Originally Posted by travelingmore

Haven't stayed at either the TB or the Ihilani, but have visited both often during our Hawaii trips. The ocean views from the Turtle Bay Resort are exquisite - white caps, rolling waves, wind, nice views from both the lobby and then around the other side of the main hotel building, from the coffee shop, near the pool. Huge grounds - we understand it was a former plantation area. We often drive there just to do an "aha......" from the lobby and the grounds, looking at the view. We love to just be there. Food in the coffee shop was fine, acceptable.

The Ihilani is also beautiful, much calmer ocean, and near one of the four man-made small lagoons on the west side of Oahu in the Ko Olina area. Dinner at the main restaurant was a pretty good buffet, but with a strangely salty prime rib. My guess is that you have to be up fairly high to get a good ocean view. Much smaller grounds, very nice spa. The west side of Oahu is a bit isolated and quiet, and we like that. (We stay at the Marriott Ko Olina timeshare about a 1/2 mile down the coast).

Turtle Bay is also not near too much else, on the northern end of the island.

My vote - Turtle Bay.

Originally Posted by slippahs

Staying at the Ihilani gives you access to the rapidly growing Kapolei area that has a Target, Costco (+Gas), etc. Staying out at Turtle Bay gives you none of these amenities, but you'll feel more like you're on the neighbor islands. I must say that the lagoons at Ko'olina are great for kids though, since it's a protected cove.