Multiple sources report that Maui County officials are preparing an extensive health assessment of Lahaina’s historic banyan tree to determine when the park can reopen to visitors. The tree has been closed to the public since sustaining damage in the August 2023 wildfire.
- Arborists from Maui and Oahu will conduct extensive testing to assess the tree’s health and structural integrity
- Recent discovery of fungus inside a broken branch has raised concerns about hidden damage beneath the tree’s bark
- Assessment will include stress testing branches with weighted ropes and inserting steel spikes to check for sap production
- Lahaina Banyan Court Park could potentially reopen before the end of 2026 if the tree is deemed healthy enough
- Officials must ensure damaged branches pose no safety risk to visitors before allowing public access
Sources
Share this article