GREAT EATS HAWAII: TURTLE BAY GOLF RESORT

TURTLE BAY GOLF RESORT

THE PALMER COURSE

KAHUKU, HAWAII

TURTLE BAY RESORT

57-049 KUILIMA DRIVE

KAHUKU, HAWAII 96731

GOLF SHOP 808-293-8574

RESORT 808-293-6000

www.turtlebayresort.com

Turtle Bay Resort is a little gem on the North Shore of Oahu. It is worlds away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki and a great place to get away even for a local. The drive to Turtle Bay takes a little over an hour from Honolulu. I like the drive because you go by Waimea Bay, Haliewa Town and Sunset Beach. The drive can be much longer during the winter surf season when cars pack the one lane road that leads to various surf competitions at Banzai Pipeline and Sunset. Once you get to Turtle Bay be prepared to take your pulse down a notch or two. The place is relaxing. We played the Palmer Course at Turtle Bay Golf Resort. This is listed as one of the best golf courses in Hawaii and one of the 100 Best Public course in the U.S. I thought the course was challenging but it was not my favorite course on Oahu by far. While there are a few glimpses of the ocean along the course, it does not give you the big dramatic coastal views like Manele Bay on Lanai. There is some water on the course but not much. Many of the holes are lined with bunkers. There is a restaurant named Lei Lei's Bar and Grill next to the Pro Shop. You can enjoy a sit down meal there or sit at the bar overlooking the putting green. I sampled a Bloody Mary at the bar and it was pretty good. The restaurant makes sandwiches that are sent out with the beer cart that stays parked near the 9th hole. The sandwiches were fresh and good as far as golf cart sandwiches go. I had the Turkey Sandwich served with lettuce, tomato and two types of cheese for $7.50. Washed it down with an ice cold beer. Not a bad day in Paradise