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

02/11/2025

Beautiful day in Kihei ☀️🏖️
Bonus if you find a honu basking on Kam 1.

01/17/2025

For many tourists, doing the Road to Hana ultimately means visiting Wai’anapanapa State Park. While there are numerous exciting places to explore along the way to Hana and even beyond, Wai’anapanapa State Park is an undeniable gem and should absolutely be included in your travel itinerary.
Due to park’s extreme popularity, a reservation system was implemented several years ago. Reservations are available in 2.5-3 hour time slots throughout the day. The cost is currently $5 per person (children under 3 are free) plus a $10 entry fee for vehicles. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance of your desired visit date and must be booked at least one day prior to your arrival. I’ll post a link to the reservation system later in the post.
Many tourists refer to Wai’anapanapa State Park as Black Sand Beach. In reality, Black Sand Beach has its own name – Honokalani or Pailo Beach. The pathway to the beach is nice and well-maintained. The views are undoubtedly stunning. The black sand contrasting with the blue water, lush green plants, and the beautiful sky create a scene that will stay in your memory forever.
I’m frequently asked whether swimming is safe, and the answer is – it depends. North Shore weather is notoriously unpredictable. You might encounter a calm and inviting beach, or you might face waves so rough that accessing the beach is impossible.
Is it still worth visiting? In my opinion, absolutely.
While calm and extremely rough waves represent the two extremes, most of the time, the waves here are quite strong and can easily knock you off your feet. If you have young children, hold onto them tightly and never let them wander off alone. There are no lifeguards on this beach. Please exercise caution and common sense when deciding whether the water is safe for swimming. The rangers at the park entrance can also provide advice on swimming conditions. As for snorkeling, I would pass on it. Maui offers many excellent snorkeling spots with calmer waters, so don’t waste your time here.
The powerful undertow can be significant when the waves crash. I've seen when waves have swept people's belongings away from the shore. Keep your belongings far from the water's edge, or better yet, store them on higher ground.
Honokalani Beach is not the only attraction within Wai’anapanapa State Park. There are also several short hiking trails and great sea caves. You can also hike up to the blowhole, which overlooks the beach. When waves crash against the rocks, water shoots up, spraying everyone nearby, which is usually a source of great fun for the whole family.

Tips:
⁃ If you have water shoes, this is an excellent place to use them. The black sand beach consists of small black pebbles and coarse sand formed by lava flows. It can feel quite hard on your feet.

⁃ There are four time slots available when making a reservation for Wai’anapanapa State Park:
• 7.00am - 10.00am – Less crowded, but only suitable for those who are not against waking up early. If you choose this slot, consider hiking the Pipiwai Trail afterward and then driving from Hana to Paia, stopping to explore other points of interest along the way.
• 10.00am - 12.30pm and 12.30pm - 3.00pm – These are two very popular time slots. The best choice for you will depend on your other plans for the Road to Hana and whether you can motivate yourself to wake up early and start your drive.
• 3.00pm - 6.00pm – Ideal if you plan to spend the night in Hana. Otherwise, you'll have to drive back in the dark, which is not ideal.
Remember to arrive at the park within the first 30 minutes of your reservation time, or you may be denied access and/or parking.

⁃ Bring spare clothing and shoes, as well as towels. If you visit the blowhole, you'll get wet to your toes. Sitting wet in the car is definitely not enjoyable.

⁃ Remember that the North Shore generally experiences more rain and less sunshine than the South Shore. Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.

⁃ Link for making reservations: https://gostateparks.hawaii.gov/waianapanapa

# hawaii

12/12/2024

Calling all our December guests! Get ready to embrace the spirit of the season with a delightful line-up of Christmas activities in South Maui. I'll try to keep this list updated throughout the month, so check back for any new additions!

Sparkle & Cheer at the Shops at Wailea:

First stop, the Shops at Wailea! Their calendar is full with festive events, so be sure to peek here for complete details: https://www.theshopsatwailea.com/events/

Here are some highlights you won't want to miss:

Capture Memories with Santa: Snap a free photo with Santa on December 11th, 14th, 18th, and 21st, from 4 PM to 7 PM.

Melodies of the Season: Immerse yourself in the joy of Christmas music with live performances.

Mele Kalikimaka Show featuring Rama Camarillo (Dec. 11th, 4:30 PM - 6 PM)
Mele Kalikimaka Show featuring Max Angel (Dec. 18th, 4:30 PM - 6 PM)
Holiday Concert with Napua Greig and Halau (Dec. 20th, 5:30 PM - 7 PM)
Mele Kalikimaka Show featuring Mondokane (Dec. 25th, 4:30 PM - 6 PM)

Polynesian Tradition: Every Thursday, witness the captivating Polynesian Show from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

Witness the magic of Santa Claus arriving by outrigger canoe:

December 24th at 9 AM - Polo Beach, Grand Wailea
December 24th at Noon - Polo Beach, Fairmont Kea Lani

Festive Feasts for the Eyes:

Holiday Marketplace & Tree Lighting Ceremony (Dec. 16th, 4 PM - 8 PM): Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere at the Grand Wailea's main lobby. Dazzling decorations provide the perfect backdrop for capturing those cherished holiday photos.

South Maui Gardens presents Free Movie Nights.
Don’t miss Dec 16 6 PM - 7.45 PM -the Polar Express. Bring chairs and enjoy.
You can always check their calendar of their events here: https://www.southmauigardens.com/eventscalendar

New Year's Eve Fireworks: Ring in the New Year with a breathtaking display of fireworks illuminating the Wailea Beach skyline on December 31st.

Mele Kalikimaka - Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

11/29/2024

Tranquil Turtle Retreat wishes you and your Ohana a very Happy Thanksgiving!

A big mahalo to all our guests! We’re so grateful that you trust us with your Maui vacations. We do our best to provide a comfortable base for you to explore the best of Maui. Many of you have become repeat guests, which makes us feel like we’re doing something right 💕

A big mahalo to our cleaning and on-island agent crews! You’re my heroes and my biggest support. You tirelessly juggle my schedules, requests, follow ups and comments, ensuring our condos are clean and our guests are well-supported 🙏

A big mahalo to our handymen and contractors! You’re always so busy, and I truly appreciate you accommodating our urgent service requests👍

A big mahalo to the Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute (MOCMI) and our coordinator, Katie! You’re our Maui honu heroes! We’re so glad to support your cause 🤙

A big mahalo to the Maui Banyan staff! You work hard to maintain our beautiful complex, ensuring it’s comfortable and safe for all our guests 🌺

And finally, a big mahalo to my family. You deal with a mom who’s constantly on her phone, panics when there’s no phone service or Wi-Fi, and can stop in the middle of the street to type on her phone. You’ve been incredibly supportive, and I couldn’t do this without you 💪

From the bottom of my heart, Mahalo! Have a joyful day filled with Aloha ❤️❤️❤️

- Anna, your host on Maui

11/15/2024

Love Fleetwood's and can't wait for it to be a reality in Kihei!

On coconut wireless, the word is, Mick Fleetwood and Fleetwood's on Front St. will be moving to the previous Lava Rock space in Kihei. Please share if interested!

10/12/2024

Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery is another gem of Maui you absolutely need to visit. Nestled on the slopes of Haleakala, this place offers breathtaking views, daily live music, distillery tasting and pairing tours, great cafe, and just a cool place to chill.

Go for a tasting tour to learn about the farm’s history and the unique processes behind their amazing spirits. Sample their delicious rum, gin, and vodka, or enjoy the experience of exploring even if you don’t drink alcohol:)

They offer delicious food and excellent service, both indoors in a comfortable AC area and outdoors on their spacious picnic grounds.

Ocean Vodka Distillery is not just for adults. While kids must stay out of tasting areas, they can still join you for the tour or for exploring the grounds. There’s plenty of space for them to run around, and they’ll love the delicious food options. And don’t forget to visit the farm shop for unique gifts 🌺

Getting to the farm is easy. The road out of Kahului is a two-lane road but not heavily trafficked. However, if you plan to fully enjoy the experience Ocean Vodka Distillery offers, including tastings, it’s best to have a designated driver 😉

To check their menu, hours of operation, or to book tours, please visit their website. I’ll post a link in the first comment.

Please show your support by following our page and giving this post a like 👍

10/09/2024

It's a little earlier than usual, but it's always a thrill. Hooray for a new whale season! Can't wait to see some soon 🐳 🐳🐳

Just a friendly reminder: Whales don't appear all at once. The first sighting doesn't necessarily mark the beginning of whale-specific boat tours. Most tour operators start their tours around December 15th when there are typically plenty of whales to see 🤙

FIRST WHALE SPOTTED! 🐋🐋🐋

Over the weekend, Teralani Sailing spotted the first whale in Maui Nui waters! This sighting wraps up this year’s First Whale Sighting Contest. We’re so excited for this upcoming season! Whale watches with PacWhale Eco-Adventures begin Nov. 1, book early and save at PacWhale.com.

Congratulations to Kay Liss for guessing the closest sighting time of October 6 at 10:05am! Their guess was only 5 minutes from the actual recorded sighting time. Mahalo to everyone who participated!

Read more about the sighting here https://bit.ly/3NjkYYP



Disclaimer: This image is not of the first whale sighting. To view the first sighting, check out the news story.

09/28/2024

Today is International Poke Day, so let’s talk poke!!!

Poke is one of the Hawaiian dishes you should definitely try. Traditionally made with cubed raw fish, sea salt, and seaweed (limu), poke has evolved to include different varieties of fish, various sauces, sesame oil, furikake, etc. You're sure to find a style you love!

Almost every restaurant on Maui offers their own unique takes on poke. Monkeypod Kitchen, Tommy Bahama, Coconut's, Nalu's, and countless others are great options to find your perfect poke bowl.

But you don't need to spend a fortune at a restaurant to enjoy amazing Maui poke. Don't forget about food trucks. South Maui Fish Company and Like Poke? food trucks are my personal favorites. Like Poke? is also the only one where I've seen cooked fish poke variety for those who don't eat raw fish.

Poke is also sold at the local supermarkets by the pound. Grab a plastic container with your favorite variety or two, take it to your condo/hotel, and enjoy it with freshly cooked rice 🍚

Here are some stores in Kihei with great poke selections:

- Foodland: A beloved local store, Foodland is known for its wide selection of fresh produce, including poke. With a reputation for quality and freshness, it's definitely a must-visit.

- Times: This local favorite may be a bit off the beaten “tourist” path, but it's well worth the trip for its great variety of exceptional poke.

- Safeway: This national supermarket chain has a convenient location on your way from the airport to South Kihei/Wailea. They offer a good selection of fresh and frozen poke. Small secret: look for discounted poke in the fridge opposing the fish counter. Sometimes you’ll find amazing deals there 😉

- Tamura’s liquor store: This gas station/liquor store may not seem like a typical spot for poke, but it's a well-known secret among locals. Their poke is delicious and worth checking out.

Ahi tuna still dominates Hawaiian poke today: Spicy Ahi Poke, Ahi Shoyu Poke, Ahi Hawaiian Style, Ahi Limo Poke, Ahi Wasabi Poke and many more. But don't miss other varieties too: Hamachi Poke, Salmon Furikake Poke, White Crab Kim Chee Poke... As I said, you'll definitely find one that will be your favorite 🤙

I'm a big fan of poke myself and often eat it for a quick and easy meal. I always keep some fresh or frozen poke and instant rice bowls (sold almost everywhere, 1.5 min in microwave and done) on hand for an easy and quick Hawaiian-style meal.

Hm.. with the International Poke Day ongoing, I’ll go and mix myself a delicious poke bowl 🤪

PS Poke, which means "to slice or cut" in Hawaiian, is pronounced "poh-kay”.

09/07/2024

Looking for the perfect way to spend a weekend on Maui? After a morning at the beach, consider a brewery tour and beer tasting offered by Maui Brewing Co. They’ll take you behind the scenes, revealing the secrets of their beer production process, and you’ll get to sample their delicious brews!
Moreover, Maui Brewing Co. is also a fantastic restaurant. They offer not only beer snacks but also a delicious and diverse menu. Enjoy the spacious indoor seating or unwind on the large outdoor patio with co****le games, barrel-style bar tables, and live music events nightly from 6:30-8:30 pm
Maui Brewing Co. has several locations on Maui, and the Kihei location is just a five-minute drive from our condos. Don’t miss out on this amazing spot.
Tips:
- Book brewery tours in advance as space is limited. Tours are offered only on weekends.
- Restaurant takes reservations via OpenTable. I strongly recommend reservations for large groups if you’re planning to visit during busy hours.
- Check their events calendar. On September 22, 2024, the Kihei location is hosting an Oktoberfest celebration. Tickets can be purchased on their website.

* Links to tour bookings and Maui Brewing Co website are in comments 🤙

09/06/2024

Morning canoe ride with Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Voyaging Society. My son vs canoe 🤪 Seriously, it’s a great way to start your morning on Maui 🤙

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)