Incredible video shows how Lahaina Church was miraculously spared from Maui’s devastating wildfires – while the famous banyan tree, which stretches over five acres, still stands
- The Maria Lanakila Catholic Church in downtown Lahaina still stands amid the rubble
- The church, which has stood since 1846, retained its stained glass and tower structure even as the ground around it smoldered
- The 150-year-old Lahaina banyan tree also appears to have survived the fires, although it was badly singed by the flames
A small act of mercy has come to light in Maui, where Lahaina Church was spared the devastation that leveled the rest of the historic city.
A video posted on TikTok shows the Maria Lanakila Catholic Church in downtown Lahaina still standing amid the rubble.
The church, which has stood since 1846, can be seen in a video posted to TikTok standing proudly with its stained glass and spire construction in place, despite the smoldering ground around it.
Parishioners took to Facebook to express their gratitude for saving the building.
Jeffrey Chang wrote, “May she be the beacon of hope…to help the rest of the community.”
The Maria Lanakila Catholic Church in downtown Lahaina still stands amid the rubble
The Lahaina banyan tree, near the city’s historic courthouse, is believed to be the oldest living banyan tree in the United States. Both the tree and the courthouse were badly damaged.
Another user, Jeffrey Domdoma, wrote, “May she be the beacon of hope to the people of Lahaina!!!!” Praise the Lord…on this rock I will build my church!!! come and follow me…’
Terrence Watanabe, pastor of nearby St. Anthony’s Parish, told The Pillar, “The entire city of Lahaina was consumed in a fire.” It’s all gone. The Church, Maria Lanakila [Our Lady of Victory], is still standing, as is the vicarage. The school is a little affected.’
Speaking of the church’s relief effort on the ground, Watanabe said, “Our bishop just got back from meeting on the mainland…the diocese — they’re meeting today to decide what they can do to help.”
“Catholic charities here in Hawaii are also mobilizing right now.” And I think they’ve already reached out to the national office for help and support.
“Here in St. Anthony.” [Parish]”We have set up a fund that people can donate to,” he added.
The 150-year-old banyan tree in Lahaina also appears to have survived the fires.
As of Friday, the historic tree with 47 trunks was still standing, although badly burned by the flames.
Whether the tree imported from India in 1873 will survive is not yet known.
The historic tree remains standing in the midst of the carnage, but appears to have been badly burned
The 150-year-old tree in the city of Lahaina covers nearly five acres of land near the courthouse
As of Friday morning, 55 people have died in wildfires on Hawaii’s Big Island and Maui
The Lahaina banyan tree, near the city’s historic courthouse, is believed to be the oldest living banyan tree in the United States.
According to Lahaina Town’s website, it’s planted just 8 feet tall and is now over 60 feet tall, spanning nearly two acres.
The tree belongs to the fig family and its aerial roots reach to the ground, allowing the tree to grow vertically and horizontally.
It is also home to hundreds of mynah birds, introduced to Hawaii in 1865 to control army worms.
The wildfires broke out on Tuesday and spread quickly and violently. The exact cause remains unclear, but high winds, dry conditions and low humidity exacerbated the blazes.
As of Friday morning, 55 people have been confirmed dead and 1,000 are still missing three days after the fire.
An extensive search and rescue mission is currently underway and cadaver dogs have also been called in to assist in finding bodies in the ruins.
In an interview this morning, the Maui County mayor said the bodies found so far have all been discovered on the road outside properties. Search parties have not yet begun removing bodies from homes and businesses.
An unknown number of people are also believed to have perished in their cars while trying to escape the hellish flames.