The Giving Tree

If you've hiked around East Maui at all, you may have come across this giant banyan tree.  I knew the first time I saw it that I had to capture it.  The tree is massive and dominating in stature yet humble and giving in appearance.  I watched as children and adults alike climbed all over it, yet the tree stood resolute, and it reminded me of that old Shel Silverstein book "The Giving Tree." What this tree must've seen through the years I cannot imagine, but I'm thankful to know that it will likely continue to be admired and respected for years after I'm gone. It took me many years before I was able to capture this image.  Every other time I shot it, I just didn't get it right, but this day, the clouds were overcast and the composition was perfect.