Banyan Tree Collapse Blocks Hilo Road, Damages Chapel

A massive banyan tree unexpectedly fell onto Kilauea Avenue in Hilo on Saturday afternoon, blocking all lanes and damaging part of Calvary Chapel Hilo. The tree brought down multiple utility poles and power lines, resulting in a full road closure while emergency crews worked to clear debris and restore services. A vehicle was trapped under the tree's branches, but its occupants escaped without injury before first responders arrived. Emergency personnel evacuated the area as a precaution and reviewed bystander videos to confirm no pedestrians or vehicles were trapped. No injuries or deaths were reported, and all on-site activities at Calvary Chapel are suspended until the building can be safely accessed and assessed for damage. The cause of the tree's fall remains undetermined.