New Beginning: 150-Year-Old Banyan Tree Burned From Maui Wildfires Shows Signs of Growth

 By Elizabeth Weibel

A 150-year-old Banyan tree in Lahaina, Hawaii, showed signs of growth after being burned during the Maui wildfires last month.

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) posted a video on Facebook Sunday showing the historic Banyan tree, which is described as being the “Heartbeat of Lahaina Town,” growing “groups of leaves.”

“Groups of leaves are sprouting on the Lahaina Banyan Tree,” the DLNR said in its post.

Arborists, who have been volunteering to help save the tree, said the small growth was seen as a “positive” sign in the tree’s “long-term recovery,” the DLNR said in the post.

Landscape contractor Chris Imonti told Hawaii Magazine that like many others he has a “personal attachment to the tree.”

“To me, it’s a symbol of hope,” Imonti said. “We’re taking it to heart to try to bring back the tree, to give some hope to Lahaina. We don’t know what’s down the line, but I think it’s going to be a new beginning for everybody.”

The Banyan tree was planted on April 24, 1873, in order to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first Protestant mission in the town, according to Maui News.