Photos: new growth signals recovery for Lāhainā’s historic banyan tree

Groups of leaves are sprouting on Lāhainā’s historic banyan tree, which was burned by the recent Maui wildfires.

Arborists, volunteering their time and expertise to saving the 150-year-old tree, indicate these are positive signs for its long-term recovery.

Just weeks ago, the mammoth tree showed no signs of life to the untrained eye.

Thousands of people locally and from around the world who have a special place for the tree, which covers an entire half a block. Weddings, vow renewals, honeymoon photographs, are among the multitude of memories people have of the Lāhainā banyan.

The ultimate survival of the tree has become symbolic of what many hope for the fire-
ravaged town of Lāhainā.