The Aloha spirit is here and it is real. I arrived from Southern California, looking to refresh and unwind. I rented the 3rd floor with 2 BR, fully equipped kitchen, and huge lanai overlooking the trees and the ocean. I loved the people and this sacred place so much that I left to explore other parts of the island about once a week. Walking the property and taking in the sounds, sights and aromas is like taking a trip to another world created by Dr. Seuss, Peter Maxx, and the Wizard of Oz. I would awaken early, naturally to a symphony of sunlight and forest sounds and end my work day with plenty of time sip my Kona coffee and watch the kaleidoscope sunsets. The pictures do not do justice to the moment or the feeling. From fresh organic fruits and vegetables grown here to reliable wifi to the sauna, the pool, the inversion swing, and movie night in the Mothership, this was a perfect working vacation. Everything I imagined or needed was here - - and more. Here you will find a joyful community of folks with a spiritual connection to the land. Even the farm stay workers were happy to share their food and their deep knowledge of the Big Island. Everyone treated me and other guests like extended family members. Love was here. read more

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The sanctuary is on a beautiful piece of land and you can walk through the gardens and try different types of fruit. However, I would definitely say this place has more intimate Airbnb vibes than formal hotel vibes. Please not that you cannot bring animal products, so if you plan to use the kitchen, your meals must be vegan. Additionally, come night time, clothing is optional. Also do not bring food into the rooms as there are ants. While this is a very special place, I would recommend people fully understand what they are signing themselves up for. read more

Wonderful place also for vacation for people who live on the island. It's like a silent yoga spa retreat. Access to yummy fruits, wonderful people, beautiful view, swimming pool with salted water, hot tub. A little oasis. read more

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The Banyan Tree Sanctuary is truly a magical place that rejuvenates your soul. It has given me a greater sense of well being. The sanctuary gives you a feeling of peace and you will not want to return to your daily fast paced work life. This beautiful sanctuary is not beach front however, sits a little higher up where you can intake all of the gorgeous views near and far. Located at the end of a small private road that leads through a huge private gate. There are small private rooms available for short term rentals. A great spot if you are coming here to visit. With reasonable rates, the Banyan offers a shared kitchen for everyone to and enjoy. There is also a huge garden and plenty of fruit from the trees on the property. There is a pool and hot tub for guests to slip away into after a long day of island activities. This place is a truly an oasis. Live music and jam sessions happen with Benjamin and Rae. Feeling good vibes and energy through music. Banyan also offers massage with Rae. He is absolutely incredible and took me to another place I've never been before. A place of deep relaxation. And try to take advantage of his services when I visit. The Banyan Tree left me with rejuvenation and a better sense of well being. read more

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I found the Banyan Tree Sanctuary on Airbnb.com and it was my first experience with Airbnb. It does not get any better than this. The host, Raybo is the perfect representation of Hawaiian hospitality. Staying here is an incredible value for you money. Stay on the 3rd floor if you can, so see the incredible views of the water in the distance. If you are searching for a place to stay in Kona, end your search now and book a room with him. They have several different types of rooms at various price points, so there is a great variety. It is truly a place to relax and heal - massages there too! I cant think of another place where you can walk down in the morning and pick a fresh papaya and other fruit for breakfast. Book in advance and secure your room as he is becoming more popular, and more visitors are finding out about this place - the cream always rises to the top, this is the best of the best places to stay. read more

I have stayed at the Banyan Tree tree sanctuary twice now. I have recommended it to friends and family and will absolutely go back and stay again. The B. T. Sanctuary is truly paradise. One of the best things about the Sanctuary is Raybo, a Message Therapist who lives at the sanctuary. I get a massage from him every time I visit. I love a good massage and Raybo gives one of the best I have ever had. If you stay at The B. T. Sanctuary, I highly recommend booking a massage with Raybo! read more

Love this place! This is the only place I will stay when I come to the big island, it is home away from home for me. The beds are very comfortable and the place is super clean. Beautiful property with lots of gardens and plants and birds! Hosts are great. read more

Banyan Tree Sanctuary - The view of garden from my room - Vacation Rentals Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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Currently here & I love it. The aura, the people, the vibes are just immaculate! It's peaceful and would recommend over any hotel fancy hotel. You learn to appreciate the island & earth so much more. Shout out to Rae he is theeee best! read more

Stealing a word from another reviewer, this place is totally magical!! Fruit trees, quiet, views of the ocean, serene grounds...sunsets, stars you can't see from where I am...magical! My stay, although short, was my first to Hawaii and most definitely will not be my last! Banyan is located within a short drive to the water, downtown and a gorgeous 1.5 hours drive to Hawaii National Volcano Park. This island has a lot of life and energy and staying at Banyan helped me appreciate the beauty all around me even more. As a runner, I hiked and ran every day I was there and had an incredible sports massage from Ray the night before I left. You really REALLY need to visit this place!!! read more

When I booked this room for myself and my partner nowhere did it say on the website (bookings.com) that this is a private home. My rented room was right across the hall from the owner Raybo's room. Also never mentioned was that the bathroom is COMMUNAL. Yes, you get to share the toilet and showering space with every other guest. Enjoy that. The entire compound is vegetarian, and they do not allow non-vegetarian visitors to cook meat on the property. There is also no smoking allowed, even outside. The first night when we were shown the communal kitchen there were roaches, visible on the floor in several areas, and even on some cups sitting on the counter. This didn't seem to even phase the owner; I was disgusted. This "hotel" might be great for hippies or vegetarians who don't mind all aspects of communal living, but I feel like I was lied to when I booked this room and I will never go back. Sadly, they have a no-refund policy which means I'm paying for a five day stay in a room I will not be sleeping in. DO NOT RECOMMEND. read more

My wife and I stayed at Banyan Tree Sanctuary two days before our wedding. It is a place with very welcoming, healing energy. Beautiful grounds that are fun to explore, with gardens, a labyrinth, and a cave among other things. Raybo gave us great tips of places to go to in the Kona area, and Benjamin surprised us with a serenade two days before our wedding -- it was very touching, heartfelt, fun, and felt like a blessing. Thank you! The place has lots of great extras like organic produce, hot tub, infra-red sauna -- a great place to come and unwind and relax. Very highly recommended! read more

Banyan Tree is the perfect place for folks that like to be off the beaten path. My partner and i loved being able to cook our own food in the spacious and clean kitchen. I also loved the gorgeous yurt/practice space. The beach gear was so appreciated and we were able to live like locals. Raybo and Benjamin made us feel so at home- thank you both for making Hawaii affordable and so comfortable- i am deeply grateful. I am already planning my next trip. Mahalo! read more

YES! As a former visitor and now resident of Hawaii, this is my favorite place on the whole island that I have discovered so far! Why?! THe people that run this place are so fun and kind and authentic. They do everything they know possible to serve their guests. Beautiful rooms--always kept to a high standard of cleanliness, organic produce from teh garden, a gorgeous non-toxic swimming pool and jacuzzi, massage therapies, yoga, dancing, excellent views of the ocean. And did I mention friendliness?!! I love you Banyon Tree Retreat people and anyone who stays at your place has made an EXCELLENT choice! read more

My husband and I spent 4 amazing nights in the Fig Heaven bungalow and wow! What an experience! We will definitely return. It was so peaceful, magical, memorable. You just can't beat the peace and tranquility, the beauty and wonder. Stay here! You'll be glad you did! read more

Awesome place to go stay for a vacation, and it's not to pricy. Love the garden that you can pick from every day and get your fruits and veg. Love the facilities that were provided. This could almost be called paradise :-) read more

My wife and I spent 10 amazing days at the Banyan Tree Sanctuary this past September. We stayed in the Sunset Suite--the top floor in the main house overlooking the views of Hawaii. If I had one word to describe BTS, I choose MAGICAL. When we first stepped foot on the property we were greeted with hugs by Raybo, the property manager. His warm embrace was comforting after MANY hours on airplanes. From that moment on, I was completely at ease being there. I loved meeting the sweet lovely folks of BTS--Ben and Amiracle--who were such a joy. We loved taking a tour of the grounds and the caves with those two. There are several folks that provide massage services, but we each received one from Raybo. I do highly recommend him. I was completely at ease with his presence and his healing touch. If we had more time, I would have loved to understand AcroSage from Ben and Amiracle. That is on my list for next time! We will definitely go back to BTS as our place on the Big Island. We just loved it. Affordable, beautiful and healing... read more

Wonderful, magical place! My 14 year old daughter joined me and my friend with her 12 year old for an amazing week and everyone was delighted. We stayed in the upstairs suite with a kitchen which has a lanai overlooking the coastline. Every night we watched a majestic sunset, every morning we ate fresh papaya and bananas from the farm. The kitchen was well stocked with cooking and even had supplies that were useful such as olive oil and spices. They provide lots of beach toys and we were very happy to find a cooler with ice packs to keep our lunches cool. Ray, Benjamin and Maggie were very welcoming and made us feel at home. The girls loved the pool and went into their own little tropical magic world roaming the gardens which inspired a theatrical dance performance (sorry Ray they were too shy to share). I only wish I had more time to just relax, hang out, play music and take advantage of the massage and Benjamin's acro/therapeutic yoga! Next time... read more