Turtle Bay for a fun Day | North Shore Beaches Oahu

Turtle Bay, a Jewel on the North Shore

Turtle Bay, located on the North Shore of Oahu, is a tranquil escape within the vibrant Hawaiian landscape. It contrasts from the bustling tourist hubs like Waikiki with its serene ambiance and natural beauty.

One of its standout features is the remarkable coastline. The beaches at Turtle Bay are renowned for their white sand and the clear, azure waters that beckon visitors to dive in. As you walk north along the coast from Turtle Bay, you’ll find fewer and fewer beach-goers until eventually, you have a wild beach all to yourself. In the winter months, you may see humpback whales breaching offshore or Laysan albatross from adjacent James Campbell NWR soaring overhead.

The resort itself received a pandemic facelift transforming it into an oasis of luxury and comfort. It boasts an array of tasty food options featuring fresh island cuisine, a spa facility, and a golf course for enthusiasts. They also shifted their focus to outdoor activities so you can explore the coastline by foot, bike, horseback or even helicopter. On the ocean side, you can snorkel, kayak or take paddleboard lessons at adjacent Kawela Bay, or even surf with a dog! There’s a little something for everyone.

Furthermore, the sunsets at Turtle Bay are nothing short of breathtaking. You can unwind with a cocktail in hand and watch as the sky transforms into a mesmerizing canvas of vivid orange hues. A traditional conch blowing ceremony closes the day as tiki torches around the ground are lit.

*Note. In the summer of 2024 Ritz Carlton purchased the Turtle Bay Resort. I’m unsure what changes to expect, but hopefully the area will remain accessible to all.

Heading North

Sometimes you just need to get out of the house. If you stay home you’re just going to clean and attempt to tame the laundry beast. Does anyone else manage to accumulate a 6-week laundry mountain? But suddenly you’ll find the sun is setting on a Sunday evening and no fun was had all weekend. Tragic. What’s the point of living in Hawaii if you can’t get out and play? That’s how we found ourselves driving North one weekend. Stuck in traffic and without a plan. The kids grumbled and complained from the backseat. “Where are we going? How long is it going to take? What, in exact detail, are we going to do once we get there?” Spontaneity is a painful concept for them.

Off-the-Beaten-Path at Turtle Bay

We got as far as Turtle Bay and decided to stop. It had been almost 5 years since our last visit and the kids were so young we couldn’t quite remember it. We walked down the quiet, ironwood-lined path free of expectations and emerged into an idyllic scene. A fate of tides and the season had left the perfect swimming hole sparkling blue before us. A gentle wind rippled the water’s surface as toddlers splashed, kids fished, and parents lounged on the warm sand. The tidepools were teeming with hermit crabs and fish darted in the shallows.

The complaining abruptly stopped. We meandered along the coastline and explored the shallows until the sun set and darkness forced us back home.

Preparing for a trip to Turtle Bay

Getting There

Turtle Bay is located on the northeast point of Oahu’s north shore about an 80 minute drive from Waikiki. Although Turtle Bay Resort occupies much of the bay, they do provide parking for coastline access. If you’re not staying at the hotel, seek out these marked spots at the north end of the large parking lot.

Rough Water Warning

If you plan to visit the beach or enjoy water sports, timing is important. December-April generally brings big swells to the north shore. Although Turtle Bay is somewhat protected, the water can get rough and turbulent during that time of year. If you have your heart set on snorkeling during that time of year, you may want to visit Hanauma Bay or Koolina’s Paradise Cove.

Timing matters

Tides also play a role if you’re hoping to search tidepools or play in protected shallows with babies or toddlers. Find the best time to visit here.

Need more ideas for Family Fun near Turtle Bay?

• Get a view from above with this short, family-friendly hike on the north shore.
• Immerse yourself in Polynesia with a visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center.
• Family photos! Let me plan a fun morning for your family so you can have a great time and take home beautiful memories. You can see examples of photo sessions near Turtle Bay here, here, and here.

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