One of the largest, if not THE largest Banyan Tree in the United States
In a quaint town outside of Hilo Hawai’i, is a place called Honomu where Akaka Falls draws thousands a day to experience one of the most beautiful sites in Hawai’i. There is also another spectacular site that one should not miss while touring this once bustling Sugar Plantation town. I am not sure who planted this Banyan Tree years ago, but I do recall that it provided shade for locals looking for a place to hang out during those Hot Hawaiian Days. It has been years since I went back to the place where I spent part of my childhood. I was amazed by how huge the Banyan Tree became! This behemoth of nature’s beauty that appeared untouched for decades has transformed itself into a breathtaking and towering mammoth. This has to be one of the largest Banyan Trees in the United States.
In an article from Fox News, the writer claims that a Banyan Tree Growing in Florida is the largest in the Continental United States. The article claims that it is 84′ tall and 376 inches in circumference. It also estimates that it was planted in 1925. I would assume that this tree may have been planted during this time period, but with Hawaii’s ideal climate, fertile volcanic soil, and precipitation, this tree in Honomu could be larger in comparison. https://www.foxnews.com/real-estate/2012/01/28/magic-banyan-trees.html.
Any Tropical and Sub Tropical plant species can thrive in Hawai’i. A curse when invasive botanical species can overtake our native valleys, rivers, and back yards. Today, we face challenges with introduced tree varieties that grow over 60 feet high and crash down on homes and power infrastructures during hurricanes and tropical storms.
The Banyan does not pose any threats because it does not grow quickly as other trees. Here in Hilo, it lines a popular scenic route appropriately called, “Banyan Drive” where famed politicians, actors, and philanthropists planted Banyan seedlings that withstood tidal waves and strong winds. For me, natural beauty eclipsed what human beings can build with steel, glass, and cement. There are astounding engineering feats made around the world and I am at awe by how we can sometimes control our resources. Still, some things are better left alone and untouched. I hope that some developer does not cut this amazing wonder in Honomu down. It could have taken a century to grow and only a few days to destroy it. This picture cannot capture the fullness of walking under this giant umbrella of branches and leaves. It only reveals the scale of how big this tree is and how small we are compared to our natural surroundings.
Amazing beauty is everywhere. The other day, I ran into a couple of visitors from Chile. They told me that this Island is very beautiful. I, in response, told them that Chile is also very beautiful. With a bright simultaneous smile, they said, “Yes it is too.” As they rode off in their bicycles absorbing the beautiful landscapes and another adventure here on the island.
The seeds of the Banyan originated in India adding to the diverse fauna similar to the diversity of our population here. There are beautiful and unique landscapes in every country and in every part of the United States. I can’t wait to go on another adventure to appreciated what nature holds!
Have a Beautiful Day!
WwW
Wil