Turtle Bay Resort

We (2 adults %26amp; 2 kids, ages 8 %26amp; 9) are planning a trip to Hawaii for April for my (the Mom) 50th birthday. The Turtle Bay Resort looks really nice but curious what others think of it -- especially with 2 active kids. We are also planning on renting a car. What activities around the island would you suggest?

Turtle Bay Resort

We went to Turtle Bay in Feb. 2005 with kids 10 and 12 and absolutely loved it! Spent 5 nights first at Turtle Bay then 5 nights at the Hilton Hawaaian Village and wished we could go back to Turtle Bay. In fact, we called to see if we could but there was no availability. They have horseback riding at the resort, a nice cove for swimming/snorkeling, some great hiking trails and it was fun to watch the surfers. They have 2 pools (the small pool with water slide is heated). The Polynesian Cultural Center is nearby and worth a day trip. Also, Sea Life Park (like Sea World) is also fun for a ';swimming with dolphins'; experience. We enjoyed checking out different beaches too (especially liked Kailua beach for boogie boarding). You can%26#39;t go wrong with Turtle Bay!

Turtle Bay Resort

I have never stayed there but stopped a few times, everytime it seemed to be extremely windy, is always like that?

We stayed at the Turtle Bay with our 10yo son in Oct %26#39;04 and all loved it. They had a great kids program that was very reasonably priced. The resort itself was wonderful and we loved the North Shore. For souvenirs be sure to check out the flea market at Aloha stadium. It%26#39;s only 2 days a week and I can%26#39;t remember what days but the prices are great compared to the gift shops. Be sure to go to Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor. The kids will probably like the Dole Plantation and especially the maze. Just spend some time roaming the island and make stops along the way. There is plenty to see and do. You might also consider a surfing lesson for the kids. The surf lessons at Turtle Bay were very expensive. We used surfhawaii4u in Haleiwa. The owner Edison de Paula gave my son a great one on one experience for the money. He had him up and riding the waves in no time and was very patient and hard working. We ate most of our meals at small locals places and had mostly great food at very reasonable prices. Haleiwa has some good places like Pizza Bob%26#39;s (burgers and pizza) and the Breakers Cafe (best fresh fish and chips ever). Haleiwa is also the home of the islands best and most famous shaved ice at Matsumoto%26#39;s. You%26#39;ll all have a great trip. I would suggest a room with the large balcany at the Turtle Bay. The small balcany is too small to use.