A gift from missionaries in India, the tree was planted in Lahaina on April 24, 1873, to mark the 50th anniversary of the arrival of first American Protestant mission.

In April 2023, Lahaina held a birthday party to celebrate the Banyan Tree’s planting 150 years ago.

To improve its chances, they have implemented a regimen of irrigation, compost, and soil aeration, with results expected in three to six months.

The banyan tree is located close to the port in the historical Lahaina town, which was the former capital of Hawaii.

At sunset, there was a riot of noise as the birds flew back into the tree to find the best branch to sleep on.

The wind-driven fires prompted evacuations, caused widespread damage, and killed nearly a hundred people[9] in the town of Lahaina.

The proliferation of the wildfires was attributed to dry, gusty conditions created by a strong high-pressure area north of Hawaii and Hurricane Dora to the south.

[10] Consulting Arborist Steve Nimz is monitoring the burned tree for signs of rehabilitation and renewed health.

After the wildfire, a full inspection of the tree was completed, comprising the aerial roots and beneath the bark.

[12] "Normally if you touch or cut into a banyan tree, you’re just going to see that sap oozing out really fast," Nimz told The Maui News.

"[13] On September 19, the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources reported a fresh sprout of leaves out of the tree, indicating the first signs of possible recovery.

[8][17] The banyan, native to India, is one of 60 types (out of reported 1,000 species in the world) of fig trees found throughout Hawaii.