The following executive summary is based on a comprehensive and impartial AI analysis of guest reviews. Keep in mind that all units are individually owned, and review scores among units can vary considerably.
Travelers consistently love Turtle Bay/Kuilima Estates as a quiet, family‑friendly base on Oahu’s North Shore. The setting feels peaceful and green, with golf course views, birdsong, and walking paths that lead to multiple beaches and the resort area. Compared with a hotel room, the condos offer space to spread out, full kitchens, and in‑unit laundry—great for longer stays, families, and groups—and the gated community feels safe with easy parking. You’re within a short drive of food trucks, Haleiwa, Waimea Valley, Shark’s Cove, and the Polynesian Cultural Center; many guests stroll to Lei Lei’s and the resort bars for sunset.
Highlights guests mention most: location and convenience to uncrowded beaches and coastal trails; several quiet pools plus tennis/pickleball courts; well‑stocked units that often include beach chairs, umbrellas, snorkel gear, boogie boards, and coolers; and responsive hosts with clear instructions. Many condos are clean, comfortable, and recently updated, and having AC (often bedroom splits or window units) and breezy cross‑ventilation helps. You can access Turtle Bay’s public beaches and restaurants (not the hotel pools), and free or easy beach parking makes toting gear simple.
Common tradeoffs reflect that these are individually owned, older condos: quality varies, some units feel dated or show island wear (rust, peeling paint), and tropical pests occasionally appear despite good housekeeping. Air‑conditioning is typically not central—lofts can run warm and some window units are loud—so fans and trade winds matter; a few showers are small, and spiral stairs/low‑ceiling lofts can challenge light sleepers or those with mobility issues. The beach is walkable (about 5–15 minutes) but many drive with gear. Occasionally guests noted strict house rules, basic starter supplies only, minor check‑in hiccups or construction/road noise. To set yourself up for a great stay, pick a recently refreshed unit with split AC (including the loft), confirm beach gear and parking details, and request precise late‑arrival and gate instructions.
This summary is based on a comprehensive analysis of 1000 reviews
My husband and I loved staying here for our anniversary trip! It was in a great location - walking distance from Turtle Bay resort and a short drive from other great beaches and cafes. The check in process was easy and the house was sparkling clean. Would recommend anyone to stay here!
Alexis H.
October 2025
We had a wonderful weekend stay! The property was clean, cozy, and had everything we needed for a comfortable getaway. The host was welcoming and helpful. It was a peaceful and relaxing trip for me and my husband — we’d definitely stay here again.
Dorina Cruz P.
October 2025
We had a wonderful time and would definitely stay here again.
Luona J G.
October 2025
Amazing spot and house. Next to the ritz Carlton which even tho touristy, had the best coffee we’ve had. Great location, close to sunset beach and waimea bay. 30 minutes away from the Crouching Lion, which was a 10/10 restaurant.
Mateus I.
October 2025
This was our 30th visit to Hawaii's north shore and second stay at this location. We were impressed enough that we have already booked it for our next trip in February. I think that sums it up.
lloyd s.
October 2025
We were very comfortable at this condo. The grounds were lovely, quiet, and safe. We had everything we needed in the condo and the kitchen. The A/C worked really well, and when it was nice enough, with open windows, the breezeway through the condo works well too. The beds were comfy. We also really appreciated the use of the beach gear. We're Floridians, so we have all of that stuff at home and can report that the beach gear was better quality than ours haha. The dishwasher didn't work, but the owner let us know they couldn't get a repair person out by the time we got there ahead of time. It was no big deal. The dryer, though, was testy, as it kept throwing a signal and beeping a lot, requiring someone to push buttons to keep it going. It worked, but it took a while to do laundry. Overall, we had a really nice stay and would recommend this condo. It was about 35 minutes to Kualoa Ranch and 15-ish to Waimea and Shark's Cove, maybe 25 to Haleiwa, but the driving is all chill and scenic with plenty of options for food, coffee, beach stops, and shopping. Aloha!
Amy M.
October 2025
Kap the owner was very responsive. Unit easy to find, convenient parking, and first floor access was nice. Unit well stocked, clean. We did not use the community pool (50 yards away) or the golf course we could see right out the back slider. Location convenient to Kahuku food trucks and Haleiwa town. Would definitely stay here again.
Evan R.
October 2025
Great place, stayed with another couple. Easy walk to the Ritz and only a short drive to nearby towns. Great place to stay North.
Zac D.
October 2025
Was terribly hot in the condo when we first got there. Would be nice to have had the air already on before arriving. Took a good 5-6 hours to cool down. Other than that it was fine
Lisa D.
September 2025
The property is nicely updated and a short distance from Turtle Bay. It is an older building with the dryer venting inside of the unit. I don’t believe this to be a safe practice. Fumes, moisture build up and fire hazards being just a few of the reasons. I felt ill and had to open windows while running. Definitely mildew building up inside of the hall bath. It has a mildew smell and the lack of any shower curtain causes a huge puddle on the floor after showering. We did see roaches as well, but it is the islands so it is to be expected. The golf course restaurant is ridiculously over priced and just bar food. Roy's Beach House was our go to for amazing food and view.
Jennifer A.
September 2025
KItchen was very well equipped. Pools were beautiful and very well maintained. There was even a tranquility pool on the property as well as two community pools.The air conditioning system broke which made it difficult for our 6 month old grandson to sleep but Sandra was very responsive and got the system fixed as quickly as she could. She compensated us an extra day at the end of our stay which was extremely helpful. I certainly would rate this her as a excellent host.
Marilyn P.
September 2025
Perfect for 1-2 people.
Brent B.
September 2025
Nice place accurate to posting. Great location, nothing fancy but great for price
Kurtis S.
September 2025
Overall nice place AC was not sufficient.
Vince
September 2025
Kitchen was exactly how it is pictured on the website. It was very clean with plenty of utensils and dishes. Only suggestion would be a pizza cutter Entry to property is very secure and grounds are well maintained. There seemed to be a resident cat as well who was friendly from a distance Location is great on the north shore as we went back and forth between Sharks Cove and Laie.
Christopher B.
September 2025
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DO NOT BOOK TILL YOU READ THIS REVIEW:First this was not our first time booking a condo in Turtle Bay, we absolutely love Turtle Bay and Hawaii. But this condo and experience was not what we expected, and we will not book this Particular condo EVER again!!!We were celebrating our Anniversary and looking forward to this trip for a while. Once we arrived at the condo gate, we had to page Bev so she could let us through the gate.When we pulled in to park you could see Bev in the condo sitting on top of the bed watching TV. I don’t know about you but the idea that someone is sitting on top of the bed that you’re supposed to sleep in was a little concerning. She says she does this at every condo she takes care of because she doesn’t have cable TV and can watch at the condos for free. She told use she opened all the windows and doors open it was 90 that day and took till the following day to somewhat cool the living room She also informed us that she used to clean and take care of other condos on the other side of Turtle Bay, but they refused to pay her and that’s why she now cleans the east side. The unit only had an AC in the living room end so the bedroom and bathroom never cooled. We had to move the mattress to the living room to sleep (what a great thing to sleep on the floor). Carpet has not been vacuumed in a while had to wash towels and sheets that smelled leftover food in the fridge, no trash bags and only 2 rolls of toilet paper for a weekOverall very poor condo
Ryan A.
September 2025
Great location, cute place. Will definitely be back!
Natalie G.
September 2025
Everything was great. We had a very relaxing stay and the AC was heavenly. It was super nice that the pool was so close and access to a washer and dryer in the unit was very convenient. We would definitely stay there again.Thank you for the chocolates and an awesome vacation!
Jena C.
September 2025
Great location! Fully equipped with essentials and extras. This property definitly contributed to a very relaxing and enjoyable stay in Kawela Bay.
Brenda B.
September 2025
Clean condo, great location, excellent hosts and communication. The pack and play was great for my 2 year old daughter. Having the beach chairs, towels, and toys was awesome. The only complaint is that we were expecting central AC based on the listing but it's only a small unit in the main bedroom. We had a few hot days and the living room and upstairs loft room got very hot. Thankfully we were all able to sleep comfortably in the main room.
Zack E.
September 2025
The condo is in the building next to the pool but on the side that doesn’t directly overlook it. The AC worked great, but we only needed it at night—the ceiling fans and the cool breeze kept us comfortable during the day. The check-in instructions were clear and very helpful. We had a small mix-up, but it was resolved right away.The condo was spotless and stocked with everything we could need for a relaxing stay. The washer and dryer were so convenient, and having laundry soap provided was a major plus! This was our first time using VRBO, and we didn’t realize we could post photos, but the listing pictures were spot-on—everything looked exactly as described.The walk to the beach was absolutely beautiful, and the location made our trip even better. We couldn’t have asked for a more comfortable and well-equipped place to stay.
Nahdia M.
September 2025
Fantastic place, so well stocked by far best STR I’ve stayed at!!!
KJ F.
September 2025
Fabulous rental. Host was very communicative. The unit had everything we needed for a great stay. We walked to the Ritz several days for coffee and meals. We also enjoyed the food trucks just a few miles down near Sunset Beach. Would love to return some day.
Becky A.
September 2025
Air conditioner was broken for the entirety of our stay which the host emailed to tell me about the day before our arrival. When I emailed her to complain she offered nothing. Golf course was closed the entire time which no one told us. The condo was pretty run down and not super clean. Do not recommend, stay somewhere else.
Angelina R.
September 2025
It’s a lovely condo on the 2nd floor surrounded by greenery. We enjoyed sitting on the balcony listening to the rain and birds. It was very clean and comfortable for 2 people. The area is surrounded by beautiful beaches and surf. We would come back to enjoy to property again.The host was easy to get a hold of and promptly answered any questions we had.
Linda B.
September 2025
Perfect Location on the north shore.
Cynthia E.
September 2025
Nicely renovated. Comfortable and convenient for our stay. Loved the pool too. Would definitely stay here again.
Lisa L.
September 2025
This was our second time staying here and it was just as pleasant. We enjoyed the easy check in and out process. The location is amazing. The hosts are great. We would stay here again.
Kendahl P.
September 2025
Lots of space for the whole family!
Merissa P.
September 2025
All good except air conditioning couldn’t keep up and was annoying to have blow directly at bed.
Charles V.
September 2025
Amazing property! Great location , great amenities. Had everything we needed for our stay...linens towels beach equipment seasonings etc Friendly management and host! I will book with this host again.
Michele L.
September 2025
Excellent location, clean, quiet, and comfortable.
Rick L.
September 2025
We stayed here on short notice due to having to attend a family member's funeral. The property was easy to find and had assigned parking which was nice. The property manager, Lisa, was easily reachable and responded quickly to any questions I had, and further handled a luggage mishap with speed and courtesy which helped reduce our stress level. Thank you again Lisa!
Lori H.
September 2025
We loved it. Beds were really comfortable, the kitchen was nice, location was great. Would stay here again!
Emily H.
September 2025
It was difficult to get into,we could fine the right entrance because the are two gate. After walking all over one we finally figured there were two gates. We did finally the right one. The until while beautiful was very hot inside and there was only bedroom that was air-conditioned. Next morning we got the overhead fan going. Some better. The upstairs loft had a wi air-conditioner attached to the window with a hose. Picture included. DIDN'T COOL ROOM AT ALL. Tried to over charge us. This is being debuted with my credit card company.
Debbie M.
September 2025
Washer broke and host came and got the wet clothes. Took them home and washed them and returned them so we could dry them. She got some one to come and fix it the next day. Very attentive. I would recommend it very highly.
Thomas Scott C.
September 2025
Great central location on the North Shore
Jeremy L.
September 2025
Nice place. Convenient
Beverly K.
September 2025
Awesome location and amenities.
Nicholas D.
September 2025
This place is perfect for 2 couples. We had a fantastic time. Pictures are actual of unit. Very clean and communication with manager was very quick when we had small issue with toilet.
Shannon W.
September 2025
4 adults (1 couple and 2 ladies) stayed at this condo for 6 nights and had a fantastic stay. Condo even looked better in person than on pictures. Condo was clean with great amenities and the supplies provided was more than enough. Maybe just needs 1 more hair dryer for the upstairs loft.The owner, Jo Ann gave very clear instructions so finding the condo and check in was also a breeze. Beach was close by. We enjoyed our early morning walks on the gold course, tried the pools and pickleball courts. We highly recommended this condo. Stay here if you want the best of north shore and you won’t regret it!
Erlinda A.
September 2025
This was our second time staying in this unit. It is nicely decorated and well supplied. We most likely will return.
Lawrence H.
September 2025
Absolutely wonderful condo with all the amenities you could need. The upstairs loft/bedroom has alot of privacy with a screen that lowers. The Ritz Carlton Turtle Bay resort is only 2 blocks away. We will definitely be back!
Nellie B.
September 2025
very clean and inviting stay.
Steven W.
September 2025
Generally super happy with our stay. I would replace the front door knob though.. very annoying.
Riley C.
September 2025
It was a great property and the location was perfect!
Utah B.
September 2025
Tom was so nice and accommodating. Perfect place
Donna J.
September 2025
Perfect for our stay. The air conditioner was a bit loud but we were glad to have it. Very clean.
Andrea P.
September 2025
The location was great! The unit has a well stocked kitchen. Overall we were very happy during our stay.
Barbara C.
September 2025
I was totally satisfied in all areas with our stay at this location, and would definitely stay here again in the future. The location was just great and the convenient access to the beach at Turtle Bay was perfect.
Craig W.
September 2025