Written by the Maui Snorkeling team, operating Molokini Crater, Turtle Town, and Coral Gardens tours out of Maalaea (Māʻalaea) Harbor since 1985. Tours are led by USCG‑licensed captains aboard a
USCG‑inspected passenger vessel. We spend more days in these waters than on land.
Quick Answer: Is the Lahaina Banyan Tree Open Right Now?
As of July 23, 2026, the latest
Maui County access announcement
doesn’t confirm that Banyan Tree Park itself is reopening. Front Street from Pāpalaua Street to Shaw Street is scheduled to reopen to vehicle traffic on August 1, 2026, and Dickenson and Prison streets will reopen too.
This is a road access update, not a park reopening announcement. Visitors should stay out of fenced or restricted areas and check
MauiRecovers
before going because construction and temporary closures may continue.
Imagine standing in the heart of Lahaina, Maui, where a silent giant stands watch. It’s not a building or a statue; it’s the Lahaina Banyan Tree, a symbol of the island’s past and spirit. This great banyan stands at the center of Banyan Tree Park, with branches that spread across almost an entire city block.
More than 150 years old, the Lahaina Banyan Tree is the oldest living banyan tree on Maui and one of the largest banyan trees in the United States! Picture its vast canopy, supported by a curtain of aerial roots that cascade down like natural tapestries. Planted in 1873, this banyan tree has lived through storms, celebrations, and times of sadness, standing as a silent witness to Lahaina’s story.
Lahaina Banyan Tree update
The good news is that the tree is alive, and recovery work has continued. Hawaiʻi DLNR reported clear signs of recovery in April 2024, and the Associated Press reported in August 2024 that new growth was visible across parts of the tree as arborists and volunteers continued intensive care.
More recently, Civil Beat reported that about 40% of the tree had been removed because of fire damage, that 22 trunks had already been removed, and that a detailed assessment would help determine which areas are healthy and safe enough to remain. That’s encouraging, but it’s also why the safest wording for this page is simple: the tree is recovering, and public access remains restricted.
Where is the Lahaina Banyan Tree?
The Lahaina Banyan Tree stands in Lahaina’s historic core next to the Old Lahaina Courthouse and near Lahaina Harbor. The Lahaina Banyan Court Park is a 1.94-acre site and is home to the oldest living banyan tree on Maui. Lahaina served as the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi from 1820 to 1845, which is part of why this area carries so much historic significance.
Why is the Lahaina Banyan Tree so famous?
This isn’t just a big tree. It’s a living landmark. It was planted on April 24, 1873, to mark the 50th anniversary of the first Protestant mission in Lahaina. The tree stands more than 60 feet high and stretches across nearly a city block, helping explain why it became one of the best-known sights in West Maui.
For generations, the tree has been part of what people picture when they think of historic Lahaina. Before the wildfire, the shady area around it was known for art, community events, and everyday strolls through town. That history is a big reason the tree still matters so much to residents and visitors now.
A Brief History of the Lahaina Banyan Tree
Over the years, the tree became a beloved gathering place for locals and tourists alike. Its wide branches provided shade from the Hawaiian sun, and the canopy formed a natural gathering place for events, festivals, and celebrations.
The tree’s massive size and unusual growth have made it a favorite for photographers and artists. Its web of roots and branches fascinates visitors, who often marvel at how it creates its own ecosystem. The banyan provides shelter for birds, insects, and other wildlife.
The Lahaina Restoration Foundation and other groups have worked to protect the tree and keep it central to Lahaina’s culture. Before the 2023 Maui Fires, the Lahaina Banyan Tree had been the site of many events and celebrations over the years.
Events Historically Held at Banyan Tree Park
Before the August 2023 wildfire, Banyan Tree Park was one of Lahaina’s best-known gathering places. The park hosted art festivals, holiday lighting celebrations, Halloween activities, performances, Kamehameha Day events, and other community gatherings beneath the tree’s canopy.
The tree’s 150th birthday was also celebrated in April 2023. These events remain an important part of the park’s history, but visitors shouldn’t assume they’re currently taking place beneath the tree. Some activities have moved to other Lahaina locations while recovery work continues.
Can you visit the area right now?
Access around Lahaina is changing. Maui County says Front Street from Pāpalaua Street to Shaw Street is scheduled to reopen to vehicle traffic on August 1, 2026, with no regularly restricted hours. Dickenson and Prison streets are also scheduled to reopen.
Market Street, Papelekane Street, and Mokuhinia Place will remain closed while work continues. Temporary road closures may also happen during ongoing construction.
The County’s announcement doesn’t say Banyan Tree Park itself is reopening. Don’t enter fenced, private, or posted restricted areas, and check MauiRecovers for the latest guidance before you go.
Planning a Visit to Lahaina Today?
Lahaina’s access, road conditions, parking, and recovery work can change as rebuilding continues. Before heading to the historic district, read our Lahaina Today visitor update for the latest information on what’s open, what’s still closed, and how to visit respectfully.
The Lahaina Banyan Tree before the August 2023 wildfire. Photo Courtesy of
Lahaina News
Lahaina Banyan Tree Recovery Timeline
Explore recent photos and updates showing how the Lahaina Banyan Tree has changed during its ongoing recovery.
How to support Lahaina’s recovery
The best way to support Lahaina is to respect closures, follow recovery guidance, and support verified local organizations working on recovery and preservation. MauiRecovers remains the County’s main recovery hub, and the Lahaina Restoration Foundation continues to play a major role in caring for Lahaina’s historic places, including Banyan Tree Park.
