Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii
Tree Removal and Tree Service in Lahaina
Maui County protects a list of exceptional trees under Chapter 12.24A of the county code, trees of historic or cultural value, age, rarity, size or beauty. Several stand in Lahaina, including the Indian banyan in Courthouse Square, planted in 1873. The August 2023 wildfire scorched many of them, and arborists have worked since to bring them back.
- County
- Maui
- Tree rules
- Maui County Code Chapter 12.24A, Exceptional Trees; Maui County Arborist Committee
- Key local rule
- Exceptional trees designated by ordinance are protected and inspected annually
- Electric utility
- Hawaiian Electric
- Main hazards
- Wildfire, drought, strong trade and downslope winds, invasive grasses
What is an exceptional tree in Maui County?
A tree, grove or stand with historic or cultural value, or one designated by ordinance as worth preserving because of its age, rarity, location, size, beauty or native status. The Maui County Arborist Committee recommends trees for the list, the County Council adopts them by ordinance, and committee members inspect listed trees each year.
- Designation
- By County Council ordinance, on the Arborist Committee's recommendation.
- Inspection
- Annual assessments of each listed tree.
- Lahaina trees
- Including the banyan and the breadfruit at the Baldwin House.
Chapter 12.24A
The exceptional tree list was first adopted in 1991 and has been amended by ordinance since, with the 2018 amendment holding the most current listing at the time of later committee reviews. The committee's annual assignment sheets record each tree's ID, species, location and size.
Work that could harm a listed exceptional tree requires review. Owners of property with an exceptional tree should contact the county before pruning, construction or removal.
Caring for a fire-damaged tree
Wait before removing
Many trees resprout after fire.
Water deeply
Roots need moisture to push new growth.
Protect the soil
Avoid heavy equipment over roots during cleanup.
Prune only dead wood
After new growth shows what is alive.
Get an arborist assessment
Especially for trees near rebuilt homes.
Signs in fire- and drought-stressed trees
Bark cracked or charred at the base
Heat may have killed the living tissue beneath.
No new leaves months after fire
The tree may be dead.
Dieback on drought-stressed trees
West Maui's dry side is hard on trees.
Invasive grasses under trees
Fuel that carries fire into canopies.
The banyan after the fire
The Lahaina banyan was planted in April 1873 to mark the 50th anniversary of the first Protestant mission in the town. Over 150 years its aerial roots grew into dozens of trunks covering most of an acre. Residents celebrated its 150th birthday in April 2023.
Four months later, on August 8, 2023, wind-driven fire destroyed most of Lahaina. The banyan was scorched and lost its leaves. Arborists and volunteers began watering, aerating and feeding its roots within weeks, and new leaves appeared that fall. The breadfruit outside the Baldwin House and other culturally important trees were also damaged.
Fire-damaged trees can take years to show whether they will recover, which is why careful assessment matters before removal.
Notable Lahaina trees
| Tree | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Indian banyan | Courthouse Square | Exceptional tree; recovering after 2023 |
| Breadfruit | Outside the Baldwin House | Culturally important; damaged in the fire |
| Trees near Hale Paahao | Old prison site | On the exceptional list |
| Monkeypod and coconut palms | Throughout town | Common shade and landscape trees |
Lahaina tree questions
Is the Lahaina banyan still alive?
Yes. It was badly scorched in August 2023, but arborists' care helped it put out new leaves within months.
How old is the Lahaina banyan?
It was planted in April 1873, making it more than 150 years old.
Do I need permission to work on an exceptional tree?
Contact Maui County before pruning, building near or removing a listed exceptional tree.
Should fire-damaged trees be removed right away?
Not unless they are an immediate hazard. Many recover, and it can take a season or more to tell.
What trees should be planted when rebuilding?
Species suited to West Maui's dry climate, spaced away from structures, with fire-resistant ground cover beneath.
Reach a tree service in Lahaina
Call to be connected with an independent tree company that works in the Lahaina area, or leave your number and one will call you back.
(844) 955-1716Call availability varies by area and time of day
Limbwright is a referral service. Your call goes to an independent tree service company that sets its own schedule and terms. Ask for proof of insurance and a written scope before work starts. How this works
Call now
Talk to a tree service provider in your area. Have the tree's location and what it is near ready.
(844) 955-1716Call nowCall availability varies by area and time of day