Hawaii Travel: Lahaina Tips
There is so much to do and see in Lahaina that a short webpage on Lahainas diverse culture and vibrant history cannot be done justice with a few words. The sites and activities that this bustling tourist center offers need to be experience rather than just written about. Often though, many people just think of Lahaina in terms of its tourism. Lahaina does have local inhabitants who live in the city all year long. It may be to your advantage to explore the community events off the beaten path of the Lahaina tourist trail.
The Lahaina Banyan Tree
The banyan tree is actually indigenous to India and is known for growing figs. The banyan tree located in the city of Lahaina is the largest in the United States. The tree appears to be many trees, but is actually one tree with many trunks. The Lahaina banyan has twelve. It is no surprise then that the tree takes up an entire block.
A centerpiece of Lahaina town many activities and festivals center on the banyan tree. An annual festival makes the tree its focus. The festival encourages artists to celebrate Hawaiian culture and find new ways to uplift the heritage of Hawaiis rich culture. The tree is seen as a symbol of Hawaiian cultural endurance. Many rituals that express Hawaiian culture are centered on the banyan tree. On any given day you may see a hula class taking place under the trees shade.
The banyan tree gets it share of use from tourists as well. The banyan tree is a frequent location for the many tourists who come to Maui seeking to wed in matrimonial bliss. The longevity of the trees life seems to hold significance for newly wedded lovers. Having spread its trunks and branches for the last 12 decades it is no wonder that this belief has been long held.
Posted on: Thursday, June 19, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Hawaii Travel, Travel. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
