Coming from someone who is a very experienced traveler - Tom & Vicki's place IS THE BEST AirBnB I've ever stayed in. No detail was missed: From the decorations, the furnished kitchen, the instructions/directions/communication, the Hawaiian art gallery (history lessons) in the hallway, to the beach amenities. And, the outdoor landscape felt like something you'd see in an Island Travel Magazine. And, we felt like locals being there. No tourists nearby! It was absolute luxury! It's even better than the pictures!
We were only a 15-minute drive from Makawao (UpCountry chic down-to-earth village with amazing restaurants/cafes, food trucks - not really touristy or that busy) and Kahului (more established village and restaurants). We were also very close to the Pineapple Plantation (Maui Gold) and a nice gin/rum/vodka distillery. Now, across the street from that, I'd HIGHLY recommend the Hali'maile General Store for lunch or dinner (it's not a general store. It's a farm-to-table restaurant).
If you're looking for sea turtles: Definitely check out the Ho'okipa Beach Park (walk down to the sands - We saw like 40 sea turtles just laying there on the beach... You can look, but don't touch! They're protected!). You'll also see endangered Monk seals at the Ho'okipa Beach Lookout (located on the upper part of the park).
Also, if you're like me and want more local type of restaurants and shops, Paia is the place to go. Parking may be limited, but there are many side streets to park on. It's very Bohemian. I LOVED Cafe Mambo, Cafe de Amis (healthy options), and the juice bar across the street.
Oh, and Hana... You just have to do Hana. The good thing about Hana is that there are many food trucks when you get closer to Hana. But, make sure you fill up your gas tanks! It's not a bougie area, so it's good for that "local jungle" experience - good hiking too.
If you want to stay away from the touristy areas, Lahaina is pretty touristy as well as Wailea (however, there's an amazing coastal ancient trail you should check out that's at the very south end of Makena (just drive until the road ends).
Last but not least: You must bring hiking shoes. Otherwise, you'll be limiting your entire Maui trip.