The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay- Review- Is it worth it?

The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay is one of the most impressive resorts on Oahu’s North Shore, but is it worth the cost? Set right on a popular snorkeling beach with a modern aesthetic, I thought this would be a perfect fit for my family that loves to balance adventure with relaxation and luxury.

Upon entering the property, you are greeted by the valet staff (parking $40 daily) and walk through to an open airy lobby area. The Ritz-Carlton Oahu lobby features the check in area, a large bar with multiple seating areas where there is music in the evenings, a pool table, and ocean views over an infinity style pond.

Checking in at the Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay

The check-in process was lengthy despite being the first in queue. Marriott recently acquired the property, previously known as the Turtle Bay Resort. So there seemed to be some confusion with the check in staff on how to properly check in and allocate a room.

We were not given a welcome drink and the handing out of the leis seemed more like an afterthought. Seating was far from the check in area, so the rest of our party was waiting at a bit of a distance from the desk, resulting in some running back and forth for identification and documents.

Ocean view Lanai, 2 Queen Guest Room

A room was ready for us, and we were given an upgraded view. The view was not ideal with a building roof directly out of our balcony, but we appreciated them trying to accommodate our request to not be too far from the elevators.

The room was bit cramped, especially for four people. There was no where else to sit other than at the table inside the room. The balcony did have a comfortable lounge set, so we tended to hang out there.

The bathroom sink area was combined with the closet (no closet doors) which was large with a bench to put luggage. The shower and toilet was together in a room that could be closed off with a door to the right of the sink. This offered some separation of spaces for a family, but we prefer when the toilet is in its own area separate from the shower for more flexible use.

In-room amenities

There were no robes or slippers provided in the room. When we called the front desk, they were supposed to be sent up, but several hours later and there were still no robes. When we physically went to the front desk to request them, then someone was actually sent to the room to leave some.

In the room was two bottles of water and a banana bread loaf. I would imagine this was either due to our Marriott Gold status or by booking through Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR). Outlined in the letter are the other benefits we received by booking through FHR, including breakfast for two and a $150 resort credit. The Ritz Carlton Oahu is also bookable with Marriott points, along with some other great properties in Hawaii.

Snorkeling at Kuilima Cove

Once we settled into our room we went right to Kuilima Cove for snorkeling. On the beach, an attendant can set you up with a chair with an umbrella, part of the $52 resort fee. The area within the rope is where you can get food and drink service. Drinks are not permitted beyond the roped area.

This restaurant is excluded from the resort credit use. Since all beaches are public in Hawaii, there are other people who are not hotel guests at the beach and restaurant.

There is snorkel equipment available for rental. I highly suggest bringing your own snorkel set or buying one once you get to Hawaii, rates are very high to rent a poor quality mask and snorkel.

Kuilima Cove is touted as one of the better snorkel spots in Oahu, but I was disappointed. There wasn’t any live coral and there weren’t many fish. Below is a video I took while snorkeling a little further out in Kuilima Cove where I was able to see some larger fish. There tends to be turtles in this cove, but I didn’t get to see any.

Pool & Bar at the Ritz Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay

After working up an appetite swimming in the cove, we headed over to the pool area for lunch. Everything we had was well prepared and came out quickly. The staff was very attentive, noticing when we accidentally spilled one of our drinks and replaced it right away.

There’s a small slide as well as a hot tub tucked away towards the ocean. Numerous seating options included areas around the pool, bar, and facing the ocean. There was plenty of room for everyone to spread out and we always felt cared for by the staff.

At night you could choose to listen the live music in the lobby, play pool, or hang out at one of the fire pits in the lobby or down by the pool.

Breakfast

The breakfast buffet is covered for two persons when booking through Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts, and had plenty of sweet and savory options. I opted for an a-la-carte option, shakshuka, which you see pictured below. The views were beautiful during our meal, but our service wasn’t great. Other tables did seem to have better service, so your experience may vary.

Should you stay at the Ritz Carlton Oahu?

Overall, if you are looking for a resort on the north shore of Oahu, then the Ritz Carlton Oahu Turtle Bay is perfect. The modern design, unique location, and amenities are unmatched in the area. If you are a family though, you may prefer to stay in one one of the bungalows or vacation rentals in the area. If you are building your itinerary around a luxury stay on any Hawaiian island, I think there are better properties, like the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, that offer additional activities and a more luxurious feeling. For tips on how to get to Hawaii on points and for more information on other Hawaiian resorts, review my article on Hawaii on points.