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The North Shore of Oahu is famous for its breathtaking beaches, world-class surfing and laid-back island vibe. In contrast to the hustle of Honolulu, North Shore makes for a quintessential beach vacation, providing a little more relaxation compared to what you’d expect from the Waikiki hotels that line the bustling Kalakaua Avenue.
Although there aren’t a ton of North Shore hotel options, there’s plenty of variety. From beachfront resorts to hostels and campsites, here’s your guide to hotels on Oahu’s North Shore.
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For a luxury stay: The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay
Turtle Bay. (Photo by Sally French)
For those seeking a high-end experience, The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay is the ultimate North Shore retreat. Nestled on a peninsula with an iconic beach, the 1,300-acre property has been a fixture for more than 50 years. In 2024, the resort joined the Ritz-Carlton family, solidifying the resort’s luxury status. The change was good news for Marriott Bonvoy members, who can now earn and redeem Bonvoy points at the luxury hotel.
The pool at The Ritz-Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay. (Photo by Sally French)
Room rates are not cheap though — and that’s whether you book on cash or points. Generally, anything priced at 108,000 points or lower is the lowest points prices you’ll find. And using NerdWallet’s valuation of Marriott points, you’ll save yourself about $200 by paying in points vs. cash. Then again, not everyone will have 100,000 points (or more) to spend on a night at Turtle Bay.
Need to earn Bonvoy points? Besides frequent stays, one of the best ways to quickly amass Bonvoys is through intro offers on Marriott branded credit cards:
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
Rates & Fees
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
Rates & Fees
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card
on American Express’ website
Rates & Fees
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
on American Express’ website
Rates & Fees
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
on American Express’ website
Rates & Fees
Rewards
• 3 Marriott Bonvoy® points per $1 at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
• 2 points per $1 on grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming and internet, cable and phone services.
• 1 point per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
• 6 Marriott Bonvoy® points per $1 at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
• 3 points per $1 on up to $6,000 a year in combined purchases on grocery stores, gas stations and dining.
• 2 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
• 6 Marriott Bonvoy® points per $1 at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
• 4 points per $1 on up to $15,000 a year in combined purchases at U.S. supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S).
• 2 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
• 6 Marriott Bonvoy® points per $1 at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
• 3 points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines.
• 2 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
• 6 points per $1 at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
• 4 points per $1 on worldwide dining, U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
• 2 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
Welcome offer
Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after spending $1,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card!
Earn 3 Free Nights (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within 3 months of account opening. Certain hotels have resort fees. Plus, earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within 6 months of account opening with your Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card.
Earn 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
Earn 3 Free Night Awards after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Each Free Night Award has a redemption level up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points, for a total potential value of up to 150,000 points, at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees. Terms apply.
The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay’s exceptional amenities include:
Two golf courses (including one designed by Arnold Palmer).
An on-property farm called Kuilima Farm.
Five miles of coastline, including seven beaches.
An 11,000-square-foot spa and fitness center.
12 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails.
Tennis and pickleball courts.
The dining here is top-notch. Some restaurants even serve fresh produce grown on Kuilima Farm. You might book your own private meal served on the sand, go for a drink at the poolside bar or get a coffee at the casual lobby cafe.
Fish from Beach House by Roy Yamaguchi. (Photo by Sally French)
One highlight is Beach House by Roy Yamaguchi, which serves up dishes from the famous Hawaiian chef right on the beach. Food is elevated but attire is casual. The menu is expansive, too, with sushi, poke, cooked fish, steaks and lamb on the main menu. And leave room for dessert. Both the chocolate cake and the pineapple butter rum cake are delicious.
For midrange comfort and families: Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore
The entrance to the Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore. (Photo by Sally French)
Of Marriott’s two North Shore hotels, the Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore is the cheaper and more family-friendly of the two. It can still be on the higher end of average Courtyard prices (rates at this property run about $300 to $600 per night), but that’s still much cheaper than The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay. Plus, it’s one of the few Oahu hotels with no resort fees.
A room inside the Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore. (Photo by Sally French)
Another benefit? Rooms can accommodate up to six people at no additional charge, and they’re available in a variety of configurations. You can get two queen beds plus a sofa bed. Or, you can go for one king bed plus two sets of bunk beds.
The Aliʻi Luʻau at the Polynesian Cultural Center. (Photo by Sally French)
Besides the big rooms, the hotel is conveniently located next to the Polynesian Cultural Center, which is famous for its Islands of Polynesia tour and HA: Breath of Life evening show. A Polynesian Cultural Center ticket can cost about $200 per adult for the package that includes the luau buffet and evening show.
If you do want Polynesian Cultural Center tickets, staying at this hotel gets you discounts:
Book a one-day Islands of Polynesia ticket or meal and show package, and be able to return for free to the islands of Polynesia for up to five days after the initial visit date.
Book tickets to the “HA: Breath of Life” evening show at $70 per person, a significant discount off the usual $125 ticket price. This deal can only be booked on the property upon arrival.
Like The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay, this is a Marriott Bonvoy property, which means you can earn and redeem points for stays.
For budget-friendly lodging: Hostels and (maybe) rentals
For budget-conscious travelers, the North Shore has a few affordable gems:
Backpackers Vacation Inn and Plantation Village
Located near Sunset Beach, this hostel offers a range of accommodations for various budgets, from shared dormitory-style spaces (cheaper) to private rooms. It’s marketed toward surfers and solo travelers looking for a community vibe.
You can often find rooms for less than $100 per night, though the property requires a two-night minimum.
Roadside stands and food trucks make for some of the best cheap eats on the North Shore. (Photo by Sally French)
What about vacation rentals like Airbnb on Oahu?
Vacation rentals are generally popular among groups who want multiple rooms under one roof, or families who prefer kitchens and outdoor spaces.
However, the legality of vacation rentals in Oahu is complex. In April 2022, Mayor Rick Blangiardi signed Bill 41, which introduced strict rules for short-term rentals (STRs). Among those:
Rentals under 30 days are only allowed in designated apartment and resort zones or with a valid Nonconforming Use Certificate.
According to the Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice, there are many illegal vacation rentals operating. Staying in one can lead to complications, including eviction or fines for hosts — and that might disrupt your vacation.
Before booking, check Honolulu’s official STR eligibility map to ensure the rental is legally registered.
Why stay on the North Shore?
Haleiwa is a quaint, historic surf town in the North Shore. (Photo by Sally French)
When vacationing on Oahu, should you stay in Waikiki, Ko Olina or the North Shore? Waikiki is bustling and urban, and Ko Olina has big resorts. The North Shore provides a quiet, small town escape. Some reasons it’s worth staying here:
Surfing paradise: The North Shore is home to iconic surf spots like Sunset Beach and Banzai Pipeline. During winter, it hosts major surf competitions including the Triple Crown of Surfing Championships, drawing the best surfers worldwide.
Outdoor adventures: Even if you’re not a surfer, there’s lots in the way of outdoor recreation, such as the zipline tours at Climb Works Keana Farms.
Cultural activities: Honolulu has amazing museums and historical sites, but North Shore holds its own in that department, mainly through the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Unique events: Beyond surfing, the North Shore hosts unique competitions like the World Fire Knife Championships every May.
Tips for traveling to the North Shore
Rent a car: You don’t need to rent a car in Hawaii if you’re sticking to Waikiki, but that’s not the case for a North Shore vacation. Public transit options are limited, and the drive from Honolulu to the North Shore takes about an hour. A rental car is essential for exploring the area.
Plan ahead: Accommodations and activities can book up quickly, especially during surf season (November to February). Marriott allows you to reserve rooms with refundable rates. Though these are generally higher than rates paid upon booking, locking in a room at a slightly higher rate (and canceling later, should your plans change) can be wiser than waiting for firm plans — only to have your desired room sell out.
Maximize the free activities: Sure, there are plenty of ticketed events, but most of the best stuff in the North Shore is free. Save on your Oahu vacation by visiting the beach, exploring Haleʻiwa (a charming, small town with excellent window shopping) and browsing the Hukilau Marketplace outside the Polynesian Cultural Center.
How to maximize your rewards
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