21st Lahaina Banyan Tree Lighting Ceremony

LAC Banyan Tree Lighting in Lahaina. File 2017.

The LahainaTown Action Committee will host the 21st Annual Lighting of the Banyan Tree in downtown Lahaina on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018. The event will be split between Campbell Park in the day and Banyan Tree Park for the lighting ceremony. Front Street will also be decorated with 64 Christmas wreaths.

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.

“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.

The Maui Made Holiday Gift Fair will kick off at 9 a.m. in Campbell Park and Santa will arrive at the North Pole around 2 p.m. Children are invited to take a free photo with Santa between 2 and 4 p.m. The activity is sponsored by 5A Rent A Space. Keiki activities will be available at Campbell Park from noon to 4 p.m. Lahainaluna High School Band will perform from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. at Banyan Tree Park. The public is invited to join in the fun with this Lahaina island-style event.

A special mahalo is extended to the Pioneer Inn and the Wharf Cinema Center that simultaneously light their holiday lights with the Banyan Tree.