OAHU
TURTLE BAY RESORT
The North Shore of Oahu is about an hour ’ s drive from Honolulu but it ’ s a completely different vibe from the beachside urban luxury of Waikiki . North Shore is more like historic Hawaii with a slower pace , roaming poultry , and dramatic weather . The marquis resort of the North Shore is Turtle Bay which has recently undergone a major transformation bringing huge upgrades to the historic property .
The reinvention was led by award-winning architect Rob Iopa , a Hilo native who has been very active in conservation and planning efforts on Oahu ’ s North Shore , and interior designer Dianna Wong . Guided by a deep respect and gratitude for the land , they transformed everything including the lobby , bars , and restaurants , and each of the 410 guestrooms and suites by incorporating natural elements and physically opening the resort up to nature .
The upgrades include a new class of rooms called the bungalows which are separate from the main three towers . Feel the ocean breeze in the new ultra-luxe bungalows which are steps from the beach and offer unparalleled views . The entire food and beverage program has been redeveloped with new concepts including a new lobby bar , Off The Lip , and new lobby cafe , Ho ’ olana . The resort ’ s destination dining experience , Alaia , is also brand new .
There are tons of activities for the whole family at Turtle Bay from the laid back , like lounging poolside with an ocean view to the very active like an invigorating ride on a surfboard and lessons from an expert . The array of curated experiences includes a Shaka Kukakuka Birdwatching Tour where guests explore the vast property on e-vehicles . So far the tours have spotted 31 different species including the highly endangered moli ( Laysan albatross ), grey seals , and turtles .
While there is no reason to ever leave the resort , those who want to venture beyond property lines should check out the local town of Hale ’ iwa . Just a short drive from the resort you ’ ll find laid-back locals offering high- to low-end cuisine , shopping for all tastes , and plenty of iconic ( and delicious ) Hawaiian shave ice . Check out Hale ’ iwa Joe ’ s for an upscale island meal such as steaks and classic or nouveau cocktails . For a more casual meal , grab a snack at Cholo ’ s Homestyle Mexican where you can commune with roaming roosters while enjoying fish tacos . Hit the Kōkua General Store — a bulk , refill , and low-waste lifestyle store . The space is designed to provide tools needed to reduce waste in our daily lives . Featuring products from small , local businesses , including artistic beach bags , organic skincare , local jams and honey , locally-designed dresses , and gifts for the whole family .
GETTING THERE
United Airlines offers seasonal nonstop flights from Dulles International Airport ( IAD ) to Honolulu ’ s Daniel K . Inouye International Airport ( HNL ). Once in Honolulu , Hawaiian and Southwest Airlines offer numerous daily flights to Maui , as well as to the rest of the beautiful Hawaiian Islands .
Turtle Bay Resort
MAUI
PACIFIC WHALE FOUNDATION
Head out into the deep blue sea with Pacific Whale Foundation for a unique , educational , and fun adventure on the water . Peak season for whale watching in Hawaii is winter when the calves are born in the warm waters before making the 6000-mile journey back to the north . Whether you want to watch wildlife in their natural habitat , snorkel Molokini , Lānai and Honolua Bay , enjoy a relaxing sunset dinner , cocktail or stargazing cruise , PacWhale Eco-Adventures offers many boating options .
Pacific Whale Foundation partners with Malama Hawaii Program on the Marine Debris Monitoring Program . Grab an upcycled grain bag from PacWhale Eco-Adventures ’ Ocean Store in Lahaina or Ma ’ alaea and fill the bag with any debris found while exploring Maui .
HALEAKALĀ NATIONAL PARK SUNRISE AND ZIP TOUR
Enjoy two of Maui ’ s most popular activities in one day ! Watch the magnificent sunrise at the summit of Haleakalā National Park , then zipline through eucalyptus trees and soar across massive canyons on the award-winning Skyline Haleakalā zipline adventure .
FLYWASHINGTON . COM 26 AUTUMN 2022