A spontaneous stop at Turtle Bay’s pool bar was the perfect way to end our day on the north shore. We had been heading home the east side way when our instincts (and pangs of hunger) directed us to the resort. I actually had not been to the resort for some time, so it was nice to feel like a tourist again – even if for a brief moment.
We strolled around the property, starting at the manmade lagoon, passing by the wedding pavilion and then finally ending up at the pool. The panoramic view of the ocean and fast-setting sun seemed so surreal at the time; I just wanted to take it all in. So we sat down at a table nearest the ocean, where surfers played in the rolling surf.
To quell our hunger, we ordered the chicken tenders for pupu. Mmm, so good! Reminded me of a healthier version of McDonald’s chicken mcnuggets; the grown-up kind that tasted especially delicious after dunking them in the honey mustard sauce.
We lucked out with getting a seat, too; the pool area had been quickly filling up, as guests hurried to get a spot for the sunset spectacle. They whipped out their smartphones and cameras to get the perfect shot. For me, it’s always refreshing to be reminded of these simple luxuries I often take for granted, so I took out my phone and got a shot as well!
Hang Ten Bar & Grill can be a bit pricey but well worth it because the portions are pretty big. The menu consists of salads, sandwiches, seafood and steaks. We stuck to pupu since we knew there were still Thanksgiving leftovers waiting for us at home! Did I mention they also have live music during sunset? A definite plus for the vacationer at heart.
HANG TEN BAR & GRILL
• Turtle Bay Resort, 57-901 Kamehameha Hwy., Kahuku, HI 96731 • Opens Mon-Sun 11am-7pm • 808-293-6000 • www.turtlebayresort.com • Free parking in lot
