Lahaina town will be the site of the 21st Annual Lighting of the Banyan Tree on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018. The event will take place in dual locations, the Banyan Tree Park for the lighting ceremony and earlier in the day at Campbell Park. Front Street will also be decorated with 64 Christmas wreaths. 

“With over 6,500 sparkling lights, The Banyan Tree Lighting event officially kicks off the holiday season for our Westside Community” said Sne Patel, President of the LahainaTown Action Committee. “This year we are excited to announce West Maui Councilwoman Elect Tamara Paltin and family as our special guests to flip the switch,” said Patel. In keeping with tradition, the Banyan Tree will be lit at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 1, and will remain lit the entire holiday season to Jan. 1, 2019.

One of the most famous landmarks in Lahaina, the Banyan Tree was planted in 1873 by Sheriff Smith to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first Missionary. The tree was brought from India, and was only eight feet tall at the time of planting. It now has a dozen main trunks, and spreads over the better part of an acre.