North Shore Beaches Oahu | A Guide to Turtle Bay’s Wild Side

Turtle Bay: Where North Shore Beaches Oahu Trade Crowds for Wild Beauty

Turtle Bay, tucked away on the North Shore beaches of Oahu, is where you go when you love the idea of Hawaii but don’t want to share it with a thousand sunburned tourists holding oversized piña coladas. It’s a far cry from the buzz of Waikiki—less high-rise hustle, more wide-open coastline where the ocean does its thing, and nature still gets the final say.

One of Turtle Bay’s greatest features? The beaches. And not just any beaches—stretches of white sand, impossibly blue water, and a noticeable lack of crowds if you know where to wander. Head east along the shoreline, and you’ll find fewer footprints and more of that glorious, untamed coast Oahu’s North Shore is famous for. In winter, humpback whales make grand appearances offshore, while Laysan albatross casually soar overhead like they own the place (which, let’s be honest, they do).

The resort itself got a serious glow-up during the pandemic, emerging as a luxury retreat with an adventurous side. You can now hike, bike, ride horseback and even take a helicopter tour over the coastline. Feeling salty? Snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, or (if you’re feeling particularly bold) surf with a dog at nearby Kawela Bay. The food is excellent, the spa is top-notch, and if you’re into golf, well, they’ve got that too.

And then there are the sunsets—the kind that make you stop mid-sip of your mai tai and reconsider all your life choices. As the sky melts into shades of orange and gold, tiki torches flicker to life, and a traditional conch-blowing ceremony signals the day’s grand finale.

One small footnote: In summer 2024, Ritz-Carlton acquired Turtle Bay Resort. No word yet on what changes are coming, but here’s hoping they keep the wild parts wild and the beaches open for those of us who prefer our paradise untamed and just a little bit off the beaten path.

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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