Incredible video shows Lahaina Church miraculously untouched by devastating Maui wildfires – while famous two-acre banyan tree still stands
- The Catholic Maria Lanakila Church in downtown Lahaina still stands among the rubble
- Standing there since 1846, the church retained its stained glass and tower structure even as the ground smoldered around it
- Lahaina’s 150-year-old banyan tree also appears to have survived the fires, albeit severely scorched by the flames
A small act of mercy has come to light in Maui, where the Lahaina Church was spared the devastation that razed the rest of the historic town to the ground.
A video posted to TikTok shows the Maria Lanakila Catholic Church in downtown Lahaina still standing among the rubble.
Standing there since 1846, the church can be seen in a video posted to TikTok standing proudly with its stained glass and tower structure in place even as the ground around it smolders.
Church community members took to Facebook to express their gratitude that the building had been saved.
Jeffrey Chang wrote, “May she be the beacon of hope…to help the rest of the community.”
The Catholic Maria Lanakila Church in downtown Lahaina still stands among the rubble
Lahaina’s banyan, near the city’s historic courthouse, is known as the oldest living banyan tree in the US. Both the tree and the courthouse were badly damaged.
Another user, Jeffrey Domdoma, wrote, “May she be the beacon of hope for the people of Lahaina!!!! Praise the Lord…on this rock I will build my church!!! come and follow me….”
Terrence Watanabe, pastor of the nearby parish of St. Anthony’s said The Pillar “All of Lahaina Town has been consumed by fire. It’s all gone. The church, Maria Lanakila (Our Lady of Victory), is still standing, as is the presbytery. The school is a bit affected.’
Speaking of the Church’s local outreach efforts, Watanabe said, “Our bishop just got back from the mainland meeting…the diocese—they are meeting today to decide what they can help with.
“Catholic Charities here in Hawaii is also mobilizing right now. And I think they’ve already contacted the national office for help and support.
“Here in St. Anthony, Parish, we’ve set up a fund for people to donate to,” he added.
Lahaina’s 150-year-old banyan tree also appears to have survived the fires.
On Friday, the historic tree, with 47 trunks, was still standing, albeit severely scorched by the flames.
It is not yet known whether the tree, which was imported from India in 1873, will survive.
The historic tree remains in the midst of the carnage, but appears badly burned
The 150-year-old tree in the city of Lahaina occupies nearly two acres of land near the courthouse
The Big Island and Maui wildfires in Hawaii are known to have killed 55 Friday morning
Lahaina’s banyan, near the city’s historic courthouse, is known as the oldest living banyan tree in the US.
According to the Lahaina Town website, planted at just 8 feet tall, it now stands at over 60 feet and covers nearly two acres.
The tree belongs to the fig tree family and its aerial roots fall to the ground, allowing the tree to grow both vertically and horizontally.
It is also host to hundreds of mynah birds, which were introduced to Hawaii in 1865 to control army worms.
The wildfires broke out on Tuesday and spread quickly and ferociously. The exact cause remains unclear, but high winds, dry conditions and low humidity exacerbated the flames.
Fifty-five people were declared dead on Friday morning and 1,000 are still missing three days after the fire.
A massive search and rescue mission is now underway and cadaver dogs have also been deployed to help search for bodies among the ruins.
In an interview this morning, the Maui County mayor said the bodies found so far have all been found on the street, outside of property. Search teams have not yet begun collecting bodies from homes and businesses.
An unknown number of people are also believed to have died in their cars while trying to escape the infernal flames.