The area of several beaches in the very north of Oahu collectively known as Turtle Bay (sometimes called Kawela Bay) is a beautiful place with small coves and quiet beaches with fine white sand.

Beaches and entrance fees

You'll never encounter crowds of tourists in Turtle Bay, enjoying the semi-empty beaches away from the big cities.

The main attraction of Turtle Bay, however, is, as the name suggests, the giant Kareta turtles, which can be spotted in the waters and, less often, on land. But if you want to be sure of turtle sightings, head to nearby Laniakea Beach, where turtles are much more likely to venture onto land to feed.

The best beaches in Kawela Bay

There are several beaches in the Turtle Bay area.

All beaches, including those belonging to hotel resorts, are free to access.

Turtle Beach - a private and well-maintained beach at the hotel resorts, open to all for free, but may be closed to the public when fully occupied, is the nicest, but also the smallest and most crowded.
Kaihalulu Beach - beach next to Turtle Beach, longer shoreline outside the bay with bigger waves and very little traffic.
Ō'owopāla Beach - a beautiful little-visited beach in the north of Kawela Bay Park popular with fishermen because the shoreline is a combination of rocks and sand.
Kawela Bay Beach - the longest beach in the area and popular with locals. The sandy shoreline is beautifully shaded by trees that are right next to the water.

How to get there

Turtle Bay Beach is located on the northernmost tip of Oahu about 67 miles from Honolulu on a good highway. In addition to a car, most of the beaches are easily reached by bus line 60 (about twice an hour from Honolulu and surrounding towns) or 88A (express from Honolulu).

Hotels in Turtle Bay

If you want to enjoy a very quiet beach vacation, head to Turtle Bay for at least a few days. However, you'll pay a premium for comfort and tranquility. Prices at the hotel resorts here start at 550 eur per night for 2, and for smaller private suites at around 238 eur.

The most famous hotel in all of North Oahu - Turtle Bay Resort - is right on the beach and is one of the most popular resorts in the entire Hawaiian Islands.

At the northernmost point of the entire island of Oahu, just off Turtle Beach, you'll also find one of the most luxurious hotels on the entire island - The Ritz-Carlton O'ahu *****.