The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay

The North Shore location is a strong point, with easy access to snorkeling, beaches, and other activities. There aren't many other places to stay in the area, though dining choices nearby are very limited. At check-in, staff thought we were booked into the bungalows because we'd upgraded our room three times. Service was good until they realized we were in the main building, then it went downhill and the upselling kept coming. Even after moving three levels above the standard room, ours was small and the decor felt really tacky. There’s only one restaurant on site that's part of the hotel. Its food was mediocre and constantly oversalted, and it shuts at 9 PM. The bar serves food too, but it’s basic bar fare. Two other restaurants are on the property, though they aren't technically hotel restaurants and weren't anything special either. All in all, a disappointing stay.

The views were fantastic, especially at sunset. The bar, restaurant, and pool all look out over it, and Turtle Bay beach is just across the way. The pool itself felt too small for me, though the view from it was great. Staff were friendly, and our room was clean and well put together. I believe every room has a view of the water, either sunrise or sunset. The hallway on the way to our room was way too cold, though. 🥶🥶 The resort fee includes daily activities such as a ukulele lesson and lei making, with more activities available for a fee. They also gave both me and my partner a welcome lei. I liked the waterproof bracelet keycard too, a nice little detail. 👏👏 I wish they had a breakfast buffet like at the other Ritz we visited. Hawaiian food and fruit would have been amazing.

This was my third stay, and the property seems a little more refined since Ritz Carlton took over. They know how to staff the place, too. Charley in housekeeping is a real asset, and Sashi, Patrick, and Katie at the pool deserve a special shoutout. The place is amazing, and I can't wait to come back.

We stayed in February 2026, and the two bays on the North Shore are beautiful. The location is epic. Bonvoy used NUA's to upgrade me to a King Suite, and they also gave me a 4 PM checkout, which was great. Roy Yamaguchi is fantastic. We ate at the food trucks and Teds, both good, and kept returning to Roys because the main hotel restaurant was only average. The property itself feels tired, though. There were buckets in the main store catching rainwater because the hotel leaks. I found the concierge lounge pathetic. I've been to several M Club and other free concierge lounges over the past few years, and their fruit was better. How can they not have edible pineapple on Oahu? The watermelon wasn't any better. Some offerings tasted stale, and the orange juice tasted like a mix of pond water and Fairfield or Springhill OJ. The lounge area does have a nice scenic location. At $350 a day for a couple, I wouldn't recommend it unless you drink heavily. Maybe do a couple of days, but not the whole trip. I don't think this feels like a five-star, four-diamond hotel, or whatever they call it. Next time in Hi, I think I'll try Mauna Kea on the Big Island. At least status gets you a free buffet there, the fruit is GOOD, and they just finished a big remodel that included the pool. I'd stay here again if the points worked out, but I'd rather save my $1,750 for a Vegas trip. At Cosmo, I can get the feeling I was just robbed.