Banyan Drive

Banyan Drive is a loop road on a peninsula that juts into Hilo bay. Starting in 1933, Hilo invited celebrities and other great people to plant Banyan trees along the loop road. There are about 50 large trees with dedicated plaques that now shade the road. Hilo’s best hotels are on the ocean side while public gardens and a golf course are on the inside.
I’ve included photos of a few trees I found interesting:
Cecil B Demille, and his wife planted the first trees.
Babe Ruth tree planted later that year.
King Henry V tree is next to Franklin D Roosevelt Tree, but Roosevelt is the only tree with a metal plaque.
I’ve included trees planted by 2 famous Women, author Fannie Hurst and Pilot Amelia Earhart.
Last is the smallest Banyan in the grove planted by David Forbes (this investment did not grow well for Mr. Forbes)Read more