Ko‘olau Loa, the northeastern district of O‘ahu along its windward shore, has been home to thriving settlements since around 1100 AD. Turtle Bay Resort is located at the northern end of this moku – near where it meets the North Shore – within the contemporary ahupua‘a of ‘Ōpana/Kawela, Kahuku, and Hanaka‘oe.
The town of Kahuku is our host community today. The people of Kahuku have a rich history of taking care of the land that has, in turn, taken care of its people. In 1850’s during the filing of land commission awards, over 101 claims were filed by native tenants within the Kahuku ahupua‘a. The plantation era also saw the introduction or increase in Filipino, Samoan, Japanese, Thai, Chinese and American cultures. Today, there are just over 2,000 people in Kahuku.
Positioned, as it is, between the North Shore and Ko‘olau Loa regions, Turtle Bay Resort enjoys access to some of the most favored near shore fishing spots, world class surfing breaks, and richest agricultural lands on O‘ahu. Likewise this location represents a focal point for diverse community interests. And while Kahuku is our home, attempting to balance the hopes and concerns of both these communities is important in planning the future of the resort.