Banyan Tree, Maui Hawaii

Banyan trees are a species of ficus that begin their lives as seeds that germinate in the cracks of other trees or structures. The germinated seeds send down roots that eventually envelope the host tree or structure giving the Banyan a very distinctive appearance. I half expected this tree to come alive.

This Banyan is located along the Pipiwai Trail in east Maui south of Hana. Banyan’s are commonly known as “strangler fig” trees.