Kiawe Dreaming

Maui's south shore used to be lined with groves of Kiawe trees, all descended from a single tree brought from Paris and planted on Oahu in 1828. I do not lament the wholesale removal of these tangled shrubs with long, sharp thorns; however, the few remaining giants have a special place in my heart. I feel a sense of loss each time one of these historic trees is cut down.

This Kiawe is still keeping watch from Wailea point. For years our Sunday swim group used to meet at Keawakapu beach and swim to Polo beach, then walk back. This lone tree provided the landmark which guided our course. We would swim and swim, and it always got further away, never closer. Until, suddenly, we were upon it and then past it to our destination.