Change coming for Oahu’s North Shore?

When I think of the North Shore of Oahu, I think of laid-back days on sun-soaked beaches, walking around with windswept hair and sandy feet, while admiring the surf. There’s no glitz and glam; the beauty of the North Shore is all-natural and nothing else is necessary.

It was recently announced that Turtle Bay Resort is to be acquired by Host Hotels & Resorts, and transformed into a Ritz-Carlton. The purchase also includes plans to develop a 49-acre oceanfront parcel. It all makes me wonder how the North Shore might change.

For starters, it could affect the affordability of staying on the North Shore. There are only two hotels on that coastline, Turtle Bay Resort and the Courtyard by Marriott. A fancier brand, like the Ritz-Carlton, could mean higher rates, which will reduce the number of rooms available on the North Shore for middle-class travelers. This could also potentially cut out a large percentage of locals, who have typically spent weekends there, vacationing alongside visitors. 

Turtle Bay, which opened in 1972, was always intended for visitors. At one point, there were gates at the entrance to keep locals out. But in its decades-long history, the gates came down, and it eventually established itself as a place where pro surfers crashed, and locals were welcome. So, it begs the question, will that continue?

As of now, Turtle Bay Resort still allows the general public to walk its grounds, visit its beaches and seek out its many filming locations, such for “Lost” and “The Hunger Games.” Right on Turtle Bay’s golf course, Lei Lei’s Bar and Grill has long attracted a local following, especially during holidays and special events. The resort has also hosted electronic music festivals, surfing award ceremonies and parties, all of which I somehow can’t imagine happening at a Ritz-Carlton. 

The acquisition is expected to be completed in July. Time will tell how much of a change that might mean for the North Shore.