One of Hawaii’s top hotels is now officially part of Marriott Bonvoy, available for booking starting at 84K points

Earlier this year, it was revealed that the renowned Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu's North Shore would transform into a Ritz-Carlton. This news was met with excitement by points and miles enthusiasts, as it meant another Hawaii location would be added to the Marriott Bonvoy rewards program.

And there's more positive news: The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay, is now available for booking using Marriott Bonvoy points.

Initially, the award rate was a consistent 132,000 points per night throughout the calendar. However, this has changed, and the rate now varies nightly, starting at 84,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for the lowest price and reaching up to 132,000 points per night at the highest.

Room rates at the newly branded Ritz-Carlton resort fluctuate significantly throughout the year. For 2024, lower rates — especially in the weeks leading up to Christmas — start at $665 per night, but can soar to over $1,500 per night during the holiday season.

Is The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay, a smart way to use your points? It can definitely be, but you’ll want to crunch the numbers first.

As of August 2024, TPG estimates the value of Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.85 cents each, meaning 132,000 Marriott Bonvoy points are worth $1,122.

During the peak holiday week from Christmas to New Year's, the total cost is $1,909.81 per night, which greatly exceeds the value of 132,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. On those nights, the value you’d get is around 1.45 cents per Marriott Bonvoy point, well above TPG's current valuation of 0.85 cents per point.

Naturally, on nights costing up to 85,000 points, using an 85,000-point award certificate earned each anniversary year with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is a fantastic deal compared to the nightly cash rate, which typically ranges from $700 to $800 (note that some hotels may impose resort fees).

Those holding Chase Ultimate Rewards points (from cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, among others) should be aware of a current 70% transfer bonus to Marriott Bonvoy. Normally, Chase points transfer at a 1:1 ratio, but with the bonus, it becomes a 1:1.7 ratio. This means that transferring 78,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Marriott Bonvoy will yield 132,600 Marriott Bonvoy points — enough for a reward night at Turtle Bay, even during peak pricing.

According to TPG's August 2024 estimates, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are valued at 2.05 cents each, so 78,000 Chase points amount to $1,599. This indicates that you would still save on those stays in Hawaii during Christmas or New Year's.

It's important to mention that since the property has just been added to the program, these award rates may fluctuate over time, especially given that Marriott employs a dynamic pricing model.

Why we’re thrilled about The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay

Prior to the announcement that Turtle Bay would transition into a Ritz-Carlton, we explored the resort for a review, referring to it as "the jewel of Oahu's North Shore."

The property boasts gorgeous pools with some of the most breathtaking ocean views we’ve ever encountered — there are seven distinct beaches within walking distance. This area is renowned for its exceptional surf. You can either watch world-class surfers ride colossal waves or take lessons in the calmer waters.

Numerous bars and restaurants ensure guests are well-fed or enjoying a piña colada, and the cowboy-themed luau is an experience not to be missed.

Additional fantastic amenities and activities include a spa, a golf course, hiking and biking trails, horseback riding opportunities, and even nighttime snorkeling excursions to discover the underwater world after dark.

Final thoughts

Now is definitely an excellent opportunity to utilize your Marriott Bonvoy points or Chase Ultimate Rewards points for a stay at the North Shore resort. The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay, is a stunning property, and our excitement has only grown now that it's available for booking with Marriott Bonvoy points.