaded on Saturday.

As crews attempted to put out any flare-ups, Maui County officials reported the fire to be 85% contained as of Sunday night.

County officials in Upcountry Maui estimated the fire to be 60% contained, noting that hot patches in difficult-to-reach regions in mountainous areas have rendered it challenging to put out. Officials said that the Upcountry/Kula wildfire has so far damaged at least 19 dwellings.

According to climate change-related changes in temperature and rainfall, the annual danger of wildfire for some areas of Hawaii Island might rise by up to 375%.