Turtle Bay Resort
North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii
An oceanfront, one-stop-shop resort with stunning views and plentiful amenities on Oahu’s famous North Shore.
$$$ • 410 rooms and villas
First things first, there’s only one resort on the North Shore of Oahu and it’s Turtle Bay Resort. Only a short drive away from some of Hawaii’s top surf breaks – Pipeline, Sunset Beach, etc – Turtle Bay is the ultimate destination for wave chasers and families alike. Book a room during winter to catch the Van’s World Cup of Surfing or Billabong Pipe Masters as well as daily viewings of seasoned surfers from all over the world.
If the grounds are looking familiar, the resort was the primary filming location of Forgetting Sarah Marshall. The massive property has over 400 accommodations ranging from ocean view rooms and suites to beach cottages and ocean villas set on 850 picturesque acres of (mostly) undeveloped land and coastline.
With its strategic location on a small peninsula right on the Pacific, views abound from just about every spot at the resort. There are several oceanfront dining options, multiple pools and jacuzzis, a beautiful sheltered cove and beach, two championship golf courses, and the spa to occupy your time out of the water.
The resort lets the beauty of the island do the talking and relies on natural materials and simple yet charming Hawaiian-style decor to fill the hotel’s spaces. Turtle Bay Resort is a perfect beach retreat for guests who want to experience the charm and beauty of the North Shore with access to stellar resort amenities along the way.
Surf trips to this property are highly customizable. We specialize in private luxury surf trips for families and groups tailored to your surf level, surf style, and travel preferences. Whether you’re looking for a getaway that’s full of activities, super laidback, or somewhere in between, our expert travel designers will work with you to create your dream surf vacation. Learn more.
Our tailored surf trips include
Luxury accommodations
Trusted expert surf coaches and surf guides
Talented private chefs
Private transportation
Tailored trip & itinerary planning
Expertise & support before, during, and after your trip
Exclusive Lush Palm Travel Guide to the area
The Lowdown
VIBE: Iconic Hawaiian vacation
LOCALE: Picturesque oceanfront minutes from world-class surf
ROOMS: 410 rooms, suites, cottages, and villas
FAMILY FRIENDLY: Yes
CLOSEST AIRPORT: Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
Features
Inside
About as “Hawaii” as it gets, accommodations feature incredible island views. If that hasn’t sold you, the interiors are bright and beachy (no Hawaiian print in sight) with accents of natural materials and plantation-style touches. Stay at the Ocean Vista Levels for the best views or a Beach Cottage to sleep at the water’s edge.
Outside
Strategically located on a small peninsula, you’ll find amazing ocean views from almost every angle. In-between glorious surf sessions on the seven-mile miracle, kick back at the resort’s beautiful pools and beaches, play golf at one of the championship courses, or explore the five miles of empty neighboring coastline.
Eat & Drink
There are seven onsite restaurants and bars ranging from post-beach casual to elevated oceanfront dining. Find a wide array of food including fresh seafood, Euro-Asian fusion, and classic island grill dishes. Pull up a chair for the best sunsets at The Point Sunset & Pool Bar, and top it off with a tropical cocktail or two, because vacation.
The Surf
The North Shore of Oahu and its 7-mile miracle is a true surfer’s paradise. With a tropical climate, warm water, and over a dozen epic world-class breaks to choose from, it’s no wonder this quaint stretch of countryside coast has become a world-famous surf mecca. Turtle Bay Resort has a fun (typically uncrowded) surf break just a stone’s throw from the pool area to the side of the hotel (Turtle Bay West), and it’s only a 10-minute drive to Sunset Beach and some of the best surf the North Shore has to offer.
WATER TEMP: 75 – 81 °F (24 – 27 °C)
PEAK SURF SEASON: Oct – Mar
SHOULDER SURF SEASON: Apr, May, Sept
OFF SEASON: June – Aug
SURF EXPERIENCE: Best for intermediate to advanced surfers, but beginner lessons are possible at certain spots.
Location
North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii
North Shore Oahu is home to the most celebrated group of world-class breaks in the world. Every winter when the swells start pumping, surfers from around the globe fly in to get a piece of the action and put their skills to the test. While the surf breaks in the area are predominantly for advanced/expert surfers only, there are a couple breaks suitable for intermediate surfers and even a few great spots to take surf lessons.
When you’re not surfing or hanging out on the beach, there are lots of other activities to keep you busy. From whale watching, skydiving, and snorkeling, to watching a surf competition, there’s never a lack of things to do in Oahu.
If you’re not familiar with the North Shore, it’s good to know that different seasons make for completely different ocean conditions. The winter has pumping waves, and a generally wild and unruly ocean, while the summer brings calm turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling (and kids!).