Honeymoon on Oahu
Nov 28th, 2008, 02:09 PM
#1
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Honeymoon on Oahu
Just booked the Turtle Bay Resort for a 7 day honeymoon Was born on Oahu but have never been back. This is not the island that was recommended but I wanted to see all the places I was told I had been to but do not remember. We are NOT interested in any of the tourist things just want beach and surf and as quiet as any resort can be. I am hoping that this resort may offer that. I was told to go to Kauai but really want to see Oahu and don't want to pack mid vacation. Any thoughts on Turtle Bay? It is supposed to be 5 star. Wish I could stay in the bungalows but buget says no. I am sure I would not want to be on Waikiki. If Turtle Bay is not the place any suggestions
Nov 28th, 2008, 04:07 PM
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Turtle Bay Resort is nice, but rather expensive. Most rate the resort as 4 star.
If you want to stay on North Shore & you are really on a budget, try Turtle Bay Condos. It is right next to Turtle Bay Resort (kind of sits between the two golf courses). You won't get the same service as Turtle Bay Resort, but the $$ difference will allow you to do other things.
www.turtlebaycondos.com
You can also look for private lodging on www.vrbo.com
Kahala Resort is almost as good as Turtle Bay Resort. Located nearer to Waikiki, only about 3 miles on the opposite side of Diamond Head.
On the Leeward side, there is JW Marriott Ihilani Hotel & Resort.
Lots of info including sites with free brochures for all islands:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34812564
If you want to stay on North Shore & you are really on a budget, try Turtle Bay Condos. It is right next to Turtle Bay Resort (kind of sits between the two golf courses). You won't get the same service as Turtle Bay Resort, but the $$ difference will allow you to do other things.
www.turtlebaycondos.com
You can also look for private lodging on www.vrbo.com
Kahala Resort is almost as good as Turtle Bay Resort. Located nearer to Waikiki, only about 3 miles on the opposite side of Diamond Head.
On the Leeward side, there is JW Marriott Ihilani Hotel & Resort.
Lots of info including sites with free brochures for all islands:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34812564
Nov 29th, 2008, 04:55 AM
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If budget is a real concern the condos or a place from vrbo or homeaway that Dusty mentioned may work better.
One other is the New Otani Hotel it is far enough down on Waikiki past the aquarium but close enough to walk to some of the restaurants in Waikiki.
We still enjoy the drive around Oahu and almost wish more people would choose to go to another island.
One other is the New Otani Hotel it is far enough down on Waikiki past the aquarium but close enough to walk to some of the restaurants in Waikiki.
We still enjoy the drive around Oahu and almost wish more people would choose to go to another island.
Nov 29th, 2008, 07:22 AM
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My family has been to Oahu and to Turtle Bay twice in the last two years. We absolutely love it there. It is not 5 star - I too would call it 4 star. It doesn't have the super-luxury of a 5 star. But, I find it wonderful and relaxing and hassle-free (none of that beach-chair reserving or dinner-reserving of fancier resorts). The staff is fantastic too. We go horseback riding, play tennis, take long walks, play golf, swim and relax.
I wonder though if 7 days there is too long considering you want to sight-see (non-touristy be see things from your childhood?). It is a drive to most things as Turtle Bay is kind of remote. Also, I find the dining options there limited for a 7 day trip. A short drive takes you to town though.
Both years, we stayed at Turtle Bay 1/2 time and the Surfrider on Waikiki 1/2 time. I love this combo because I love the kitch and the action on Waikiki and I love the Surfrider too. This won't work if you really don't want to move though.
On the bungalows - I find them remote and on the non-swimming beach part of the resort. Though I haven't stayed in these (and the butler service sounds divine), I don't think I would fork over the cash for them. I prefer being near the pool and the great swimming beach which is on the other side of the main resort. Next time, we want to try to snag a corner room in the main hotel - they are larger but book up fast. Look into these.
If you do stay at Turtle Bay, we think their low-key luau is really fun. And, I would stash some store-bought food in your empty room fridge to compile some romantic picnics. And, make sure to take the time to wander the resort - pick up a map as there are lots of trails along the beach where you will find lots of beach and surf and quiet.
enjoy!
I wonder though if 7 days there is too long considering you want to sight-see (non-touristy be see things from your childhood?). It is a drive to most things as Turtle Bay is kind of remote. Also, I find the dining options there limited for a 7 day trip. A short drive takes you to town though.
Both years, we stayed at Turtle Bay 1/2 time and the Surfrider on Waikiki 1/2 time. I love this combo because I love the kitch and the action on Waikiki and I love the Surfrider too. This won't work if you really don't want to move though.
On the bungalows - I find them remote and on the non-swimming beach part of the resort. Though I haven't stayed in these (and the butler service sounds divine), I don't think I would fork over the cash for them. I prefer being near the pool and the great swimming beach which is on the other side of the main resort. Next time, we want to try to snag a corner room in the main hotel - they are larger but book up fast. Look into these.
If you do stay at Turtle Bay, we think their low-key luau is really fun. And, I would stash some store-bought food in your empty room fridge to compile some romantic picnics. And, make sure to take the time to wander the resort - pick up a map as there are lots of trails along the beach where you will find lots of beach and surf and quiet.
enjoy!
Dec 1st, 2008, 09:12 AM
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Thank you so much for the great advice. I do have a few more questions. I realize Turtle Bay is remote( that is actually why we were interested) surfing, hiking and relaxing are our main goal. Even though it is remote aren't day trips to other parts of the island something we could plan? I was born in the pink hospital close to Honolulu so thought a day sight seeing in that area, maybe do Pearl Harbor at the same time. Perhaps a day to just circle the whole island? Is traffic such a problem now that that is not possible ( don't think it was 30 years ago when I was born!) We get in late our first night - should we stay close to airport in Waikiki first 2 nights and then go to north shore?
Dec 1st, 2008, 10:32 AM
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You can totally do day trips - no problem. The island isn't that big. If you really want the peace and quiet plus some trips around the island at your leisure then I think you have planned perfectly.
We have circled the island and driven through on the pretty highway through the middle (H2?). Just watch for rush hour times and you will be fine.
We have circled the island and driven through on the pretty highway through the middle (H2?). Just watch for rush hour times and you will be fine.
