Roger Corpuz, an adventure guru and bellman at Turtle Bay resort in Oahu, Hawaii, recently released his “play list” of recommended activities for thrill-seekers visiting the North Shore.
Turtle Bay’s Insider’s Play Lists are designed to help guests gain a richer and more gratifying travel experience while visiting Oahu’s fabled North Shore by offering tips on how to explore the destination like a local. Each list is authored by a hand-selected North Shore luminary, from legendary surf icons and artists to resort ambassadors and employees.
Corpuz is a longtime North Shore resident who has shared his enthusiasm for all things Hawaii with guests for more than three decades. Check out these recommendations from Corpuz, the resort’s resident adventure junkie.
Here's what Corpuz recommends:
Spend the afternoon learning about one of Hawaii’s most famous ocean residents: The shark, or “mano” in the Hawaiian language, is a central figure in native Hawaiian culture and is featured in many legends. There are several tour operators on the North Shore that allow guests to see and learn about sharks close-up, either from a boat or underwater. On your off-shore journey, you’ll also frequently see plenty of other sea life, including dolphins, sea turtles and magnificent humpback whales during the winter months. All this is topped off with a breathtaking view of Oahu's North Shore.
Hike the moderate Kealia Trail behind Dillingham Airfield at Mokuleia (enter at the airfield and drive a short distance to the parking lot near the trailhead), which brings you eye level with passing gliders and sky divers, and (during season) provides great views of whales breaching along the North Shore.
Corpuz says his favorite activity is golfing at Turtle Bay Resort. He says you can’t beat the oceanfront views, and with 36 holes of championship golf, there’s always something new to experience. He also says to make sure to visit Keiki Pond – a very calm and secluded natural pool – off the 18th hole on the Palmer Course, where the beloved monk seal “Honey Girl” returns each year to have her pups.
Need a break from your adventures? Visit the Waialua Sugar Mill for a little retail therapy. Two of Corpuz's favorites are the homemade soaps at the North Shore Soap Factory and Island X Hawaii for Waialua Roasted Coffee. Both offer demonstrations on how their products are sourced and made. If you can, go on a Saturday to enjoy a farmers’ market offering fresh food, produce and jewelry, says Corpuz.
End the day with a delicious farm-to-table dinner at the resort’s new North Shore Kula Grille, which features ingredients fresh from the sea, as well as local farms and ranches. Corpuz highly recommends the Hawaiian Moi (Pacific Threadfin).
Visit www.turtlebayresort.com.