I'm totally in agreement with the previous posts. Stayed at Turtle Bay last Dec. 31 (to avoid the firecracker smoke that was blanketing the rest of O'ahu), and, while I was grateful that there was at least one place on the island where I wouldn't have to spend New Year's Eve coughing and wheezing, I was also wondering how this place could be called a Hilton, let alone be classified as a Premium property!!

The rooms and hallways were still run down then. The location, however, is brethtaking. I personally enjoy the slow, countryside atmosphere of the surrounding area, so different from the rest of O'ahu.

MA, if you like snorkeling or swimming, Turtle Bay would be much better in the summer: without the big waves that pound it in the winter, the North Shore has some of the best snorkeling spots on O'ahu, only 5-10 minutes away.

The winter is better for watching truly acrobatic surfing nearby (I believe Triple Crown is held in November), or you may get in the water if you are a VERY experienced surfer. I wouldn't; but then again, I'm no surfer. I don't golf either, so I can't tell you what the golf course is like; of course, you are more likely to experience brief showers in the winter.

If you'd like to be away from it all (or at least, from most of it) Turtle Bay (or Waikoloa) would be a much better choice than Hawaiian Village, surrounded by the hustle 'n' bustle of Waikiki. Just don't expect much from the hotel itself, as Hedoman warned you...

[This message has been edited by honu (edited 07-23-2000).]