Review: The Ritz-Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay

Published Mar 15 2025, 1:50 PM, Updated Mar 15 2025, 2:05 PMThe Ritz-Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay is the latest Ritz-Carlton hotel to launch on the Hawaiian Islands. There are now three Ritz-Carltons in Hawaii, and this one is brilliant for families and couples who are looking for a remote luxury resort on the easily accessible Oahu.

Location

The Ritz-Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay is located on the stunning North Shore of Oahu, accessible via the scenic H-2 and Kamehameha Highway.

Its remote location means it’s less convenient than many of the resorts on Oahu, being over an hour’s drive from Honolulu Airport (HNL) and about 90 minutes from Waikiki, and there are no nearby restaurants or bars to grab a cheap eat, you are in effect, restricted to spending and eating within the resort confines. Then again, who wouldn’t want to. The setting here is perfect, and while you are admittedly paying resort prices for your food and beverage, the atmosphere and setting make the enhanced resort price well worth the expense.

Ritz-Carlton Oahu Turtle Bay does offer proximity to charming towns like Haleiwa and Laie, where visitors can explore local shops and restaurants, but these towns are some drive from the resort. Haleiwa is around 35-40 minutes by car via Kamehameha Highway (Route 83) from the resort. Laie is closer and is about 10-15 minutes by car via the same Kamehameha Highway.

What the resort lacks in convenience, it makes up for in breathtaking natural beauty. The North Shore’s rugged mountains and lush greenery create a striking contrast, while its postcard-worthy beaches, though stunning, are known for their powerful waves. This makes them less ideal for young children or those seeking a leisurely swim. Instead, visitors can expect an exhilarating experience as the waves provide a more dynamic and energetic encounter with the ocean. This shoreline is a dream for surfers.

Style & Character

The newly revamped Ritz-Carlton Oahu Turtle Bay is a stunning resort-style escape, with its expansive grounds gently descending toward the coastline. Originally constructed in the 1970s, the property was designed as a striking three pronged concrete structure perched above Kuilima Cove

Standing six stories tall, its bold, geometric exterior commands attention on a scenic peninsula nestled between two bays. Stepping inside reveals a completely different atmosphere, where sleek, contemporary interiors open to panoramic ocean views through vast floor-to-ceiling windows, seamlessly integrating luxury with nature.

The resort features a pristine white-sand beach, cascading waterfall pools, and tranquil infinity pools, all framed by lush tropical landscaping and swaying palms. Every element exudes exclusivity, from the tiered alfresco dining spaces to the thoughtfully designed pools that appear to flow effortlessly into the bay.

Service & Facilities

The beach and pools at the Ritz-Carlton Oahu Turtle Bay are breathtaking. Set on a peninsula, the resort’s main beach stretches along one side, while the pools cascade down tiered levels directly in front of the hotel.

Each pool is beautifully designed, featuring freeform layouts, lush tropical landscaping, faux rock formations, and an exquisite infinity pool perched at the top with a decked terrace. The setting feels naturally integrated with its surroundings.

Four Seasons Oahu Vs. Ritz-Carlton Oahu Turtle Bay: Which Is Best?

Tips

Which hotel is best: Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina Vs. Ritz-Carlton Oahu Turtle Bay? Four Seasons Oahu is one of the best Four Seasons in Hawaii. There are also three Ritz-Carlton hotels in Hawaii, which include Turtle Bay, The Ritz-Carlton, Waikiki Beach, and The Ritz-Carlton Maui. If we summarise these two resorts in a quick paragraph, Four Seasons Ko Olina is better if you want a polished luxury resort with calm lagoon beaches that are ideal for younger children and swimmers. It's more convenient for the airport and Waikiki attractions.

For families, a dedicated pool with two waterslides adds a fun, playful element, making up for the more energetic waves along the shoreline. The beach itself feels more untouched and organic compared to the manicured sands of similar hotels on the island like the Four Seasons Ko Olina. The ocean on this side of Oahu tends to be wavier, which may not be ideal for families seeking calm waters for young children.

If you are looking for the best Ritz-Carlton properties in Hawaii, this is our top choice for beaches and pools, particularly for families. Its stunning aquatic features, kid-friendly slides, and easy beach access make it a great choice.

The Ritz-Carlton Oahu Turtle Bay is also a premier destination for golf enthusiasts, featuring two championship courses. The Arnold Palmer Course offers a dynamic layout with a Scottish Links-style front nine and a tropical back nine, incorporating water hazards on 14 holes, including the iconic 17th hole set against the scenic Punahoʻolapa Marsh.

The George Fazio Course provides another excellent challenge, designed to test golfers of all skill levels. For a more relaxed experience, the resort also offers The Breaks, an 18-hole, 90,000 ft² seaside putting course suitable for all ages, and Pitch n’ Putt, a three-hole, par-3 course perfect for practice.

Which Ritz-Carlton In Hawaii Is Best? Turtle Bay Vs. Maui Vs. Waikiki

Tips

Which Ritz-Carlton In Hawaii Is Best? The Ritz-Carlton Oahu Turtle Bay Vs. The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua Vs. The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach? We outline our thoughts below. The locations and the beaches are probably the biggest differentiators between Ritz-Carlton Oahu Turtle Bay, Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, and Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach. The Ritz-Carlton Oahu Turtle Bay is located on the stunning North Shore of Oahu, accessible via the scenic H-2 and Kamehameha Highway.

Rooms

The rooms at The Ritz-Carlton Oahu Turtle Bay are stylish and well-appointed, featuring wooden floors, plush beds, a cozy window-side sofa, and spacious balconies with ample seating. A distinctive wave-patterned accent behind the bed adds a bold design element—one that guests tend to either appreciate or find slightly polarizing. The furnishings and bathrooms are sleek and contemporary, closely matching the aesthetic of the Four Seasons, though the latter offers more generous room sizes.

At 478 ft², the entry-level rooms here are notably smaller than those at the Four Seasons Oahu, where the standard rooms start at 640 ft². The Four Seasons may be the better choice for families with young children, as its location offers calm, sheltered beaches, making it particularly well-suited for little ones. We have compared Four Seasons Oahu Vs. Ritz-Carlton Oahu Turtle Bay separately.

A key advantage of The Ritz-Carlton Turtle Bay is that every room offers full or partial ocean views, whereas most other luxury hotels on the Hawaiian islands have a base room with garden views. We also love the modern driftwood oceanic decor in the Turtle Bay rooms.

What truly distinguishes the Ritz-Carlton Turtle Bay resort are its Ocean Bungalows. These ultra-modern retreats feel like an entirely different experience from the standard rooms, with sleek white interiors, a luxurious four-poster bed, and an elegant living space that seamlessly extends to a private oceanfront patio. Nestled along the shoreline, they offer an unparalleled sense of exclusivity and tranquility.

In our opinion, these Ocean Bungalows are not only the finest accommodations at any Ritz-Carlton in Hawaii but possibly the best of any hotel in the state.

The Club Floor

One of the standout features of The Ritz-Carlton Oahu Turtle Bay is its exclusive club lounge, available to guests who book a club room or club suite. Unlike Four Seasons Oahu, which lacks a club lounge, this one is considered one of the best club lounges in Hawaii.

What makes this lounge particularly special is its stunning outdoor terrace, which provides a front-row seat to watch the waves roll in. The interiors are warm and inviting, with pinewood accents, floor-to-ceiling windows, and high ceilings that create an open, airy feel. Plush oatmeal and cream-colored seating is scattered throughout, while the terrace offers exceptionally comfortable seating, perfect for sipping a drink in the sunshine or enjoying a sunset cocktail.

Guests with club access are treated to five complimentary food and beverage presentations daily, including Breakfast with Hawaiian coffee and fresh fruit, lunch with light bites, afternoon tea with sandwiches and salads, evening hors d’oeuvres and handcrafted cocktails, and flavorful bites at night.

Best Hotel Executive Club Lounge In Hawaii

Tips

Which hotels in Hawaii offer the best executive club level lounges? We review lounges across Oahu, including Waikiki, Maui, Kaanapali, Kapalua, Wailea, Kauai, Poipu, and Hanalei, and the Big Island's picturesque Kona-Kohala coast. I have compiled a list below containing the best club lounges available across the best luxury hotels in Hawaii. I list the ones I consider to be the best at the top. I review each of these hotel club lounges in detail so you know what you will get if you book a room with club lounge access.

Food & Drink

The Ritz-Carlton Oahu Turtle Bay offers a selection of stunning restaurants, each with breathtaking views. One of the most spectacular is Off The Lip, an elevated lounge overlooking the infinity pool and extending toward the horizon—a perfect spot to take in the scenery with a cocktail in hand.

For an unforgettable evening, the Sunset Pool Bar is a must-visit. This completely open-air venue provides front-row seats to the sun dipping below the ocean, followed by a starlit sky, creating a truly magical ambiance.

Throughout the resort, several alfresco bars and dining spots ensure you’re never far from a refreshing drink or a gourmet meal. However, keep in mind that Turtle Bay is quite secluded, meaning there are few off-property dining options nearby, making the on-site restaurants a key part of the experience.

Conclusion

The Ritz-Carlton Oahu Turtle Bay has amazing beach bungalows, all the rooms have some sort of ocean view, it has a wonderful beach, and the freeform pools have slides for the kids. This is Luxury Travel Diary’s favourite Ritz-Carlton in Hawaii, particularly for families.

If you are traveling with a young family, the Four Seasons Oahu also has one of the calmest beaches on Hawaii and also comes highly recommended. Four Seasons Oahu is one of the best Four Seasons in Hawaii.

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