ALOHA!
The Lahaina banyan tree is a natural wonder on Maui!
It is the one BIG tree that you need to see on Maui!
Where can you see the Lahaina banyan tree?
This is located in West Maui, around the historic district of Lahaina.
The historic district of Lahaina is also where the Lahaina Harbor is located, and the banyan tree is located right near Lahaina Harbor.
One of the popular things to do from Lahaina Harbor is a day trip to another Hawaiian island called Lanai. See things to do in Lanai.
West Maui is more than just Lahaina! There are lots of things to do in West Maui.
West Maui is just one tourist area of Maui! There are also things to do in South Maui, and things to do in East Maui, and things to do in Haleakala National Park, and the West Maui mountains!
If you were to be on a casual walk in Lahaina and walked past the Lahaina Banyan Court Park, at first you’d probably think you’re walking past a whole bunch of trees.
But actually…
It is one BIG tree that’s all connected together!
And…
This banyan tree in Lahaina is said to be the largest banyan tree in Hawaii, and the largest banyan tree in the United States!
The banyan tree in the Lahaina Banyan Court Park is the famous banyan tree in Maui!
There are banyan trees all over Hawaii! Also see: banyan trees in Waikiki
A bunch of trees connected together?!
According to the people who put together the Lahaina Historic Trail:
Shading almost an acre of the park and reaching upward to a height of 60 feet, this banyan tree is the largest in the United States.
The tree has spread over the area by way of its aerial roots, which grow into thick trunks when they reach the ground, supporting the tree’s large canopy.
There are 16 major trunks in addition to the original trunk in the center.
And so, when you arrive at the Lahaina banyan court park, while you may initially think you are seeing over 10 trees, if you look carefully, you will see that they are all connected together as one!
Making a trip to see the big Maui banyan tree
You can make a half day of it by walking along Front Street and more of the Lahaina Historic Trail.
Front Street is also a waterfront street in part, and you can find some oceanfront restaurants too.
The banyan tree is also located near the Lahaina Harbor where there are a ton of boat tours that depart from.
If you’ll be visiting Maui during whale season (generally speaking winter), then this is a perfect spot to take a whale watching tour. There is also a Pacific Whale Foundation store located in downtown Lahaina.
The Lahaina Harbor is also where you can take a ferry to the island of Lanai. See pictures from the boat ride:
Plus ideas for a things to do in Lanai for a quiet day trip.
👆 Sailing away from Lahaina Harbor to Lanai. See more of what it’s like in pictures: Maui to Lanai ferry
👆 Lahaina Harbor.
Getting to the Lahaina banyan tree
If you are staying in Kaanapali or Kapalua without a car, you can take a direct bus to get to downtown Lahaina.
If you have a car, then you can also find paid parking lots around Lahaina.
Otherwise, you may be able to find free street parking just a few minutes south of the Lahaina Banyan Court Park.
You can use the Kamehameha Iki Park as your landmark for google maps.
From here it will be a few minutes walk to get to the banyan tree.
There is also beach access near Kamehameha Iki Park.
Or, you can continue driving north and there is free street parking along Front Street in downtown Lahaina, but it may be harder to find an open spot.
Be sure to pay attention to the parking signs for the time limit.
There is also said to be a free parking lot at Front Street and Prison Street, which may be full when you go.
The Lahaina Banyan Court Park is also located just a few minutes walk from the Lahaina hostel.
And that’s a bit about seeing the largest banyan tree in Hawaii!
More of the best of Maui beyond the Lahaina Banyan Court:
If you’re interested in the Lahaina Banyan Court you may also be interested in these top things around Maui:
- Waianapanapa State Park
- Road to Hana stops
- Nakalele Blowhole
- Hookipa Beach (turtles!)
- Iao Valley needle (famous views!)
- Haleakala National Park
- Things to do in Maui (for VIEWS!)
And more of the best of West Maui.
Are you headed to Oahu? You can see banyan trees in Waikiki too, like the Moana banyan tree!
HAPPY SEEING THE BIG BANYAN TREE IN MAUI!
