The first thing I saw when I existed the car on Front Street was the old Lahaina courthouse and the banyan tree. It was love at first sight.
The Banyan tree was planted in 1873, by the sheriff of Lahaina, William Owen Smith. The tree was planted to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the Lahaina's first Protestant Christian Mission.
This spectacular tree was only 8 feet tall when it was imported from India. It now stands over 60 feet high, has 12 major trunks and an enormous core. Stretching over a 200 foot area it shades 2/3 of an acre. Community members care for the Banyan tree. This is one of the largest Indian Banyan trees in the world.
I was fascinated by the initials that were carved in the bark of this magnificent tree. Are these lovers taking the time to carve their initials, a romantic gesture, or perhaps someone who just wants leave their mark so that they can be remembered?
Of course, I had to have my photo taken by my favorite tree. I sat under the tree for fifteen minutes enjoying its shade and the breeze that the trees leaves provided.
Every evening, the Banyan tree, becomes the roosting place for most of the local mynah bird population. I was told that, at sundown, the tree comes alive with the tunes of thousands of birds.
What an amazing tree! How fun to be able to see it in person. And I love mynah birds. I'll never forget the first time I went to Florida and walked into a shop to hear someone say, 'Warm out, ain't it. Warm out, ain't it.' Then I realized it was the mynah bird in the corner. lol
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that amazing photo!
What an amazing tree! I only visited one Island when I went so missed seeing such a sight.
ReplyDeleteThat is incredible. It must be amazing when all of the birds descend on it.
ReplyDeleteWOW! that banyan tree is just magnificent! reminds me of the children's book "the Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein :)
ReplyDelete