Neighborhood: Kahuku
This longtime family-favorite hotel sprawls across nearly 1,300 acres of historic land with five miles of pristine coastline and 12 miles of trails on Oʻahu’s North Shore, about 45 miles away from Waikīkī. Under the Ritz-Carlton brand, the resort underwent a $250m renovation, including upgrades to bungalows, swimming pools, dining, and rooms. The newly added Club Lounge serves complimentary food and drinks all day on a spacious, open-air lānai with ocean views, making this a great option for families (especially ones with ravenously hungry teens).
The hotel has a pool with water slides and calm beaches for swimming and snorkeling. There are also bike rides along the beachside trails and horseback riding. Painting parties and lawn games such as giant Jenga or cornhole can be played. unique classes There are also classes that teach gyotaku, or fish printing, and wood carving. Beginners can learn to surf at a world-class break right at the hotel—even better, catch a wave with one of the resident surfing dogs—or explore Kuilima Cove on a guided nighttime snorkeling tour. The resort’s lūʻau is cowboy-themed with live music, hula, and paniolo games.
The rooms are spacious. Larger groups can choose a 740 square foot bungalow, which includes a grassy yard for children to play and a tranquility pool exclusively for them. Plus, there’s a lot to experience on the North Shore, from winter’s monster surf to quaint shops and eateries in the nearby beach town of Haleʻiwa.
