It is not often that I have the opportunity to visit the North Shore of Oahu and spend the night there. The cost adds up quickly, so I generally consider it a day trip. But recently I booked a stay at the only budget hotel on this side of the island, the Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shoreand found it to be a family-friendly and affordable option.
What I love about staying on the North Shore is that it makes the experience less stressful and more enjoyable. I was able to take my time and stay longer exploring different spots. Best of all, I didn't have to worry about driving back to Waikiki, an hour away.
Rooms at the Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore were large and spacious, and some have ocean views. Photo credit: Courtesy of Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore
Located in the town of Laie, the Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore is a 144-room hotel with prices starting around $300 per night, depending on the date. It was a great starting point for my son and me. He loved that it was right next to a McDonald's and I loved that we could walk to the Polynesian Cultural Center which is right next door.
The room was spacious and comfortable and we had a view of the ocean. The beach is accessible just opposite. When we stopped to check it out, the water was bright blue and very inviting, and there were only three other people on the white sand beach.
But the hotel has its own pool and activities that make it difficult to decide what to do first. The large swimming pool has a waterfall and a hot tub with cabanas to the side. It's clearly a favorite among guests, who I've seen playing in the water. Next door are a pickleball court and volleyball net. My son opted for the pool and we spent an hour there before getting ready for the luau and evening show at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
The Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore is an affordable, family-friendly hotel with a large pool that is a favorite among guests. Photo credit: Courtesy of Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore
It had probably been a decade since I last saw the evening show at the Polynesian Cultural Center, mostly because it would mean a long, dark drive back to Honolulu, so I jumped at the chance to make it l experience again. This is one of the big perks of staying at the Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore. After the show, while everyone was heading to their cars, my son and I walked to our room.
The next morning, I had a Starbucks coffee at the hotel's restaurant, the Bistro, then visited Aunt Kela, the hotel's aloha ambassador, for a ukulele lesson.
I had never played the ukulele before, but Aunt Kela made it very easy for me to learn. In just 10 minutes, she had my son and I strumming chords and singing “Pearly Shells,” then she had us getting out of our seats dancing to “Hukilau.” It is an experience that my son and I will remember for a long time.
As we prepared to leave, I realized that what I loved most about this hotel, besides its convenience and affordability, was the staff. For most of the people in the town, they were all very friendly and warm. They were also patient with our questions and open to “talking stories” and simply made us feel welcome from start to finish.