The First Banyan Tree in Hawaii
Ainahau Estate in Waikiki,

Information about the first Banyan Tree in Hawaii, where it was located, and what happened it it.

Photo Credit: Hawaii State Archives

The first banyan tree in Hawaii was planted on the grounds of the Ainahau Estate in Waikiki by Scottish businessman and horticulturist Archibald Scott Cleghorn. Cleghorn was the husband of Hawaiian Princess Likelike. Their daughter, Princess Kaiulani, became the owner of several acres of land in Waikiki when she was born and Cleghorn built a two story home on that property that was known as Ainahau.

Archibald Cleghorn planted the first Banyan tree in Hawaii on the grounds of Ainahau. His daughter, Princess Kaiulani, who loved the banyan tree, is standing in the branches of the tree in the above picture.

Ainahau was torn down in 1955 to make room for the Princess Kaiulani Hotel and other real estate properties. At that time cuttings from the Ainahau Banyan Tree were planted at the corner of King Street and Keeaumoku Street and the tree that grew from the cuttings stood at that location until 1967 when it was chopped down after court battles and much controversy.

Before the Banyan Tree at King and Keeaumoku Street was chopped down, cuttings were taken and they were planted at Magic Island in Ala Moana Park. That tree is still standing today.

See also:
- Waikiki Historic Trail Marker 8: Ainahau
- About Princess Likelike
- About Princess Kaiulani
- Other Rulers of the Hawaiian Kingdom

Related Links
The Hawaiian Monarchy - Main Menu
Islands of Hawaii
Hawaii for Visitors

Elsewhere on the Web
Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame: Princess Likelike
Biography of Her Husband Archibald Cleghorn
Hawaii's Story by Hawaii's Queen

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The First Banyan Tree in Hawaii Ainahau Estate in Waikiki,

The First Banyan Tree in Hawaii
Ainahau Estate in Waikiki,