Turtle Bay - Kuilima Cove

Turtle Bay, Oahu

Turtle Bay / Kuilima Cove On the northern tip of Oahu a set of scenic bays flank the famed "Turtle Bay Resort". The smaller of the two is protected from the deeper ocean swells by natural volcanic rock jetties making it a safe place to snorkel for visitors of all ages. The drive through the countryside to reach this area is beautiful, and the resulting reward is a perfect beach destination for relaxing in calming warm ocean waters. AT A GLANCE: HIGHLIGHTS: Well-protected crescent shaped snorkeling bay with panoramic views, close to Oahu's northernmost point, beautiful country drive to get there, and scenic beachfront. ACTIVITIES: Swimming, snorkeling, beach walks, and laying on the beach. LIFEGUARD: NO WARNINGS!: Low reef starting at about 20 yards in, watch out for sea urchins and sharp reef edges. The outer bay may have some tidal surge and currents. Rock jetties are sharp lava rock and dangerous for walking upon. AMENITIES: Numerous parking stalls marked "Beach Access", beachside showers and resort restrooms at the cove. Ola restaurant, a great place for lunch, is right next to the beach at the Cove; shoes and cover-ups are required for dining there. This resort sits on a prominent point jutting out to the northern ocean dividing two coastal bays. The larger, "Turtle Bay", is to the left, and a smaller sheltered cove to the right is called "Kuilima Cove". People often mean this small "Kuilima Cove" when they refer to swimming at "Turtle Cove". Both bays face north but are affected differently when surf comes from that direction. Turtle Bay:Beware that during north swells the large bay on the left is not protected and should be avoided for snorkeling purposes. A great longboard wave breaks right off the point outside of the hotel's pool, making for some interesting surfing watching during swells. This bay has a rock-edged entry so prior to entering the water observe cautiously whether the conditions are suitable for swimming. At the bays edge, there is a little-known but famous piece of the "Pearl Harbor" history situated at the oceanfront next to a small walking bridge linking the resort swimming pool to its' cottages. Look for the large placard and signs that explain the significance of this place as a radar outpost during the WWII attack on Pearl Harbor. Kuilima Cove: On the right side of the resort has a gorgeous beach. With its a crescent shaped cove of shallow turquoise waters, and a gently sloping beachfront lined with coco palms, it is what most people imagine when the dream of a Hawaiian beach. The water here has good visibility and the fish are abundant. It also features the adjacent Kaihalulu beach that is great for long walks. The view stretches all the way to Kahuku Point, the northernmost portion of Oahu.Snorkeling: The best and safest North Shore snorkeling in the area, the Cove is a protected by natural volcanic rock breakwaters…