Tranquil Turtle Retreat, Maui Banyan, South Kihei, Maui - Vacation Rental

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Tranquil Turtle Retreat, Maui Banyan, South Kihei, Maui - Vacation Rental

Love sharing Maui adventures! Activities, restaurants, events - your Maui experts! Need a condo?
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We also own and rent 4 perfect condos at Maui Banyan, Kihei for your dream vacation. Check our website for availability and prices!

06/26/2024

Legendary Cool Cat Cafe is in Kihei now!
We'll miss their Lahaina location, but we're excited for their new chapter ❤️🍔🍔🍔❤️

Cool Cat Cafe, a beloved local restaurant that was destroyed in the Lahaina fires, announced its grand reopening at a new location in South Maui. The grand reopening will take place on June 15, 2024, at Kukui Mall, located at 1819 S. Kīhei Road. The restaurant will be open seven days a week from 10...

06/06/2024

In our welcome book, we do list a number of tour providers that offer boat tours departing from Maalea Harbor.

But today I want to share another option for boat tours that doesn't require any driving and departs from Kihei Boat Ramp, which is just a ~ 15 minute walk from our condos. Kihei Boat Ramp is certainly not as big as the Maalea one, and the boats that depart from here are much smaller. However, they still offer an amazing variety of tours you can consider during your trip to Maui: Molokini and South Maui snorkel and exploring tours, as well as dolphin and whale watching tours.

Here are some boat operators that depart from Kihei Boat Ramp:

- Red Line Rafting: https://redlinerafting.com

- Blue Water Rafting: https://bluewaterrafting.com

- Seafire Charters: https://seafirecharters.com

- Makena Coast Charters. Some of their tours depart from Ma’alaea Harbor, so check carefully what you are booking: https://makenacoastcharters.com

- Maui Snorkel Charters: https://mauisnorkelcharters.com

05/30/2024

One of my favorite photos taken from Kam 2 beach!

Did you know that outrigger canoes have a rich history dating back thousands of years? These traditional vessels were used by Polynesians for exploration, transportation, and fishing, and remain an important part of Hawaiian culture today.

Maui’s waters hold stories of voyagers who once navigated by the stars in these canoes. These stories deserve to be heard.

There are two places in Kihei where you can experience the magic for yourself by learning to paddle and a little bit of history during your Maui trip!

- Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Voyaging Society: They have several options to choose from, including Cultural Canoe Experience, Full Moon Paddle, and Hawaiian Star Navigation Paddle.
- Kihei Canoe Club: They offer morning canoe rides on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Prices in both places are very reasonable. But be prepared to put in some effort! These canoes aren’t designed for just sitting back and relaxing:)

I’ll post links to both places in comments 🤙

05/15/2024

And we’re back online! Mahalo for your patience🌺

Heads up! Our website, www.tranquilturtleretreat.com ,is currently undergoing some maintenance and is temporarily unavailable. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

The good news is, you can still book your stay with us directly through our Houfy account! Here's the link: https://www.houfy.com/annakuzmenko/home

Repeat guests: We haven't forgotten about you! Send us a message to claim your special discount code for your next stay.

We appreciate your patience and we will be back online soon!

05/11/2024

I just love historic tours! So If you're like me and interested in learning more about Kihei's history, join Maui Walking Tours for a free guided walk that takes you back in time!
This one-mile journey explores Kihei's fascinating evolution from its beginnings as a Hawaiian fishing village to the impact of the US military during WWII. You'll also learn how tourism shaped the town into the popular destination it is today. The tour concludes with a breathtaking sunset along the Kalama Park shoreline, making it the perfect end to a day in paradise.

Some tips:
- Don’t forget your sunscreen and hat. The tour starts at 5 PM and you want to be comfortable enjoying the Maui sunshine.
- Reserve your spot on Maui Walking Tours website. FB doesn't allow to post their link, but you can just google it 🤙You won’t be able to join the tour without reservation.
- As of now the tour is offered every Wednesday and Friday

05/06/2024

To all our guests,
We understand some recent headlines regarding Short Term Rentals (STRs) in Maui may have caused some concern. Here's some information to clarify:

- All our condos are located in Maui Banyan Resort, in a hotel-zoned area. Properties in hotel zones are specifically designed and permitted for STRs.

- Our STRs are fully permitted and operate within Maui County regulations.

The bill currently under discussion (phase out STRs by 2026) applies to complexes in apartment-zoned areas, not hotel-zoned areas.

We remain committed to offering great STRs and welcoming guests to Maui.
Mahalo!

04/02/2024

If you're looking for a horseback riding tour, don't look any further. Wonderful company, great tours!

03/30/2024

Just 75 cents to get in, hundreds of vendors selling everything you can imagine, fresh local food, and the best prices on the island... what could it be?

That’s right, it’s the Maui Swap Meet! Every Saturday, from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM, this open-air market is the place to find awesome deals and soak up local vibes. Don’t miss out!
Parking is pretty easy, and the swap meet is held on the grounds of the University of Hawaii Maui College (just off Kahului Beach Road).
And if you’re an early bird like me, combine it with a Waihee Ridge Trail morning hike for a fabulous start to your weekend! (https://www.facebook.com/TranquilTu.../posts/413120090605008)

03/27/2024

Amazing Easter Brunch option 🐣🌺

📣 There’s only a few slots left open for our amazing Easter 🐣 Brunch Buffet! There will be all this and even more! 👀

And yes, our beautiful 🌺 is back open and available for Easter Brunch seating! 🙌🏽

Call us ☎️ at 808-878-1535 or use OpenTable to reserve. ✅

03/18/2024

Planning to bring back a piece of Maui magic for your loved ones (or yourself)? Look no further than arts and crafts fairs in Kihei! Here’s your guide to finding the perfect souvenirs, all within a short distance to our condos:
1. Kihei Wailea Gift & Craft Fair:
Just steps away from Maui Banyan Resort (near Keonekai and South Kihei Crossing), this convenient Wednesday fair (9 am - 2 pm) boasts over 20 local vendors. Score handcrafted treasures like wood carvings, jewelry, beach essentials, and more! Skip the driving and shop local right on your doorstep!
2. South Maui Gardens Artisan Market:
Craving a beautiful setting with your souvenir shopping? Check out the South Maui Gardens Artisan Market every Thursday (9 am - 1 pm). Nestled amidst stunning tropical gardens, browse unique crafts and enjoy a delicious meal from the nearby food truck plaza. (We’ve already shared a dedicated post about this gem:)
3. Farmers and Crafters Market Kō Mahi’ai Mākeke:
Open Saturdays from 8 am - 12 pm, this small market offers a wider selection beyond souvenirs. Find handcrafted treasures alongside fresh local produce and refreshing coconuts (opened on the spot, ready to enjoy!).

02/23/2024

Some updates from Maui Banyan Resort!

- Registration Fee:

Starting March 1, 2024, a $25 registration fee will apply to all Maui Banyan guests. For our guests this fee will be collected at the time of booking. Upon arrival, guests will receive a registration link to confirm their stay details, including the number of guests and rental car information.

Here's the good news: Maui Banyan is waiving this fee for all reservations confirmed in the system before March 1st! If you're planning a future stay, contact me to secure your booking and avoid the fee.

- Enhanced Security:

We're thrilled to announce that Maui Banyan now offers 24/7 on-site security for all guests. The dedicated team is available around the clock to ensure your peace of mind and well-being during your stay.

We're committed to providing you with the best possible experience at Maui Banyan Resort. Contact me today to learn more or book your unforgettable Maui getaway!

02/04/2024

Wow! Check out these incredible sunset photos taken by Daniel Sullivan!

If you're comfortable handling a camera and brought it on your Maui adventure, consider joining Daniel's photo tours. Whale watching, the Road to Hana, the King's Highway, Maui Sunsets— these are just a few of the incredible photo tours to choose from. This is a unique opportunity to experience Maui from a whole new perspective, level up your photography skills and bring home stunning memories✨

I recently bought a camera myself and can't wait to explore photography further in Maui. Just need to figure out all the buttons first😆 I really hope to join one of Daniel's tours in the future!

01/30/2024

808 Deli has upgraded to a new location nearby, still in close proximity to our condos. Rest assured, the same fantastic sandwiches await you!

Exciting news…. Our new location at Rainbow Mall (at the old Da Kitchen Express) will finally be OPEN on Wednesday, January 31st!

Our hours of operation (9am-5pm) and our phone line (808.879.1111) will remain the same! 🤙🏼

After nearly 16 YEARS at our original location, we are so grateful for this opportunity to offer our guests a bigger + better dining experience!

We will be closed on Tuesday (1/30) in preparation of our big move!

01/13/2024

Although the name “Paia Fish Market” might suggest a journey to Paia, there’s no need to travel all that way! This delicious seafood restaurant has another location right in South Kihei. Freshly caught fish takes center stage here, with a dynamic menu that reflects the day’s bounty. You’ll always have a variety to choose from, including Mahi Mahi, Ono, Opa Kapaka and much more.

Get ready for a casual, laid-back vibe. Order at the counter, grab a table and let the friendly staff deliver your ocean-fresh feast directly to you. Be aware, this popular spot can get busy, with lines sometimes stretching long and moving slow. Consider avoiding peak hours for a smoother experience.

12/22/2023

In case you’re looking for snorkeling and pineapple farm tours on Maui 🤙

Maui Pineapple Tour announces a special collaboration with Maui Reef Adventures presenting a $150 Holiday Give Back Package. This unique package combines the Maui Pineapple Tour with Maui Reef Adventures’ Whale Watch, all while contributing to Maui Food Bank.

12/15/2023

I recently discovered a hidden gem that had somehow flown under my radar: South Maui Gardens. This place used to be just a nursery, but in the past year, it’s blossomed into a vibrant community hub.

No other Maui food truck park compares to South Maui Gardens. Its nice selection of food trucks (they even have vegan food truck and delicious shaved ice) and the enchanting atmosphere make it my absolute favorite. Picnic under the string lights and sailcloth shades, surrounded by lush greenery, and enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner with the perfect Maui ambiance. They’ve got tons of tables, and there’s even a Co****le game to keep you entertained while you wait for your food.

Beyond the food, South Maui Gardens also offers live music, movie nights, hula shows, farmers & artisan markets, yoga sessions and much more. Keep an eye on their page for the schedule: https://www.facebook.com/SouthMauiGardens

After your meal, wander through the 6-acre nursery full of vibrant tropical plants. You might even find the perfect souvenir to bring a piece of Maui home, like exotic seeds or beautiful orchid cut.

Tips:
* The nursery is open Monday-Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. Food trucks hours vary with some of them open till 9 pm. If you have a specific truck in mind, check its schedule on South Maui Gardens website.
* South Maui Gardens is pretty large. The food truck oasis is on the north end of the property, the nursery is in the center, and Da Green Coffee Bar, Blue Door Bakery and Kitoko together with the parking lot on the south end of the property. Check their website for the best place to park: https://www.southmauigardens.com/contact-us

PS I took these photos in September, when there were no tourists on Maui. It’s probably a different story now, though, with the island buzzing with tourists again.

12/12/2023

One of the most frequent questions I receive from guests is where to see turtles on Maui without snorkeling. Whether you have young children or prefer dry land adventures, you can still witness these majestic creatures basking on the shore. Here are a few of my favorite spots:

- Ho’okipa Beach: This is arguably the best spot on Maui to see turtles resting on the shore. Park in the lower parking lot, walk down the steps to the beach, turn right, and walk to the far end to find the area where turtles often bask. Be sure to stay behind the designated signs to respectfully observe these magnificent creatures. The best time to visit is from afternoon until sunset.

- Kalepolepo Beach Park: Located close to our condos, this park offers another excellent opportunity to see turtles. The ancient Hawaiian fishpond, Ko’ie’ie, borders the beach, creating a calm, shallow pool protected by a wall of boulders. While you won’t see turtles directly on the shore, you might spot them resting on the boulders, blending in surprisingly well due to their camouflage. The fishpond itself is only knee-deep, making it easy to approach the wall. For optimal turtle viewing, head to the park just before sunset. Often during these hours, dedicated volunteers are present to protect the turtles and offer information to visitors. Due to its limited size, the park’s parking lot fills up quickly. I recommend parking on S. Kihei Street north of the park and walking a short distance.

While these two spots are not the only places to see turtles resting on shore, they offer the highest probability of sightings.

Other locations you may consider include:
- Makena Landing: Although most visitors come here to snorkel, you can often find turtles resting on the rocky shores.
- Kuau Bay Beach Park (Kaulahao Beach): This small beach just outside Paia offers a chance to see turtles on the shore along with swimming and picnicking.

Remember, it’s important to observe turtles responsibly. Always maintain a safe distance and avoid disturbing them in any way. By following these guidelines, we can ensure these magnificent creatures continue to thrive on Maui.

12/08/2023

Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop is a must-try on your trip to Maui! They're famous for their delicious sweet pies, with flavors like banana cream, guava chiffon, Olowalu lime, pineapple mac nut, coconut cream and many others.

But Leoda’s isn’t just about sweets! Their sandwiches, hoagies, savoury pies and salads are equally delicious and perfect for a satisfying breakfast/lunch or dinner.

We love Leoda’s, but the inside can get crowded. So, our family prefers to order takeout and have a picnic at Olowalu Mile Marker 14 beach. It’s a great spot for snorkeling and enjoying the beautiful Maui sun☀️

Lines can get long, but they move pretty quickly, and the food is definitely worth the wait.

Tip: You can skip the line by ordering online through their website: https://www.leodas.com/ But be aware that their sweet pies are only available for purchase in-store.

12/08/2023

Leoda’s is open!!! Don’t miss it 🤙

It’s been a while since our last update and we would like to begin with a heartfelt THANK YOU to all our guests, friends, and extended 'Ohana from across the globe. The support, kindness, generosity and aloha you’ve shown us in recent months will never be forgotten and we are forever grateful.

We would also like to announce that Leoda’s Kitchen & Pie Shop quietly reopened this morning - our team welcomed displaced Lahaina seniors from Kaunoa Senior Services Center as our first guests since August 8, with a moving Hawaiian blessing from Kahu Kapono Kamaunu to bless the land, encourage positive energy, and ask for guidance and protection as we recover and begin anew.

We have missed you all so much and can’t wait to have you back. Leoda’s is now open, seven days a week, from 10am - 6pm 💛

11/16/2023

For over a year, we've proudly supported the Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute's turtle rehabilitation program, adopting a green sea turtle for every stay we hosted. In light of the August wildfires, we've temporarily redirected our support to the Maui Humane Society, which is tirelessly caring for the rescued animals. Their dedication to all creatures in need is truly inspiring!
The photo is from their Thank you email. The text of the email is in the first comment.
Mahalo to all our guests!!!

11/12/2023

Send a message to learn more

11/12/2023

Are you looking for a memorable way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year? Consider Maui where you can enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving dinner, soak up the sun on beautiful beaches, and experience the Aloha spirit.

📣 Join us for a delectable THANKSGIVING BUFFET on Thursday 11/23 from 11:00 am to 6:00pm 🍲

Spots are highly limited so please reserve ASAP‼️

Use OpenTable or call us at 808-878-1535 to reserve 📞

Menu will include:

SALADS: 🥗

ORGANIC BABY SPINACH WITH SHAVED ONIONS, TOASTED MACADAMIA NUTS, DRIED BIG ISLAND PAPAYA AND GINGER LILIKOI DRESSING (vegan and gluten free)

UPCOUNTRY BABY GREEN WITH HEIRLOOM TOMAOTES, LOCALCUCUMBER, DRIED CRANBERRIES AND LAVENDER VINAIGRETTE (vegan and gluten free)

ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH, QUINOA, BABY ARUGULA WITH POMEGRANATE VINAIGRETTE
(vegan and gluten free)

HAWAIIAN SWEET BREAD ROLLS AND PASSION FRUIT BUTTER

ARTISANAL CHEESES AND ASSORTED DRIED NUTS

TROPICAL FRUITS AND SEASONAL BERRIES

CARVING STATION: 🥩 🐟 🐖

HAWAIIAN SALT AND GARDEN HERB CRUSTED PRIME RIB
WITH AU JUS, CHIMICHURRI AND HORSERADISH SOUR CREAM
(gluten free)

DAY BOAT MAHI MAHI WITH HEILOOM TOMATOES AND CAPERS
(gluten free)

GUAVA AND CANE SUGAR GLAZED HAM
WITH TOASTED MAUI ONION MUSTARD
(gluten free)

HOUSE SPECIALTIES: 🦃

ROASTED TURKEY WITH SAGE GRAVY, STUFFING AND CRANBERRY COMPOTE

BUTTERED GREEN BEANS AND TOASTED ALMONDS
(vegetarian and gluten free)

MAPLE GLAZED RAINBOW CARROTS
(vegan and gluten free)

BROWN SUGAR AND ORANGE GLAZED YAMS
(vegan and gluten free)

WHIPPED GOLDEN POTATOES WITH ROASTED GARLIC OLIVE OIL
(vegan and gluten free)

TRUFFLE MAC AND CHEESE
(vegetarian)

DESSERTS: 🥧 🍪

PUMPKIN PIE

PECAN PIE

SWEET POTATO CHEESECAKE

PUMPKIN CRUNCH

ASSORTED COOKIES

11/11/2023

Have you heard about the extraordinary transformation of Kealia Pond? This once-ordinary pond has taken on a mesmerizing hue, its waters now a captivating shade of pink.
Don't miss out on this extraordinary natural phenomenon. It's just a short 15-minute drive from our condo.

'I don't believe it.' Pink pond on Maui draws curious onlookers: https://tinyurl.com/yckfyx6n

11/07/2023

Mama's Fish House is a legendary restaurant in Paia that offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience. The combination of fresh seafood, sophisticated desserts, creative cocktails, stunning ocean views, restaurant décor, and impeccable service makes it so much more than a regular restaurant. No wonder it has been a favorite of locals and visitors alike for over 40 years, and has consistently received high ratings from critics and diners alike.

Reservations for Mama's Fish House can be made by calling the restaurant at (808) 579-8488 or through the restaurant's website: https://mamasfishhouse.com/

Be sure to book your reservation well in advance, as they tend to fill up quickly, especially during peak season (as of writing this post, I see some openings for the mid of December). One of the tips for getting a reservation is to be flexible with your dates and times. If you can, try to dine on a weekday or during off-peak hours. Bar seating is also much easier to get than table seating. Additionally, it's generally more effective to call the restaurant directly rather than relying on online booking system. Calling allows you to check for last-minute cancellations and inquire about any potential openings.

PS: This September, due to lack of tourism on Maui, we were finally able to get a reservation, and it was the best dining experience we've ever had. Yes, it's expensive, but it was so worth it!

10/29/2023

The first whale of the season was spotted today off the coast of Maui! 🐋
These majestic creatures migrate to our waters every year to breed and calve, and we're so excited to welcome them back.

If you're looking for an unforgettable experience, come to Maui and book a whale watching tour, or simply keep an eye out for whales from the shore. You won't be disappointed!

PS Whale season on Maui is from November to May, with the peak months being January to March.

10/19/2023

Twin Falls is a series of waterfalls located in Haiku, Maui. It is a popular spot for hiking, swimming, cliff jumping, and picnicking.

The hike to the upper fall, Caveman Fall, is a moderate 1.5-mile out-and-back trail. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow. Two lower waterfalls are much closer to the parking lot (less than a 10-minute walk) and are perfect for swimming and cliff jumping.

There are several different jumping spots to choose from, depending on your comfort level. Just be sure to check the depth of the water before you jump and always jump feet first.

Even if you're not up for cliff jumping, you can still enjoy Twin Falls. The pools at the bottom of the falls are perfect for swimming, and you can also sit on the rocks and relax.

Don't forget to get a free pedicure from the tiny fishes! They're harmless and will nibble on your dead skin cells, leaving your feet feeling soft and smooth. Simply sit in the shallow pools at the bottom of the falls and let the fish do their work. It's a ticklish feeling at first, but it's actually quite relaxing.

Tips:

- Avoid going after the rain, as the water can be murky and the trail to Caveman Fall may be closed due to flash floods.
- Parking is paid ($10) and can be tough. There are approximately 60 parking spots available, and they fill up quickly. Go either early in the morning (7-8am) or in the afternoon (1-5pm).
- Many people consider Twin Falls to be the first stop on their way to the Road to Hana, so it gets very crowded from 9am to 11am. Avoid this time period.
- Water shoes and mosquito repellent are good things to have.
- The waterfall in the middle is much harder to get down to. You'll have to climb down a steep hill while holding on to tree roots.
- To reach Caveman Fall, you'll have to do two water crossings. Water shoes can be handy.

10/12/2023

Ziplining on Maui is a must-do for any thrill-seeker! We recently went on an 8-line tour with Jungle Zipline and had an amazing time. The guides were awesome - they kept us safe and shared their knowledge of tropical plants with us. We even got to try some natural treats picked directly from the trees (guava, star fruit, etc)

If you have kids, be sure to take advantage of the 50% discount for kids 6-16 years old.

And after your ziplining adventure, take a short drive to Twin Falls for some cliff jumping!

Address

2575 S Kihei Road
Kihei, HI

Website

http://www.TranquilTurtleRetreat.com/

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Videos

Maui sunset

Amazing 4th of July celebration in Lahaina, Maui. We had a last-minute trip and didn’t have anything booked or planned, but everything worked out perfectly. I’ll definitely share my itinerary 🌺 #lahainamaui #lahaina #tranquilturtleretreat #4thofjuly #maui #fireworks #mauiadventurecruises #vacation

Delicious Pacific Red Snapper and Hawaiian Superman cocktail at Nalu’s South Shore Grill. The live music and vibe was just perfect. Nalu’s is also a great place for breakfast 🥞🍳🍍😋 The place is popular and the line gets long. The good thing it moves pretty fast 🤙 #nalussouthshoregrill #kiheimaui #kihei #mauihawaii #maui #tranquilturtleretreat #mauivacationrentals #nightout #freshfood #livemusic

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May 2023 be filled with love, peace, health, happiness and new opportunities 🌺😘❤️ Just some highlights of our 2022: - We’ve hosted 96 guests this year 😍 We want to thank all of them for choosing us and trusting us your vacation. We do our best to make sure everything runs smoothly while you enjoy your time on Maui. - Since May Tranquil Turtle Retreat started Adopt a Turtle program. With every stay we host, a donation is made to Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute. These donations directly support the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of the turtle patients on the island of Maui. We’ve helped 14 turtles making 68 donations 💕 All our guests received a digital personalized adoption certificate. - In the end of May we started to take bookings for our new 1bd/2ba condo in Maui Banyan. All 5 star ratings on all booking platforms so far 🙏 - In November we’ve finished the remodel of 2 bathrooms and 2 lanais in our lock-out 2bd/2ba condo. I should say that it was not an easy job to do a remodel on Maui. Every single thing from picking up materials to handling unexpected problems was very challenging. And I was so nervous to finish all work on time to honour our upcoming booking. And we did it 🤪 Cheers to our on-island support team and cleaning company. It’s so so important to have people you can rely on. Thank you for all your hard work! You’re a big part of our success 🤙

Kamaole 2 snorkeling with turtles

Only 6 min. walk from our condo and you're on Kamaole Beach 2. The rocky ends of Kam 2 are perfect for snorkeling. You are likely to see a lot of tropical fish amongst the corals, as well as Green Sea Turtles!