If you can afford it, the new and improved Turtle Bay Resort is worth it. However, not everyone can or wants to spend over $700 a night for a standard room, no matter how beautiful it is. That said, you’ve heard great things and have seen all of the movies that were filmed on the property. As a result, you want to check it out but are wondering if you’re allowed to when you’re not a registered guest. Can you visit Turtle Bay Resort for the day? Yes, you can. Better yet, you don’t have to sneak around nor have a keycard to enjoy most of its on-site and adjacent attractions. Below is a breakdown of how to spend your budget-friendly day on the property.
How to Enjoy a Full Day at Turtle Bay Resort Even When You’re Not Staying There
Curl Up With a Good Book in the Lobby
The welcoming vibe is immediate from the moment you walk into the expansive lobby. Begin your day with a speciality espresso and pastry at Ho’olana Cafe which is located behind the inner reception area. You can enjoy free-for-all WiFi and scroll through your mobile device, but wouldn’t a good book be a nice change of pace? There is plenty of seating by the cafe, but you can kick back by the infinity fountain lounge (picture above). That said, our favorite spot is found near the entrance of the resort. There you will found a cozy nook with a fully stocked library of surf and island literature that you’re welcome to enjoy. Hotel staff encourages visitors to enjoy the space so feel free to take advantage.
Learn About Hawaiian Culture on a Self-Guided Tour
The walls and halls of the property are adorned with a number of installations that honor Hawaiian culture. We encourage you to spend an hour of your day visiting Turtle Bay Resort to explore it all. Most notable is the Ahupua installation. The exhibit recognizes the ancient Hawaiian land management system that regulated and sustained resources for the Hawaiian people for centuries.
Take a Surf Lesson with Jamie O’Brien
While this is a budget-friendly guide for how to visit Turtle Bay resort for the day, why not invest in something that will make future visits to Oahu even better? Turtle Bay has an on-site surf school that is operated by none other that pro-surfer and YouTube personality Jamie O’Brien. While JOB is rarely there to give lessons himself, his enthusiasm and stoke is embedded in all of the instructors. You may even recognize some of them from his vlog. View more on the Jamie O-Brien Surf Experience.
Snorkel in the Protected Cove
The property is home to Kuilima Cove, which is one of the top places to snorkel on the North Shore. The cove is protected by reef, which keeps out current, waves, and larger forms of sea life. You’ll still enjoy sea turtle sightings and a colorful array of tropical fish, although it does get a little crowded with two-legged air-breathers. Ultimately, Kuilima Cove is an easy place to snorkel which makes it a big draw for people who don’t want to put forth too much effort. It fronts a sandy beach that has showers, restrooms, and Roy’s Beach House – a great place to eat once you’ve had your fill of saltwater.
Visit a Nearby Secluded Beach
Snorkeling at Kuilima Cove is fun for some, but you may prefer your beaches to be more private. You’ll be pleased to know that the resort is located next to one of the best secluded beaches on the North Shore. It’s odd that so few guests of the hotel explore this beach, but their loss is your gain. If you need a quick break from the crowds when spending the day at Turtle Bay, sunbathe at this beach for an hour, then hop right back into the action.
Wind Down and Mingle at the Ocean Club
Aside from Ho’olana Cafe, there are seven other places to dine at Turtle Bay Resort. If you want to enjoy an affordable light meal over cocktails and craft beer with an impeccable view then plop down at Ocean Club. The lobby bar is where guests (registered and otherwise) congregate to eat, drink, relax, and mingle. After a few pulls of Kona Brewing Company tap handles you’ll be making friends with fellow travelers and locals alike.
Do you have further questions about what it’s like to visit Turtle Bay Resort for the day when you’re not a guest? Leave a comment below and we’ll reply.
Lynn says:
Can the pools be used by day guests? If so, is there an entry fee?
Elisa Gall says:
How much is day pass. Does it include pools retired military rates available?
Marcus Maraih says:
Aloha Elisa, and please excuse the delayed reply as this slipped right by us. There is no day pass required to enjoy the activities detailed above. But visitors (who are not guests) cannot use the pool, nor are there day passes available for the pool. Otherwise everything else is pretty much open!
Marcella says:
Can we get a couples massage if we are not a guest of the hotel? ( We are staying in a condo at Turtle Bay Villas).
Marcus Maraih says:
Aloha Marcella – yes you can. Just book directly through the spa.
Carla Anderson says:
If you are just a day guest can you use the sauna and fitness area if you are not a registered guest and how much for the day if so?
Marcus Maraih says:
Aloha Carla! No, only registered guests can use those.
Chay says:
Thank you for a very informative article. We’re planning to book a private shuttle to drop us at the Resort for a full day activity on our own and have the same shuttle pick us up in the evening (to and from Waikiki). Our plan is to enjoy a brunch meal, go for a hike, hit abeach or two, and end with a dinner at the Resort on March 2022. Are the shower facilities you mention in Kuilima Cove open to public and free to use? Will read all your other articles about Ouha.
Chay says:
Thank you for a very informative article. We’re planning to book a private shuttle to drop us at the Resort for a full day activity on our own and have the same shuttle pick us up in the evening (to and from Waikiki). Our plan is to enjoy a brunch meal, go for a hike, hit a beach or two, and end with a dinner at the Resort on March 2022. Are the shower facilities you mention in Kuilima Cove open to public and free to use? Will read all your other articles about Oahu.
Marcus Maraih says:
Aloha Chay! The outdoor showers can be used on-site by all. Be sure to use Honolulu Airport Transfer for your drop-off and pickup (they also do island trips).
Angie Andersen says:
Do you rent snorkel equipment for non guest visitors?
Marcus Maraih says:
Aloha Angie! Snorkel equipment can be purchased from the on-site shops. There are rentals at the beach but they may request to see Guest access. It’s best to rent over at Shark’s Cove in Pupukea or buy a cheap set at Foodland.
Father Figure ✨ says:
What is not open to the public or people staying at the estates
Marcus Maraih says:
Aloha! It’s always open to the public.