November 21st, 2008
Turtle Bay Resort…True Hawaii on Oahu
Recently I was excited by the opportunity to stay at Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore (even though it’s a quick drive from my house.
.jpg)
I’m always excited to visit this resort…as a child my tutu (great grandma) would take us there to go to the beach and sometimes to stay the night. I have many many fond memories of Turtle Bay…the resort used to light fireworks on the 4th of July and that was always a big north shore event. I was raised on the North Shore of Oahu and so Turtle Bay was (and still is) a part of my community & is somewhere I feel safe and love. Turtle Bay is the best choice of hotel for those that want to experience Oahu without the busy streets of Waikiki.
.jpg)
Now as a parent I, it felt really great to be taking my children to Turtle Bay. **What did we love: 1) the Beach – the actual bay/cove is perfect for snorkeling & swimming with young children & there are lots of turtles in the bay! The other side of the beach (facing the pool) can be great for surfing & surf watching. 2) no Crowds – no matter what time of year you visit it never feels crowded. 3) the staff are super friendly. 4) the pool – it now has a waterslide (best for younger kids) and there was a kiddie pool + three Jacuzzis. 5) the pool bar – serves up some delicious Mai Tais. 6) the view from the deluxe oceanfront room was beautiful. **What we didn’t love: 1) the food prices were high – with younger children we like to take advantage of room service rather than have the kids try to sit still long enough for us to actually enjoy dinner in a restaurant – that being said we’re familiar with room service prices…unfortunately at Turtle Bay the menu selection was slim and the prices very high…macaroni & cheese on the children’s menu was $17 (yikes!). But if you go down to the restaurants prices are better - there are breakfast and lunch buffets, a beachfront restaurant & several other dining options.
We stayed in a Deluxe Oceanfront room & it was awesome. The rooms at Turtle Bay can have two queen beds (instead of two double beds which is much more common in Hawaii hotels) or one king bed.
The resort grounds are so large there is lots to explore…
.jpg)
.jpg)
Don’t be daunted by this resorts distance from Waikiki or Honolulu - just get a rental car & you can still easily do any sightseeing or activities.