What it is

A blissful retreat on 1,300 acres of the North Shore, with four pristine pools (including an adults-only option), seven restaurants, two golf courses (one was designed by Arnold Palmer), and unexpected experiences such as horseback riding and dog surfing (!) with an actual pro.

What it isn't

Lacking a spa. Their Nalu Spa is centered around wellness and locally-inspired treatments, whether you feel like a Celestial Black Diamond Non-Surgical Face Lift or a Coconut Pohaku Massage.

What we think

When you envision your dream Hawaiian vacation, you’re likely picturing this: a lush, tropical place fronting the sea, where activities galore await to check off your Oahu bucket list. Want to take a sunset horseback ride on the beach? Check. Feel like riding a helicopter to a grassy clifftop knoll for a picnic by a rushing waterfall? It’s one of their exclusive experiences. Guest rooms capture the local aesthetic perfectly, with their blonde wood furniture, nautical touches (yes, that’s wallpaper of a breaking wave), and even private lanai’s that make the ideal perch for cocktail hour. Starter rooms are enormous at 478 square feet, and tricked out with perks like loaner Beats Pill speakers, Smart Tv’s, and Lavazza coffee makers. Book an Ocean Club-level room for free-range access over a private guest lounge where you’ll be thoroughly pampered (for example, you can expect hor d’oeuvres whipped up with produce from their on-site farm).

You're here because

They’re rolled out a jaw-dropping list of activities for kids, including guided tours to see the green sea turtles of Kawela Bay and even a mermaid academy (for keiki 4-12).

The Moment

Life just tastes better here, a fact that is abundantly clear at Alaia, one of the hotel’s locavore restaurants. On your table today: Hawaiian bouillabaisse with Kona lobster and an Alaia-Tai cocktail with pineapple rum, curacao, housemaid orgeat, pineapple juice and lime that’s a vacation in a glass.

Restaurants & Bars

Alaia - Farm to table dishes with a modern take on Hawaiian comfort food.

Sunset - A cocktail bar that lets you see the pool, the surfers, the people, and the sunset.

Off the Lip - Relax in the stunningly reimagined lobby lounge with live local music, cocktails, and breathtaking sunset views.

Ocean Club Lounge - Enjoy chef-curated menus of our full breakfast spread, lunch, and evening hors d’oeuvres featuring local ingredients.

Ho'olana - The perfect cup of coffee, a thirst-quenching drink, local fruit fresh from Kuilima Farm.

Paniolo - Dinner shows celebrate Hawaii’s rich ranching and cowboy heritage.

Roy's Beach House - Delight in the freshest local ingredients with dishes that reflect the fond memories of potluck gatherings.

Lei Lei's Bar & Grill - Mouthwatering dishes, a laid-back atmosphere, and excellent service bring regulars from the surf here.

Location

A verdant and leafy private paradise peninsula jutting out from Turtle Beach, about an hour’s drive from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.