This Incredible Resort on O‘ahu Is Your Ultimate Destination for Nature, Surfing, and More

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I’ve just returned from a weekend at Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore of O’ahu, the only hotel of its kind in this more natural, less developed, and secluded part of the island. For example, I visited during spring break, and while the pool area got a bit busy, the expansive 1,300-acre resort never felt too crowded. The abundant space was one of the many reasons I fell in love with this getaway, which earned a spot on our annual Stay List in 2021 due to its remarkable renovation.

Every one of Turtle Bay’s 408 rooms and suites boasts ocean views, and the connection to the sea and land is central to the hotel experience. Guests can feel the staff's dedication to environmental sustainability: Meals are crafted from fresh greens, beets, and other produce sourced from the resort’s own Kuilima Farm, located just five minutes away; the 18-hole golf course is maintained using gray water treated by the resort’s own facility.

One of the most enlightening activities I participated in was a birding experience led by Captain Scott Sundby, who operates Shaka Kayaks and has been a resident of the North Shore for twenty years. During an electric golf cart tour of the grounds, half of which is permanently designated for conservation, Scott shared insights about the ‘alae ‘ula, or Hawaiian common gallinule, which, according to Hawaiian lore, received its fiery red forehead from the gods. He also explained how the kōlea, or the Pacific golden plover, guided Polynesians to the Hawaiian islands.

While walking along the resort’s sandy beach, we encountered Hawaiian monk seals, one of the most endangered species of seal in the world. This coastline is also part of the Hawaiian Island Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, which covers over 1,200 nautical square miles and serves as a breeding, calving, and nursing ground during the winter. We were fortunate to witness the endangered whales breaching off the coast during our tour.

Turtle Bay was also where I had my first surfing experience—an activity introduced to the Hawaiian islands by Polynesians and popularized by local legends like Duke Kahanamoku. Less than two years ago, the resort teamed up with North Shore native Jamie O’Brien, a world surfing champion. Currently, his exclusive surf school is located on-site. Just a short walk away, you can get equipped with a surfboard, an instructor approved by Jamie, and often have the chance to meet Jamie himself, who enjoys being present at his school to engage with aspiring surfers and fans.

During one of my surfing lessons, I hit the waves with Jamie and his girlfriend, Tina Cohen, a hapa haole of Japanese descent, just like me. Tina grew up on the North Shore and co-founded a stylish surf swimwear brand called Aokai with her sister, Sally Cohen, who is a competitive surfer. Their mission: to ensure that when you catch a wave, your swimsuit stays securely in place while keeping you looking chic.

The surf break at Turtle Bay is conveniently situated right in front of the resort, allowing my Aunty Elaine, a local from Honolulu traveling with me, to watch from our balcony. Jamie is an exceptional instructor: With every wave I rode, I picked up new skills—how to balance on my board, keep my feet flat, avoid standing up too quickly, and paddle faster when the wind pushed against me. Most importantly, learning to surf deepened my connection to the ocean. I’ll always remember sitting on my board, contemplating a swell I might ride—only to catch a glimpse of a humpback whale breaching nearby or spot a honu, a Pacific green turtle, peeking up near us surfers. Those tranquil moments provided me with solitude, allowing me to reflect on the awe-inspiring power—and stunning beauty—of the world’s largest ecosystem.