Banyan Drive

Banyan Drive is a tree-lined street at the shoreline of Hilo, Hawaii, coordinates 19°43′32″N 155°3′48″W / 19.72556°N 155.06333°W / 19.72556; -155.06333Coordinates: 19°43′32″N 155°3′48″W / 19.72556°N 155.06333°W / 19.72556; -155.06333. It is known as the "Hilo Walk of Fame" for the banyan trees planted by celebrities. These trees have withstood several tsunamis that have devastated the town on the Big Island of Hawaii.

History

The drive circles the Waiakea Peninsula, near the Hilo International Airport, and boasts the largest hotels on the eastern side of the Big Island. In 1933, several park commissioners decided that it would be a good idea to have celebrities plant banyan tree saplings along the peninsula. In 1934, with the arrival of President Franklin Roosevelt in Hilo, it was decided to build a drive through the trees, then only of crushed coral. At the time, the peninsula hosted the Hilo Yacht club and several homes. In late 1933, Cecil B. DeMille was on the island filming "Four Frightened People". Several of the actors along with Mr. and Mrs. DeMille, all planted trees in their own honor. According to records, 8 trees were planted in October 1933. In addition to the movie stars, one tree was also planted by the famous baseballer, George Herman "Babe" Ruth.