The Ritz-Carlton O'ahu, Turtle Bay

The Ritz-Carlton O'ahu, Turtle Bay — the longtime Turtle Bay Resort, rebranded under the Ritz-Carlton flag in July 2024 after a multi-year renovation. Sits on Kuilima Point, the North Shore's only full-service oceanfront resort, with Kawela Bay to the west and Kahuku Point to the east. A short drive from Sunset Beach and Banzai Pipeline in winter big-wave season.

The property has two championship golf courses (the Palmer Course and the Fazio Course), the Nalu spa, four restaurants including oceanfront dining, and a beach bar. Ocean programming is the real draw: surf lessons, kayaking, snorkeling off the reef, and horseback riding along the coastal trail. Family-friendly with a strong adult/couple's wing — it's the only resort anywhere on the North Shore, so if you want that side of the island without renting a car from Waikiki every day, this is the option.