I'm going to Turtle Bay Resort with my family, kids are ages 2 and 5 this first week of June. Any suggestions or feedback?

We were there a year ago with our 3 year old son. It is a really wonderful place. My son never wanted to leave. Here are tips for traveling there with kids: Stop for basic groceries because there is a fridge in your room. In the morning, the kiosk in the lobby sells pastries and inexpensive fruit platters the kids will love. Also, the shop closest to the pools sells basics like quarts of milk. Very useful! There are laundry facilities on every floor. I was thrilled that the resort doesn't allow people to reserve pool chairs (I watched from my balcony at 6:30 am as the staff started turning people away .

We swam and wandered the resort and swam some more. We drove into town for some dinners and shaved ice. We took day trips to the Dole Plantation (nice for kids - my son loved the maze and pinapple whip) and to the Polynesian Village - we went too early in the day so not much was going on. We went early and didn't plan on staying for tthe dinner and luau because it would be too long for our son. Maybe later in the day would have been better. We also went to the Seaworld-like park (though a 20th of the size) to swim with the dolphins. That was fun.
The staff are very nice - ask questions and get to know where the best beaches are for kids around the resort.

We stayed for 4 days and then went to the Surfrider for 4 days. I absolutely loved Waikiki.

Oahu is now my favorite island by far. I've been to Kauai, Lanai and the Big Island too.

We are planning a possible Hawaii trip in Sept and considering Maui but we may return to Oahu instead.

Have a great trip!

Friend is visiting from NYC and I plan to stay there with her in late June.

Live here. That is the one place I insist on taking visitors. You will explore the North Shore more if you stay there.

First item I show people is PUU O MAHUKA HEIAU in Pupukea. large heau overlooking pacific. A lot of tourist that come to North Shore miss this.

Birthing Stones on the way into North Shore too.
http://kukaniloko.k12.hi.us/basic/cu.../cultural.html

Most of my friends would appreciate the cutlural and historical landmarks of Hawaii. ...gives you a sense of those that have gone before us, where you are.

Waimea falls park next.
Waimea bay beach if you have kids of course but I was not too crazy that my sister let her kids jump off that rock
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nantel/1417983262/

Most of the beaches on the North Shore are a no brainer. You don't really need to plan it out unless you want to take in certain hikes, with kids that age I suspect that is not on your agenda.

Renee thanks for that feed back on Waikiki. I have had hit or miss repsonses with it when I show visitors. Some don't want to leave some can't wait to leave. Think friend coming will have your take too. Crossing fingers, she is a city gal.

Just south of there is a beach where turtles come to the shore, and just beyond that is 3 Tables beach (actually 3 flat rocks)- great for snorkeling and swimming.

Keep heading south for a few miles and you'll see shrimp shacks on the left. DO NOT PASS THESE BY!!! My fav is the coconut shrimp. Best in the world at the shack right by the mini-mart.

Or, head towards the North shore and go to the Audobon gardens. A beautiful walk to a waterfall where you can swim. Then, back to the entrance for great Mahi burgers.

Take the H-1 past Makakilo (where the freeway stops and turns into a road). I can't remember the name of the hotel, but it has 3 manmade lagoons, great for kids. Plus, a tank with sharks.

If you go to Waikiki, don't miss the penguins in the Hilton! And the beach there is mellow as they come.

Anyone have any heads up on getting deals to Turtle Bay.

Lowest I could find by calling is 330.

Sorry, can't help you there. We always rent a house.

Sarah: When I was searching for a rental for our North Shore visit last month, I saw many rentals in the Turtle Bay complex on vrbo.com.

When we were there a few years ago (09/2006), we booked a condo on the property via VRBO.com. I think we paid $125 (inclusive of all fees) and felt it was money well spent. The 1 bedroom was equipped with a full kitchen, washer/dryer, 2 bathrooms, 1 king size bed and a sofa bed-more than enough space for us (family of 3).

The good thing was that we were super close (and in most cases) walking distance to everything on the property. We had pool priviledges, golf discounts, ate the TBR restaurant(s) and all in all had a wonderful time. Would certainly book this way again.

Princess1
On your comment about heading "south" from the birthing stones to the beach where turtles come in...Is that going left instead of bearing right going to the North shore?

Here is a good North Shore map. It has a good magnification feature. It shows most of the popular beaches including Sunset Beach, Ehukai Beach (Banzai Pipeline), Shark's Cove (Pupukea Beach), Waimea Bay, Laniakea Beach (aka Turtle Beach).

The Birthing Stones that Sarah mentioned are near Wahiawa.

http://kukaniloko.k12.hi.us/basic/di...irections.html

For the Heiau, take Pupukea Road (only stoplight in the area).

Laniakea Beach is about 1/2 way between Haleiwa & Waimea Bay. It is unmarked. Parking area is on opposite side of the road from the beach. Best time to see turtles basking in the sun is in the afternoon.

Most of the shriimp trucks are in or near Kahuku, just around the corner from the North Shore.

http://www.gonorthshore.org/pdf/Map_...hore_Final.pdf

Mahalo to Dusty...very helpful information. I'm having the map sent to me.