The Best Hotel in Hawaii? Ritz-Carlton O'ahu Turtle Bay Full Tour and Review

Welcome to a comprehensive review of one of Hawaii’s most spectacular luxury resorts — the Ritz-Carlton Turtle Bay on the North Shore of O'ahu. Nestled on a sprawling 1,300-acre peninsula, this newly minted Ritz-Carlton property offers a blend of natural beauty, exciting activities, and top-tier service that has quickly earned it a place on my family’s list of favorite resorts. Whether you're a golf enthusiast, a beach lover, or simply seeking a tranquil Hawaiian escape, Turtle Bay promises an unforgettable experience.

Arrival and First Impressions

Getting to Turtle Bay is fairly straightforward, located about an hour’s drive from Honolulu International Airport. While construction delayed our trip by almost two hours, the scenic drive along O'ahu’s northern coast quickly makes up for the extra time. The resort’s location on a peninsula jutting into the ocean means breathtaking views from almost every angle surround you.

Since joining the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio just last year, the Ritz-Carlton Turtle Bay is a welcome addition to Marriott’s luxury offerings. You can book your stay using points or cash, and nightly rates hover around $1,000, reflecting the exclusivity and premium experience offered here. Parking, whether valet or self-parking, is an additional $40 per day plus tax, a detail to note when budgeting your trip, as you’ll need a car to explore off-property.

Upon arrival, you’re greeted with a warm Hawaiian welcome — surfboards set the tone for the island vibe, and the newly renovated property dazzles with sleek, modern touches and beautiful art installations. The lobby is open-air, a hallmark of Hawaiian resorts that allows guests to soak in the island’s perfect weather and calming ocean breezes even when indoors. This seamless blend of indoor and outdoor spaces immediately instills a sense of peace and relaxation.

The Restaurants

The main lobby area is not only a welcoming space but also a hub of activity. Several shops, including a surf shop near the pool complex, offer guests the chance to browse local goods and souvenirs. Comfortable seating areas invite you to unwind while enjoying the stunning ocean views that surround the property.

One of the highlights here is the lobby bar, Off the Lip. On our first day, we enjoyed lunch here as the staff thoughtfully brought the pool bar menu inside due to afternoon rain showers. This flexibility enhances the guest experience, especially after a long flight, when a refreshing cocktail or a cold beer is just what you need. The pool bar menu features delicious options, including one of the best poké bowls I've ever tasted — though be prepared for premium pricing, which is typical in Hawaii.

Adjacent to the lobby bar is the Holana Coffee Bar, a popular morning spot for barista-crafted coffee and quick bites. The line can get busy, but the staff moves efficiently, ensuring a smooth guest experience. I highly recommend trying the ham and cheese croissant here — arguably the best I’ve ever had. It’s a bit pricey compared to mainland standards, but the quality and flavor are worth it. For those staying in rooms with kitchens, the nearby Holo Holo Market offers snacks and essentials at reasonable prices, a great way to save on dining.

The resort’s main restaurant, Alaia, serves both breakfast and fine dining in the evening, boasting spectacular sunset views. Breakfast buffets here are top-notch, and sometimes you can snag packages that include breakfast, especially when booking through AMEX Fine Hotels and Resorts.

There are even more restaurants on the property, which we will explore more below.

Wellness and Recreation Facilities

Beyond dining, Turtle Bay excels in wellness and recreation. The spa offers outdoor massage areas and a relaxation zone beneath the gym, blending luxury with nature. The gym itself is exceptional, featuring panoramic 180° ocean views — possibly the best gym view I’ve ever encountered. With a large space and a variety of equipment, it’s ideal for those wanting to maintain their fitness routine while enjoying a tropical backdrop.

For guests looking to relax, the resort features two main pools. The adults-only infinity pool overlooks the main pool and the ocean, providing a serene environment with ample loungers and rentable cabanas. The main pool is family-friendly, complete with two water slides that were a hit with kids and even adults like me. During busy periods like Easter, the pool can get crowded, but early mornings offer a peaceful retreat perfect for swimming or photography.

There’s also an exclusive pool for the bungalows, which we feature in the full review video above.

Beach, Surfing, and Outdoor Adventures

The beach at Turtle Bay is a standout feature. Located just a short walk from the hotel, the main beach offers calm waters thanks to coral reefs breaking the waves, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Convenient amenities like showers and foot washes enhance the beach experience. Adjacent to the beach is The Beach Club, a restaurant by renowned chef Roy Yamaguchi, offering a delicious menu and refreshing cocktails. While alcohol consumption on the beach itself is prohibited by Hawaiian law, you can enjoy drinks at the restaurant with ocean views.

For those interested in water sports, Turtle Bay offers the Jamie O’Brien Surf School right on property. The North Shore is world-famous for its waves, and the resort provides access to multiple surf spots throughout the bay. Watching surfers catch waves is a daily spectacle, adding to the vibrant island atmosphere.

Accommodation Options: From Hotel Rooms to Bungalows

Our stay was in room 650, an oceanfront room in the main hotel building. Thanks to my Marriott Platinum status, we enjoyed a room with a stunning view of the ocean and the resort’s point. The room was recently renovated with a modern, spacious design that comfortably accommodated our family of three.

The bathroom featured a large shower and high-quality toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, and mouthwash — thoughtful touches that enhance the guest experience. The room also included a coffee machine, a mini-fridge, a large TV, and a balcony overlooking the ocean, where the sound of waves created a soothing ambiance.

For those seeking more space or privacy, Turtle Bay offers bungalow accommodations on the opposite side of the property near the surf area. These bungalows are larger and come with a shared private infinity pool, offering a secluded and luxurious retreat. There are also privately owned condos near the beach, which can be rented through platforms like Airbnb. These options provide flexibility for families or groups wanting a different kind of stay while still enjoying full access to the resort amenities.

Activities and Family-Friendly Features

Turtle Bay is a fantastic resort for families. Upon check-in, children receive a Keikei passport encouraging them to explore the resort’s many kid-friendly activities. Collecting stamps from various experiences around the property earns them a prize. My son loved his plush turtle souvenir.

Among the many activities, horseback riding at the resort stables stands out. These stables offer a Hawaiian paniolo (cowboy) experience with rides along the beach and trails. The stables have a charming farm vibe with horses, ponies, and even a history of pigs at one time. The views from here are spectacular, making it a perfect outing for horse lovers and kids alike.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the resort features numerous biking trails, many of which wind through scenic areas with historical landmarks like World War II pillboxes and banyan trees featured in Hollywood films like “Pirates of the Caribbean.” Bikes are included in the resort fee, and bike attachments are available for younger children who can’t ride yet, making family bike rides accessible and fun. This was a major highlight for my family!

Golf lovers will appreciate Turtle Bay’s two championship 18-hole golf courses. Although one course was under renovation during our visit, the resort offers a grass putting course included in the resort fee, ensuring guests can enjoy golf activities even with limited time. The pro shop also includes a casual restaurant, Lelays, which offers more affordable dining options compared to the main hotel restaurants.

Nearby are several tennis courts and pickleball facilities as well, making this resort feel complete for recreation enthusiasts.

Local Exploration and Cultural Experiences

The resort’s concierge can assist in arranging excursions around the North Shore. Popular nearby attractions include Kualoa Ranch, famous as the filming location for “Jurassic Park.” The North Shore also boasts numerous local food stands serving fresh shrimp tacos and other local Hawaiian favorites, reminding me of Kauai’s street food from our past visits.

On-property, cultural activities abound. During our Easter visit, the resort hosted an egg hunt and egg decorating for kids, showcasing its commitment to family-friendly experiences. The schedule of daily events is posted in the lobby, offering a variety of activities to enrich your stay. You’ll find Hawaiian-specific activities like ukulele lessons, lei-making classes, and more.

Why Choose the Ritz-Carlton Turtle Bay?

While O'ahu has many accommodation options, few combine luxury, location, and a wealth of activities like Turtle Bay. The property’s unique position on the North Shore provides a more tranquil and nature-focused experience compared to the busier southern parts of the island, like Waikiki. The resort blends the high standards of the Ritz-Carlton brand with the laid-back spirit of Hawaii, creating a vacation spot that feels both exclusive and welcoming.

For travelers seeking a luxury Hawaiian vacation with access to world-class surfing, golf, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly amenities, Turtle Bay is hard to beat. Although the price point is premium, the outstanding service and incredible setting justify the cost for many visitors.

My Take

The Ritz-Carlton Turtle Bay is a shining gem on O'ahu’s North Shore that offers something for everyone. From the peaceful open-air lobby and stunning oceanfront rooms to the extensive activities like horseback riding, biking, and surfing, this resort delivers a comprehensive Hawaiian experience. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, the Ritz-Carlton Turtle Bay’s blend of luxury, natural beauty, and cultural richness makes it a top choice for your next Hawaiian getaway.

If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii and want to explore the North Shore in style, I wholeheartedly recommend considering the Ritz-Carlton Turtle Bay. The combination of location, service, and amenities makes it one of the best hotels in Hawaii, perfect for creating unforgettable memories.

Happy travels, and aloha!