Lahaina’s Banyan Tree

The subject line was “Hello from New York Times Opinion.” It landed in my inbox about 24-hours after the horrific wildfires on Maui had begun to spread. I’d already checked in with friends who live on the island, to make sure they were safe. Like the rest of the world, I was watching in horror as historic Lahaina town went up in flames.

The editor explained that the paper was looking for a historian of the islands who could speak to the tragedy, including what had been in lost in Lahaina. I’m the author of a narrative history of 19^th century Hawaiian history, Lost Kingdom: Hawaii’s Last Queen, the Sugar Kings, and America’s First Imperial Adventure. Although we live in the San Francisco Bay Area, my family and I have visited the islands many times over the years.

I wrote an essay focused on Lahaina’s beloved banyan tree – a huge botanical wonder that has captured the heart of many residents and visitors to the island over the years. I first visited it with one of our sons, and I remember looking up through the branches of this immense mother tree and feeling awe.

My heart goes out to the people of Lahaina and I pray for the revival of both the tree and the town in the weeks and months ahead.

A damaged 150 year old tree caused by wildfires at Lahaina Banyan Court in Lahaina, Maui.Credit…Philip Cheung for The New York Times