Banyan Tree Lahaina

In Lahaina under the Banyan Tree a Hawaiian man sat with a ukulele positioned across his lap. His Hawaiian shirt covered a broad back and big belly. He absently smiled at the passing tourist as they passed by. Unnoticed, I watched from a bench I found just moments before. I had not heard the man play, or sing. My expectations were not high, but it was a beautiful Maui morning and I had nothing to do but enjoy my role as tourist.

Banyan Tree Lahaina Maui

I watched as his big fingers gave a tweak to the low string. He was tuning the ukulele while adjusting his posture getting ready to  play. Within a couple strums the familiar sound of the ukulele came to life.  “Not bad I thought,” as he ran through a cord progression without any problem; actually it was quiet good. But the real surprise came as the giant man sung in an ancient tone. It was raw in a grass roots kind-of way, transporting me back in time, when I imagined there were no tourist, restaurants, or shops. Just a simple island life.

Discovering Maui

This momentary glimpse into the real Hawaii was an wonderful experience. I did not expect to discover Maui outside of the museums, but life is full of surprises; and at the hands (and mouth) of a large Hawaiian man who played and sung under the Banyan Tree I was taken back to a different time.

Lahaina

The entire town of Lahaina is filled with these little glimpses of what life must had been like before all the shops and restaurants. Capturing this image is not that difficult once you start exploring the beaches and streets of Lahaina. I’m sure these moments are different for everyone and while my experience was unique for me …someone else will discover Maui in their own way.

If  you have a special moment about Maui, or traveling, please fell free to share it with our readers.

Lahaina