Largest banyan tree in US scorched by Hawaii wildfires in Maui

Maui’s historic, 150-year-old banyan tree has been damaged by the ongoing wildfires (Picture: Getty/AP/Instagram/@lei_dubzz)

Maui’s famous banyan tree, the largest in the United States, was burned by the ongoing deadly wildfires in Hawaii.

The massive tree that has served as a symbol for the ancient capital of Hawaii was scorched by the wildfires devastating the islands.

The most devastating fires have spread across western Maui, destroying historic buildings, damaging cell towers and cutting off 911 services, and killing at least 36 people across the island.

On Thursday, aerial images showed that the massive banyan tree in the center of Lahaina was damaged by the flames.

Before and after images of Lahaina. The banyan tree can be seen at the large forested grove near the harbor (Picture: AP)

Maui’s banyan tree is the largest of its species in the United States. It was imported from India in 1873.

The tree was planted in Lahaina, then the capital of the Hawaiian monarchy. It was planted 25 years before Hawaii would become a US territory, and another eight decades before it would become a state.

It was only eight feet tall when it was planted, but has since grown to grown to almost 60 feet in height.

Banyan trees are notable for their ability to grow quickly across large areas. Maui’s banyan tree expands across a 1.9 acre area, rooting itself in the ground with 47 trunks.

The hall of historic Waiola Church in Lahaina and nearby Lahaina Hongwanji Mission burn in Lahaina (Picture: AP)

The tree is adjacent to the Lahaina Heritage Museum and the Banyan Tree Fine Art Gallery.

Earlier this year, the Lahaina Restoration Foundation hosted a 150th birthday party for the tree, complete with a birthday cake.

The Restoration Foundation is now raising money to repair the town’s damaged historic sites, including the Banyan Court Park.

‘We need to come together now to make sure our town recovers from this,’ the foundation wrote on its website. ‘Please make sure this tragedy is not the end of our story.’

Maui’s banyan tree before the devastating wildfires (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

On Thursday, President Joe Biden approved federal disaster relief for the Hawaiian wildfires.

‘In the coming days, I ask that we as a state provide all the emotional and financial support we can to the people of Lahaina and Maui,’ Hawaii Governor Josh Green said. ‘I pledge to spare no resources to combat the destructive wildfires.’

The funds will be used for shelter displaced residents, support first responders, restore communication, and build temporary housing on Maui, Governor Green said.

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