Posted on: Sunday, October 14, 2007
Enjoy yourself in Lahaina's Banyan Tree Park
Advertiser Staff
WHERE: Banyan Tree Park (aka Courthouse Square), Lahaina, Maui
WHAT TO SEE AND DO: Banyan Tree Park, bordered by Front Street mauka and Wharf Street makai, between Hotel (next to Pioneer Inn) and Canal streets, in the heart of old Lahaina, is almost completely shaded by what is said to be the largest banyan tree in the state, possibly the nation.
The tree: More than 60 feet high and covering the better part of an acre, the banyan tree is a Lahaina landmark. Only a few parts of the park, and the spot occupied by the Old Lahaina Courthouse on Wharf Street remain untouched by the spreading, shaggy limbs, bolstered by wood struts that keep the tree from breaking apart under the weight of its own prolific nature. The tree was planted in 1873 to honor the missionaries who had settled in Lahaina some 50 years before and who founded Lahainaluna School on the hill above. Today, the benches scattered in its shadow are a favorite place for respite from the strong rays of Lahaina's heat (the town's well-deserved name is translated as "merciless sun") and for the tourist mecca's No. 1 pastime: shopping.
Art and craft sales: The Malu 'O Keawaiki Arts and Crafts Festival takes place some Saturdays and Sunday under the banyan tree; schedule varies. Other seasonal sales are, held, too, and some of the local, handmade items are exceptional.
Of good cheer: Every December, the banyan tree graciously lends itself to Lahaina's holiday celebration, strung with thousands of lights. The free two-day tree-lighting celebration, Dec. 1 and 2, involves caroling, entertainment, holiday crafts, art sales and children's activities.
Canoe celebration: Every May, artisans from Hawai'i and elsewhere in the Pacific set up shop under the tree, carving watercraft and demonstrating other arts (drum-making, tiki-carving, housebuilding and thatching) as part of the International Festival of Canoes and Pacific Arts, which also hosts a canoe race off Lahaina's shores, a parade down Front Street and cultural and historical displays and daily arts and craft sales under the banyan. On the final day, the completed canoes are launched with full ceremony from Kamehameha Iki Beach Park. Information: MauiCanoeFest .com; next festival, May 10-24, 2008.
LAHAINA VISITOR INFORMATION: The Lahaina Visitor Center is in the Old Lahaina Courthouse in Banyan Tree Park, 648 Wharf St., open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Toll-free, 888-310-1117; 808-667-9175; www.visitlahaina.com.
