The race to find a place to stay on the North Shore is an intense one, especially during winter when the swells are big and the pros are in town to surf. And while we recommend staying at an independent short term rental such as Ke Iki Beach Bungalows when available, it can be hard to string together more than three days in the same property. That’s what Turtle Bay Resort is for. It’s a tropical resort from head to toe.

Without a car it’s a bit far from all of the things that you came to the North Shore to see (Pipeline, Shark’s Cove, Waimea Bay, and Haleiwa Town) but the property offers everything else that you came for, with solid snorkeling, surfing, and plenty of uncrowded places to explore via biking, biking, horseback riding, or simply walking. That, and golf. Lot’s of golf. Better yet, Lei Lei’s Bar & Grill is located on the property, which is home to the best Mai Tai on this side of the island. Turtle Bay is also home to one of Roy Yamaguchi’s spots, the same man that brought you the best Hawaiian fine dining in Waikiki. The North Shore version of Roy’s (or, Roy’s Beach House) is much more fun, being located right on the sands of the resort’s beach. We’re also fans of Water Shed, a boutique shop with surf brands, seashell jewelry, ukuleles, and other items of no interest to the older well-to-do Baby Boomer crowd that roams the lobby.

Again, if you can’t find a private vacation rental for your time on the fabled North Shore then Turtle Bay Resort is your best (if not only) option.