Amy Risley

Turtle Bay Resort

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Turtle Bay Resort Hubby attempting to strum up some Don Ho on the guitar that comes with the room.

Hubby attempting to strum up some Don Ho on the guitar that comes with the room.

Turtle Bay Resort Deep soaking tub, a clean mix of white + marble, yes yes yes.

Deep soaking tub, a clean mix of white + marble, yes yes yes.

Turtle Bay Resort I go nuts for coco on tap.

I go nuts for coco on tap.

Turtle Bay Resort Epic poolside sunsets are a daily ritual.

Epic poolside sunsets are a daily ritual.

Turtle Bay Resort The perfect parfait: yogurt and granola served in a papaya. So so good.

The perfect parfait: yogurt and granola served in a papaya. So so good.

Turtle Bay Resort View of the beach + beach bar. Calmer waters make it a great snorkeling and SUP spot.

View of the beach + beach bar. Calmer waters make it a great snorkeling and SUP spot.

Turtle Bay Resort Yes that's the Magnum P.I. helicopter. Yes it takes off for daily tours right from the hotel. An aerial adventure over Oahu's breathtaking landscape is a must. In a 45 minute tour we saw everything from the mega waves at Pipeline to astounding waterfalls and the Pearl Harbor Memorial.

Yes that's the Magnum P.I. helicopter. Yes it takes off for daily tours right from the hotel. An aerial adventure over Oahu's breathtaking landscape is a must. In a 45 minute tour we saw everything from the mega waves at Pipeline to astounding waterfalls and the Pearl Harbor Memorial.

Turtle Bay Resort A painterly view of a sandbar I shot from the heli.

A painterly view of a sandbar I shot from the heli.

Turtle Bay Resort Just lounging on the lanai in my lei...

Just lounging on the lanai in my lei...

Turtle Bay Resort Instagram Caption:

Instagram Caption: "It's a good day when you see more rainbows and dolphins than people".

Turtle Bay Resort Magic hour as seen from the hammock outside of our cottage.

Magic hour as seen from the hammock outside of our cottage.

Turtle Bay Resort Hello from the watersliiiiiide!

Hello from the watersliiiiiide!

Turtle Bay Resort Checking out some of the world's top pro surfers at the Vans World Cup on Sunset Beach. Most of the legendary North Shore surf spots are a short drive from the hotel.

Checking out some of the world's top pro surfers at the Vans World Cup on Sunset Beach. Most of the legendary North Shore surf spots are a short drive from the hotel.

Turtle Bay Resort Turtle Bay's Beach Cottages are set apart from the main property and feel like your own private residence. They're impressively spacious for the price, the light & airy island-chic vibe of the decor is on point, and the ocean is right outside your door.

Turtle Bay's Beach Cottages are set apart from the main property and feel like your own private residence. They're impressively spacious for the price, the light & airy island-chic vibe of the decor is on point, and the ocean is right outside your door.

Highs & Lows

  • The North Shore of Oahu is a welcomingly chill alternative to the more urban, touristy vibe of Honolulu and Waikiki, and Turtle Bay is THE place to stay when you're here. They also just underwent a huge multi-million dollar refresh, so expect up to date decor and great facilities.

  • They're all about play. Surfing, stand up paddling, kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, helicopter tours: all can be arranged and mostly experienced right on property.

  • This is definitely a big, family oriented resort. It's possible to have a romantic getaway but don't be surprised if you get interrupted by cannonball competitions in the pool.

The Barometer

  • Design

  • Website

  • Environmental Consciousness

  • Night's Sleep

  • Service

  • Amenities

  • Takeable Treats

  • Refer a Friend

  • Overall Value

  • Life Changing

Total: 49/50

Important Bits

  • Type

    Beach Resort

  • Vibe

    An even dose of tropical serenity and adventurous energy.

  • Location

    Oahu's North Shore, about an hour drive from Honolulu.

  • Rooms

    410 ocean view guest rooms & suite, 42 beachfront cottages, 30 condominium ocean villas.

  • Music

    A little bit of ukulele, a little bit of pop.

  • Year Opened

    Originally opened in 1972, $50 million renovation completed in 2015.

  • Health & Wellness

    Two large pools, one featuring a fun mini waterslide for the kids + a handful of hot tubs. Very nice gym as well.

  • Restaurant

    Plenty of options! Pa'akai is the more formal napkin on your lap dinner option, with delicious locally sourced dishes and indulgent desserts like the insanely good checkerboard ice cream cake. Lei Lei's is a more laid-back seafood spot, and the Point is the spot for sunset cocktails and fish tacos.

  • Bar

    Surfer The Bar attracts guests and locals alike and hosts a great lineup of live music and surf related events.

  • Children

    Definitely. This is a perfect place to bring the kids and we can't wait to come back with ours someday.

  • Price

    Moderate to High depending on the season, but reasonable for the offerings.

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