Take a 55 minute drive north from Honolulu International Airport and you will arrive at Turtle Bay on the spectacular, unspoiled North Shore of Oahu.
Located near many great attractions including the legendary surf breaks of Pipeline, Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay, there are attractions that you won't want to miss while visiting.
These include:- Turtle Bay is located between Protection Point and Kuilima Point on the North Shore of Oahu. It is one of the last undeveloped areas on the island and includes rock formations, beautiful coastal beaches, rare green sea turtles and endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal habitats. There are also frequent whale sightings in the winter and ancestral Hawaiian burial grounds.
- Links at Kuilima is located in a beautiful, secluded natural setting not far from Turtle Bay Resort. Envisioned by champion Arnold Palmer, it is a favorite of many golfers.
- Kalewa Bay is located not too far Turtle Bay and is a locals secret that is only about an hour's walk from the Resort with lots of opportunities for pictures and dawdling along the way.
- Sunset Beach Park is known for its crashing waves and fearless surfers but it's not probably a beach you want to swim with your family. However, there are terrific photographic opportunities for catching both the nature's spectacular and the amazing surfers.
- The Bonzai Pipeline located at Ehukai Beach Park is something to behold. Don't try to surf it unless you have pro skills, but the sheer power of nature here is breathtaking. Several international surf competitions are held here and the photo opportunities are terrific.
- The Hawaiian Ethnic Art Exhibition is located in the scenic town of Hale'iwa and is home to artwork showcasing native Polynesian artistic techniques. Admission is free and it a unique place to explore island culture.
- The Polynesian Cultural Center consists of 42 acres and contains seven sacred villages, each representing a Polynesian island chain. Fiji, Hawai'i, Marquesas, New Zealand, Samoa, Tahiti and Tonga are all represented, showcasing their unique culture. This is a terrific outing for families.
- The Dole Plantation is another great place to take your family. Don't miss the Pineapple Express Train Tour and the world's largest maze. While you're there, don't forget to try the pineapple whip.
- Waimea Bay Beach Park is known for its great surf during the winter months and a jumping off rock where you can jump up to 20 feet.
- Kualoa Ranch is another great place to take your family. It is a scenic and undeveloped glimpse into what Hawaii looked like before westerners arrived. It has horseback riding, jet skiing and there is a man made fish pond that is the largest in Hawaii.
- Ka'ena Point State Park is remote and can only be reached by hiking in. But once there is a beautiful, serene work of nature. Just off the coast, there is the Rock of Kauai which, according to legend, the god Maui tried to unite Oahu and Kauai by throwing his magic hook. But he was only able to snag the large rock. According to Hawaiian folklore, Ka'ena Point is the place where souls depart from the earth. If you visit, you can sometimes feel the mysticism connected with the Point.
- Hale'iwa Farmers' Market is a great place to go if you want to see and buy the work of local artisans and farmers. It's only open on Sundays, so make sure you plan ahead.
- Laniakea Beach (Turtle Beach) is a great spot to see the very rare green sea turtles. They are protected and respected as the Great Amakua (Spirit God).
- Wahiawa Botanical Garden is a beautiful, secluded garden that hardly looks managed. You will enjoy this garden.
- Kaneaki Heiau is one of the ancient Hawaiians most sacred sites and has been beautifully restored. It was built in the 17th Century and is open to the public.
The best place to stay while you're visiting the North Shore is the Turtle Bay Resort.