This Iconic Hawaiian Resort on O'ahu Has a New Spa, Luxury Oceanfront Bungalows, and Many Family-Friendly Experiences (2024)

When the sprawling Turtle Bay Resort first opened its doors on the tranquil North Shore of O'ahu in 1972, it boasted 808 oceanfront acres and was larger than the entire Waikiki area in Honolulu. Del Webb, the former owner of the New York Yankees, had developed it, hoping it would become the first casino in Hawai'i, but his dream would never materialize.

Yet, with its iconic Y-shaped design gracing the rugged coastline of Kuilima Point, the resort etched its name in history. Nestled near the Seven Mile Miracle, a renowned stretch of coastline housing some of the world's most famous surf breaks, including the Banzai Pipeline, the resort's narrative intertwined with the rich tapestry of surf culture. It became a haven for the sport's luminaries, hosting events and annual award ceremonies for the World Surfing League.

The property also remains the only full-service resort in this area of O'ahu, attracting families and travelers seeking a relaxing alternative to Honolulu's overdeveloped shoreline.

After a multi-year renovation completed in 2023, the first of this scale since its founding, the resort is ready for its next chapter as a meeting spot for surfers, North Shore visitors, and as a steward of the land it sits on.

Aside from updating its accommodations and public areas, one of the resort's most notable additions is a 469-acre farm that supplies fresh ingredients to its restaurants and the local community.

"Being on an island, especially on the North Shore, we're limited with our resources to offer high-quality, fresh ingredients to our guests. Having the farm on the property allows our chefs to work closely with the farmers and the farm's management team, Pono Pacific, to inspect and hand-pick seasonal ingredients for their dishes," Jon Gersonde, the resort's vice president and managing director, told Travel + Leisure.

Los Angeles-based designer Dianna Wong and the architects of Honolulu firm WCIT Architecture have completely transformed the property itself. One of the most noticeable changes is the lobby, which is now completely open and greets guests with breathtaking views to the east and west, making it the perfect spot to catch the sunrise and the sunset.

The space also features a large-scale mosaic floor art piece by Hawai'i-based artist Nick Kuchar, printmaking work by Abigail Romanchak, and a mural by North Shore native Jack Soren.

The terraced pool deck now includes a chic infinity-edge adults-only pool, a hot tub, and a sun deck overlooking the remodeled family pool area and pool bar, Sunset, that serves a family-friendly menu.

The resort's spa, a sanctuary of relaxation, has been reimagined with 11,000 square feet of amenities. It offers a variety of wellness treatments inspired by the resort's serene setting, providing couples and solo travelers with the perfect opportunity to unwind and recharge at their own pace.

Here's what to expect from your stay at the newly reimagined Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore of O'ahu.

The Rooms

Wong led the renovation of the 408 guestrooms and suites, for which she drew inspiration from the area's surfing heritage and the ocean as an everpresent element.

"The property's transformation embraces the natural splendor of Hawai'i by incorporating materials such as local monkeypod, organic fabrics, indigenous plants, and hand-woven artisan carpets," Gersonde explained. The color palette, too, invokes the resort's scenic setting and includes a calming spectrum of blues, greens, and creams, as well as pops of reds and deep oranges reminiscent of the sweet papayas growing on the resort's farm. Dramatic murals behind the beds depict crashing waves and remind guests of the natural power and beauty that makes the North Shore so famous. The interiors include a sitting area, private balconies, and floor-to-ceiling windows with ocean views from every room.

However, if privacy and tranquility are a priority (honeymooners, take notice!), upgrade to one of the resort's brand-new 43 bungalows (nightly rates from $1,999), located steps away from the ocean water, south of the resort's building. The newest addition to Turtle Bay's roster of accommodations offers guests a range of unique amenities that ensure an elevated experience. Guests check in in a separate area and are whisked away to their bungalow by their personal "host." The structures boast high ceilings, sophisticated design, spacious bathrooms with soaking bathtubs and walk-in showers, and a lounge area with a pull-out sofa.

But my son and I spent most of our time enjoying the sights and sounds of the ocean on our private (and fully furnished) lanai.

Bungalow guests also have access to a range of exclusive amenities such as an adults-only pool and cruiser bikes, as well as many complimentary services like tours, priority beach club seating, tennis and pickleball courts, and mountain bike rentals.

Food and Drink

The property's new and renovated food and beverage venues highlight Hawai'i's natural bounty by offering guests various cuisines and dining settings.

"By eating at resort outlets, our patrons are helping to sustain the Ahupuaʻa land resource management we practice here as 80 to 90 percent of the items on our resort menus are sourced from our resort farm or community farmers [so they are ] not shipped, flown, or imported to the islands," said Ted Suter, the director of learning and development, referring to the ancient Hawaiian subdivision of land that starts at the top of a mountain and ends at the ocean.

The resort's most noteworthy addition is its Ocean Club Lounge, a bright and airy space with indoor and outdoor seating, where guests enjoy chef-prepared breakfast, lunch, and dinner appetizers in a buffet-style presentation and various drinks. Access to the Ocean Club Lounge can be arranged as an add-on to any room booking.

The resort's signature eatery, Alai'a, takes patrons on a culinary tour of the islands with a menu that celebrates seasonal produce and fresh seafood, such as Kona Kampachi Sashimi and Furikake Crusted Ahi. But meat lovers won't leave disappointed, either — various prime cuts and free-range chicken sourced from local vendors are also available.

Sundowners are best enjoyed in Off the Lip, a 25-seat lobby bar fronted by an infinity edge feature that amplifies those fiery sunsets.

The resort holds its popular Paniolo Lūʻau dinners every Wednesday near the stables, celebrating Hawaii's ranching tradition. The event starts with cowboy games, weaving lessons, and co*cktails by the ocean and continues with a delicious dinner that includes a roasted pig slow-cooked in an imu (don't worry, there are also plenty of vegetarian and seafood options). The evening culminates with a Paniolo and hula show and a fire knife performance.

Activities and Amenities

The list of experiences at Turtle Bay Resort is so long that you'll probably need to stay weeks, if not months, to participate in every single one of them, so narrowing it down to a few to keep you and your family occupied while you're there might be the most challenging task.

I booked a kayak sea turtle tour for my son and me, which took place in the stunning Kawela Bay, a short golf cart away from the resort. Not only did we thoroughly enjoy the company of at least a dozen turtles for the duration of the tour, but the tour guides went above and beyond by planning a treasure hunt for my son along the coastline after we got out of the water.

Of course, the North Shore is synonymous with world-class surfing. After the renovation was completed, Turtle Bay Resort was the first property to launch the Jamie O'Brien Surf Experience, a surf school in collaboration with one of the most popular surfers in the sport.

"Jamie is a North Shore native and a surf champion who has an infectious positive energy and who actually learned to swim in our pools when he was a kid. It was the perfect fit and place for him to start his school," Gersonade said. The school also offers adaptive surf lessons.

But even if you prefer land activities, you won't be bored. Golfing, hiking, horseback riding, bird watching, immersive farm tours, and mountain biking are just some of the ever-expanding list of activities.

Guests also should take the chance to try their hand at some traditional Hawaiian activities, of which there are so many throughout the week, like wood carving, lei making, hula, ukulele, and canoe paddling.

"One day every month, we facilitate a Talk Story session in which a local cultural practitioner, artist, or athlete shares their knowledge with guests and community members," Suter added. He also noted that guests can volunteer on the second Saturday of each month to help reforest Kahuku Point, a stretch of beautiful coastline that's part of the resort grounds.

The Spa

The natural theme continues in the property's reimagined Nalu Spa (nalu means waves in Hawaiian) and fitness center. The treatment menu, which encompasses facials, skin therapies, and massages, incorporates local ingredients and techniques but also doesn't forgo modern result-driven advancements through partnerships with brands like 111Skin, founded by the plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Yannis Alexandrides, and incorporating non-invasive hydrafacial technology.

The outdoor treatment rooms, especially the seaside Nalu Hale, are ideal for a relaxing massage while listening to the soothing sound of the nearby crashing waves. Even the gym features floor-to-ceiling windows with front-row views of swaying palms and the coastline, making working out while on vacation more enjoyable.

Family-Friendly Offerings

Turtle Bay Resort perfectly balances the fine line between being a relaxing sanctuary and delivering fun, family-friendly amenities. While the resort's pools are excellent, the true advantage of staying in this part of O'ahu is enjoying the quaint beaches, seven within walking distance from the property.

We spent most of our time at Kuilima Cove, right next to the resort and perfect for snorkeling and swimming. The property's beach club is also here, adding comforts and conveniences to any beach day, including day beds, cabanas, sunloungers, umbrellas, beach gear, and all-day access to drinks and light bites.

The resort doesn't have a kids' club, but there are several activities that kids can enjoy on their own with members of the hotel's activities staff, such as hands-on horsemanship experience at the resort's stables or a surfing class.

Most of the property's cultural programming is also kid-friendly. My son and I took a lei-making class together in the lobby, followed by hula dancing and ukulele lessons.

Sustainability

The resort's sustainability efforts go beyond reducing plastic waste (there are reusable water bottles in each room) or its carbon footprint. The resort fosters a deeper connection with its guests by allowing guests to be active participants in preserving the land and the ocean. It also facilitates the implementation of mālama ʻāina, or caring for the land, an ancient concept at the heart of Hawaiian culture that extends the residents' responsibility to protect the islands to visitors.

"The recurring cultural message we strive to share with everyone here at the resort is that Hawaiian culture is alive and well — it is not a relic of the past, and that many of the land use practices and life perspectives we have embraced for centuries can make the world a better place today," Suter explained. "Being Hawaiian is not necessarily an ethnicity. It is a mindset that is about embracing and nurturing the land and community."

The addition of Kuilima Farm, and opening it to tours three times a week, the placement of informational signs across the property's grounds to educate guests on the historical significance of specific places, the preservation of endemic wildlife, and the beautiful cultural center that presents in a visually compelling way aspects of Hawaiian history and traditions allow guests to leave the island with a better understanding and appreciation of Hawai'i.

Location

Turtle Bay Resort is located on the North Shore of O’ahu, about an hour's drive from the island’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (although, depending on traffic around Honolulu, it might take longer during certain times of the day). Many resort guests rent a car from the airport to explore the island, while some prefer to book an airport transfer (the hotel can arrange that for you) and stay on the property for the duration of their vacation.

Remember that rideshare services like Uber or Lyft are limited in this part of the island. However, a convenient bus stop is located in the resort’s parking lot. You can download the app (TheBus) and access schedules and bus stop information on the go.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Stay

Nightly rates at Turtle Bay Resort start from $700 and $1,999 for the resort's new ocean bungalows. For the bungalows, the rate includes unlimited access to the Ocean Club Lounge, with a breakfast and lunch buffet, evening bites, and drinks. If you book three nights at the bungalows, the resort will give you a fourth for free, plus a $200 resort credit. You can read more about this and other current offers here.