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History of the Banyan Tree in Hawaii

History of the Banyan Tree in Hawaii

The banyan tree has become a common feature of Hawaii’s landscape, however, it's not native to the islands. 

Maui: The First Banyan Tree in Hawaii

The first banyan tree in Hawaii was  planted on Maui in April, 1873 (now the famous Lahaina Banyan). The banyan is native to India, and the Lahaina Banyan was presented to Maui Sherriff William Owen Smith by missionaries from India. He planted it to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first Protestant mission to Lahaina. The Lahaina Banyan is now the oldest banyan in Hawaii, and one of the oldest in the United States.

The Lahaina Banyan has since grown to over 45 feet tall, with its canopy’s circumference spanning a quarter-mile. Although it has been faced threats to its health, measures were taken to protect and preserve the tree in 2000. It remains home to hundreds of mynah birds and other wildlife.

The Big Island's Banyan Tree Drive

Banyan Tree Drive in Hilo on the Big Island has dozens of stories of major historical figures visiting and planting a tree there. The trees were first planted in 1933, when city officials thought it would be a good idea to have celebrities in Hilo filming Cecil B. DeMille’s “Four Frightened People” plant trees in the area. The drive was built in 1934, prompted by a visit by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who also planted a tree. Many other famous figures have their names on placards beneath the trees they planted. Amelia Earhart, Richard Nixon, and Louis Armstrong are among the honorees of Banyan Drive. Because of Baynan Drive’s location on the Hilo coastline, some trees were lost to tsunamis that devastated Hilo. Remarkably, however, 50 of the expansive trees remain.

Oahu's Banyan Trees

Near Kawela Bay on Oahu’s North Shore is a banyan tree that has gained more recent attention as a featured location on the cult-favorite “Lost” television show. But Oahu also is home to banyan trees of a weightier historical provenance. The banyan tree at Iolani Palace was a gift from Indian royalty to King Kalakaua, who began construction of the palace in 1882. It is believed that it was planted by Queen Lili’oukalani, who would ultimately be overthrown and imprisoned at the palace.

Another famous Oahu banyan tree is the majestic giant at the historic Moana Hotel on Waikiki Beach. Planted in 1904, the tree now reaches 75 feet high and 150 feet across. It is a dominating feature of Waikiki’s oldest hotel. Nearby, both inside and outside the Honolulu Zoo is a cluster of towering banyan trees, filled most days with almost as many giggling children as chirping birds. Along the popular Manoa Falls Hiking Trail is another large banyan tree, believed by some to be haunted, stand in a path taken by “Night Marchers,” or the spirits of fallen Hawaiian warriors.

Although the banyan is an alien species, it has managed to find a home in Hawaii!

The Future: Become a Banyan Tree or a Smaller Bonsai Tree

People love the beauty of the Banyan Tree, and now, with The Living Urn's biotree urn you can become a Banyan Tree or a smaller Bonsai Tree with an indoor urn after you pass. Family and friends can visit your beautiful and enduring banyan tree memorial for generations to come!  Simply order The Living Urn then visit your local nursery to pick up a small banyan tree, or another small tree, plant or flowers of your choice, to plant with your cremains and tree pod! Alternatively, plant a bonsai tree in our new Bonsai Urn indoors!

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