If you’re the type of traveler who likes to spend your vacation days in motion, The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay is the place for you.
It takes about an hour from Honolulu International Airport to reach this resort on Oahu’s North Shore, but trading city traffic for five miles of rugged shoreline and 12 miles of trails makes it well worth the scenic drive to get there.
The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay (Heidi Gollub)
Plan an Action-Packed Hawaiian Getaway
When you arrive at The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay, be ready to play. There are so many resort experiences on tap here, they can’t all fit on the towering activity board in the lobby. Some are free, some cost extra, but all require reservations.
So, your first stop after checking in should be the concierge desk to discuss your options, from guided shoreline fishing to night snorkeling for fluorescent corals.
Making flower crowns at The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay (Heidi Gollub)
I recommend you start by signing up for every single complimentary activity, including lei making, ukulele lessons, and hula lessons. If you have a kid in tow, they’ll get a keiki passport at check-in to fill with stamps for completing activities.
Hula lesson with Luana at The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay (Heidi Gollub)
But even if you don’t have a pint-sized companion, don’t miss any of the free fun. On my solo stay, I loved making a flower crown out of fresh orchids and learning the storytelling art of hula from Luana, a local dancer who started hula at age 5 and went professional at age 14.
Learn To Surf in World-Class Waves
I also enjoyed “Intro to Surf” at the resort’s Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience. This daily free morning walk and talk gives you a brief overview of a wide array of topics: local legend Jamie O’Brien’s professional surfing career, surf breaks along the North Shore, the history of surfing in Hawaii, and even how to use leaves from a naupaka plant to defog your snorkel mask.
Aguilar demonstrates how to stand on a surfboard (Heidi Gollub)
My guide for the tour, Hugo Aguilar, has been surfing for 25 years and teaching for about 12. He says Oahu’s North Shore is basically the Mecca of surfing. “The North Shore is known as the Seven Mile Miracle,” says Aguilar. “Seven miles of some of the best world-class waves on the planet.”
The most helpful part of the tour for me was when Aguilar demonstrated step by step how to paddle (with scoop hands), pop up (cobra, lunge, rise), and stand (low like a pro) on a surfboard. He then had me try. These techniques came in handy when I returned for a 90-minute surf lesson later in the day.
North Shore Aerial Surf Lineup (King and Partners)
The class got me out on the waves within minutes, so I was glad I’d had the extra morning instruction and practice popping up on land.
Swim, Snorkel, and SUP
Snorkel in Kuilima Cove, steps from the resort (Heidi Gollub)
For lower-key water adventures, the surf shop offers stand-up paddleboard rentals, and the resort has kayak and canoe excursions you can book.
There’s also snorkeling in Kuilima Cove, a protected lagoon right next to the hotel. Bring your own snorkel, or buy one from the resort’s Holoholo Market. This is a nice, calm area for beginners where sea turtles sometimes hang out.
If you’re traveling with kids in tow, the Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay has two heated pools, including a kids pool with two waterslides, and a hot tub. Sunscreen is free, which makes your job easier.
Hot tub overlooking the ocean (Heidi Gollub)
For kid-free swimming, there’s one adult pool and an adult hot tub. Order a poolside Mai Tai and see if you agree with my server that they’re the best on the island. He says they’ve been using the same Mai Tai recipe for more than 50 years. (Mine was quite delicious.)
Walk Over to The Stables at Turtle Bay
The Stables at Turtle Bay (Heidi Gollub)
A 10-minute walk from the resort — or an even shorter bike ride — and you’ll find The Stables at Turtle Bay. Visit the horses in their oceanside pen, or book a special equestrian experience through the concierge to enjoy more time with them.
You can choose from horseback rides along the shore, equine training for kids, and wagon rides for all ages. The horseback rides vary in price, with the early-morning ride generally being the most affordable.
Hike or Bike Miles of Scenic Trails
Walking Trails (Matt Heirakuji)
To tool around the property on two wheels, rent a beach cruiser between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. You get 45 minutes free each day, included in your resort fee.
If you want to explore more, join the twice-daily cultural e-bike tour or have a rental (e-bike or mountain bike) delivered to the resort. There are 12 miles of public access and mountain bike trails waiting for you. Find the full-size Turtle Bay Trails map framed next to the concierge desk, or view the pocket trail map.
Make the Most of Your Resort Fee
Explore the tide pools along Turtle Bay (Heidi Gollub)
Start each day with an exercise class that’s included in your resort fee. These range from yoga to qigong (where you combine movement, breathing, and meditation).
In addition to the daily wellness class, here’s what’s included in your resort fee:
Arrival lei of fresh orchids or kukui nuts
Daily 45-minute beach cruiser bike rental
Daily two beach chairs and one umbrella set-up
Daily use of pickleball court, with paddles and balls
Daily resort activities, including hula, lei making, and ukulele lessons
Upgrade for a Club Experience
Breakfast view from the Club lounge (Heidi Gollub)
There are six places to dine at Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay (I recommend sunset dining al fresco at Alaia — save room for the scrumptious coconut cake), but for convenient light meals in between activities, look into the Club experience.
By booking a room with Club access, you can swing by the lounge for free food and drink spreads that are refreshed five times a day.
For breakfast, I enjoyed fresh fruit, eggs, bacon, granola, a variety of breads, and mimosas. At lunch, I loved the chicken salad croissant and cheddar broccoli soup. Dinner came with wine and cocktails. And the ocean view from the indoor/outdoor lounge can’t be beat.
By upgrading to the Club experience, you also get unlimited use of beach cruisers and pickleball, plus a dedicated concierge to help you get the most out of your stay.
Activities Galore at Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay
North Shore, Oahu (Heidi Gollub)
I arrived at the resort with only one reservation for a surf lesson, and I had no trouble filling my days with activities by stopping at the concierge desk. But if you’re a better planner than me, check out the links below to see your options:
Commented