Many cultural landmarks cherished by the people of Maui are being threatened by the ongoing devastation from destructive wildfires.
4:35Maxar Technologies via AFP/Getty Imagesof Maui, with dozens of deaths reported and hundreds of structures impacted.
Residents and officials say they are devastated by the fire's destruction that could permanently alter the town. "The town was a favorite site of Hawaiian kings and queens, whaling ships, and missionaries," reads the National Park Service's site on the district. "The historic district covers both land and sea and encompasses the entire old town of Lahaina as well as the waters one mile out from the historic section of the town."
According to the Lahaina Restoration Foundation, a more than 60-feet-tall, 150-year old Indian banyan tree that covers one quarter of a mile and shades nearly two-thirds of an acre had become a beloved landmark in the city of Lahaina.The foundation states that it is the largest banyan tree in the entire United States, and the courthouse square was renamed "Banyan Tree Park" in its honor.
The heritage museum and its artifacts offered a look at the history of the town from its indigenous roots before colonization to its evolution through missionary efforts, whaling, the growth of plantations and tourism.
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