The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay: Hang Out (or Hang 10) With the Whole Family

As the sun rises over Oahu’s North Shore—famous for its surf-friendly swells—it casts The Ritz-Carlton’s eastern beaches and powerful waves in a pinkish hue. You can take in the scene from almost anywhere: the glass-encased fitness center that, from certain angles, seems to sit on top of the waves, or the wall of windows at the Ho‘Olana café, where families can grab light breakfasts before heading out on adventures. Outside, guests walk along the ocean path or take to the lawn for a series of sun salutations.

Perhaps the only thing more spectacular at this resort is the sunset, which is nothing short of electrifying. Since the bar and lounge areas are completely open to the west, they’re the place to be when the sun dips below the horizon—though most rooms have furnished balconies for guests who don’t want to share the moment with anyone other than family.

After a massive renovation concluding in 2023, the resort (an almost militant-looking, Y-shaped fortress from the 1970s atop a rocky, wave-battered promontory) welcomed guests to a brighter, more open space that emphasizes its oceanfront location. Walls were replaced with windows, or nothing at all.

More recently, the resort took on a new identity when it became a Ritz-Carlton in 2024. Besides the name, not much changed—though for guests booking a Club-level room or suite, there's access to the Club Lounge.

As with the lounge, the public spaces, like the lobby and gym, showcase the hotel’s most superlative feature: its location.

Set in a top surfing area, the resort, essentially a 1,300-acre playground, is the only one of its caliber on the North Shore. Here, guests can golf (take on championship-level holes at the Arnold Palmer Course or putt around at The Breaks), ride horses and, of course, surf along the resort’s five-mile coastline and seven distinct beaches. And with supervised fun for all ages (think: activities like scavenger hunts, lei-making and pony meet and greets), kids can stay as busy as their parents want them to be. 

By the numbers, Turtle Bay can’t be beat.

The Room

As with the rest of the property, rooms at The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay are designed to focus your eyes on the ocean. Nearly all have ocean views, and many also come with furnished balconies that look out over the resort and the Pacific beyond. They’re the perfect place to take in the morning air while you sip a cup of Lavazza coffee you brewed in your room. 

For guests who want to splash out, rooms and suites with “Club” in the name (as well as the Ali‘i Suite) include access to The Ritz-Carlton Club, which can be visited throughout the day. You’ll find a robust breakfast spread (look out for the mochi pancakes), salads and sandwiches at lunch, and a rotating array of dishes at dinner, like coconut shrimp and bite-size beef Wellingtons.

We also love the Ocean Front Bungalows, which feel like residences and include access to a private pool, VIP check-in and other perks.

The Features

Don’t miss: The stables. The property may be better known as a surf spot, but families will love the in-house equestrian program that offers horseback rides across the sprawling resort. Giddyup! 

Standout features: At Turtle Bay, the spa’s outdoor treatment rooms and relaxation areas truly take advantage of the hotel’s proximity to the ocean. Also, consider the incredible gym overlooking the water—so close it feels like waves could lap at the windows—and you’ll actually want to wake up at sunrise to work out. 

Can’t stop thinking about: How Turtle Bay has mastered the particular magic of an all-day lobby scene. The light-filled space is a popular hangout for locals, and guests who convene here between activities. Wake up with a caffeinated beverage from Ho‘Olana at one of the long, communal tables seemingly hewed from a single, ancient tree, or reconvene in the evening for cocktails around one of the firepits facing the reflecting pools.

The Lowdown

The resort presides over the famous surf breaks from a rocky promontory.

The highly specific reason you’d come here: You can’t wait to get home and tell your friends and family you learned to catch waves down the beach from the epic Banzai Pipeline surf break. 

What’s on the speakers? Instrumental spa-like music during the day, and an acoustic artist in the lobby every night who performs covers of ’90s hits and, during the winter, holiday carols. 

What are people drinking? Cocktails in copper turtles. You really can’t stay at Turtle Bay without ordering a “Don’t Touch the Turtles” drink at Alaia. It might be a blend of strawberries, basil and ginger, or perhaps passion fruit with cane sugar and mint. But either way, it’s a vodka cocktail big enough for two and served in a copper turtle. 

Are guests staying in our going out? Staying in. There’s not a ton to do in the area at night, and the bar here attracts even locals looking for a special night out.

Take a walking tour of the on-site Kuilima Farm.

Cocktails at Off the Lip pair perfectly with sunset views and a Japanese-inspired menu. 

Fast Facts

• Number of rooms: 450
• Number of pools: 3, plus the Tranquility Pool reserved for Bungalow guests
• Fitness center? Yes
• Spa? Yes
• Salon? Yes
• Number of bars/restaurants: 6
• 24-hour room service? Room service is available from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• Childcare and kids club? No