Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore Review: Family-Friendly, Recently Renovated

The Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore in Hawaii offers resort-like amenities next to one of Oahu’s most iconic attractions, the Polynesian Cultural Center. Situated in the laid-back town of Laie, it’s the more affordable of the two hotel options in Oahu’s picturesque North Shore region. The other option, a Ritz-Carlton location (also part of Marriott), generally offers rooms for more than double the Courtyard rates.

I visited in November 2024 when the Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore invited travel writers to stay at the property. The hotel covered the cost of my four-night stay, plus food at the cafe.

Booking the Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore

Rates vary based on room type and when you stay. If you’re flexible on date (weekdays tend to be cheaper), you can find standard rooms for less than $300 per night, but typically the lowest rates have more stipulations, such as being nonrefundable. Larger rooms can cost closer to $500 per night on busy nights.

Still, that’s affordable by Hawaii standards. For context, one night at the nearest hotel, The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay, is often more than $1,000.

Alternatively, Marriott Bonvoy members can maximize their points earning by paying for their Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore stay with a Marriott credit card. Exact benefits vary by card.

The 144-room hotel underwent a $7 million renovation in 2024, which is immediately evident upon entering the lobby. Its design is inspired by Hawaiian fishing villages, featuring walls adorned with works from local artists.

The lobby has various seating spaces, including eating tables, plush chairs and quieter work spaces that appeal to the workcation crowd.

One notable feature of this hotel is there is no alcohol sold on-site. Even if you bring your own, you cannot bring it into the hotel’s public spaces, so you won’t be able to sip a beer by the pool.

You can check in at the front desk. Marriott also offers mobile keys accessible through the app. Check-in begins at 4 p.m. and checkout is 11 a.m.

Courtyard Marriott North Shore rooms

Rooms are spacious, and standard features in every room include:

• Coffee/tea maker and mini fridge. This can help you save money on food because you won’t have to go to the cafe for a coffee and you can keep leftovers in the fridge.

• Luxurious touches: Housekeeping replenishes packaged face masks with each room cleaning, a thoughtful perk that feels like something you would expect in a high-end resort.

• Tropical decor: Walls have colorful wallpaper of Hawaiian leaves and florals.

Most rooms also have futon couches for additional sleeping space, which is useful for groups or families with kids.

Some rooms offer even more space, including the two-room suite, which has a king bed in a separate room than the living area. Some suites include kitchenettes.

Family Rooms accommodate up to six people. Each has a king bed plus two sets of bunk beds. While some hotels charge for more than four guests per room, this one does not.

Key amenities at the Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore

Unlike many Oahu hotels, the Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore doesn’t charge a resort fee, even though it offers plenty of resort-like amenities. Guests can participate in cultural activities at no extra charge.

The hotel offers free cultural activities for guests, including hula and ukulele lessons and lei making. These activities are typically run by an employee who goes by “Aunty Kela.”

There’s an outdoor pool and a shallow children’s pool. The larger pool’s waterfall feature adds a charming touch.

The renovation brought new pool furniture, including daybeds.

The gym is rather unremarkable, but the hotel has a host of outdoor activities. There’s a basketball half-court, plus courts for volleyball and pickleball.

Those are all complimentary, but there’s also a stand that offers beach rentals for a fee, including snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, kayaks, surfboards, beach chairs and umbrellas. You can take those across the street to the beach.

The Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore isn’t technically beachfront, but you might actually have a shorter walk to the beach than if you stayed at a sprawling beachfront resort. From my room, it was just a four-minute walk.

Beach access is free to the public, but because there’s no nearby public parking, the beach is rarely crowded.

Dining at the Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore

There’s just one hotel restaurant. Called The Bistro, it serves food and drinks throughout the day, including Starbucks coffee, pancakes, omelettes, burgers and salads.

While it’s convenient, the offerings are pretty forgettable. It’s worth a stop only if you’re in a time pinch or you have a dining credit to use. Guests might receive credits if they purchased a room rate that includes breakfast or hold Marriott Platinum Elite status or higher (which gets you a daily food and beverage credit).

Instead, head across the street to the Polynesian Cultural Center and one of its many restaurants, most of which don’t require tickets to access. Food trucks sprinkled throughout the property’s Hukilau Marketplace offer fast and tasty eats (more on those later).

Here are a few reasons why the Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore’s location is ideal.

Surfers (or spectators) flock to the North Shore for its famous surf spots including Sunset Beach and Banzai Pipeline, both within 12 miles of the hotel. In fact, the Triple Crown of Surfing Championships run every winter on Oahu’s North Shore.

The hotel sits next door to the Polynesian Cultural Center. There, guests can learn about Polynesian culture through activities and live performances. There’s plenty to eat, whether you explore the food trucks at the Hukilau Marketplace or go for a hearty portion at the Gateway Buffet or luau.

Many travelers cap off the night with the Hā: Breath of Life evening show, which features dance from multiple island cultures and fire dancing. It’s one of the best cultural shows on the island.

Hotel guests can book special discounted Polynesian Cultural Center packages that can only be booked on property upon arrival.

Plus, staying at the Courtyard eliminates the hassle (and possible shuttle cost) of a long drive back to Waikiki after the show. You’re just steps away from your hotel room.

In contrast to Waikiki, the North Shore feels more country than city. For a small town feel, visit Haleiwa, a historic surf town with boutique shops and charming eateries including Matsumoto’s, a general store that draws crowds for its shave ice.

Because the North Shore is more spread out, you’ll likely need a rental car to explore this area of Oahu. Besides the Polynesian Cultural Center, a McDonald’s, the BYU campus and the Laie Hawaii Temple, there’s not much within walking distance. Keep in mind self-parking at the Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore costs $20 per day.

Besides surfing, the North Shore is famous for other outdoor activities. Climb Works Keana Farm Zipline is just down the road, offering an adventure course including eight ziplines, two rappels, sky bridges and a floating staircase.

It’s also not far from Gunstock Ranch, which offers horseback rides and eco-tours.

Who is the Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore best for?

Vacationers who want to avoid the bustle of Honolulu: The hotel is about 35 miles (and generally an hour drive) from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. It takes even longer to get to key Honolulu tourist attractions like Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head Crater.

Sure, many great Waikiki beach hotels offer better walkability, but they can exude a sort of Las Vegas-style of high energy. For tourists who envision an Oahu vacation that’s quieter and more relaxing, North Shore Oahu is probably what you’re looking for.

Travelers seeking a more affordable alternative to Turtle Bay: There are few hotels on the North Shore. Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore is the less-expensive option. While Turtle Bay offers premium amenities like a golf course and fine dining, the Courtyard delivers solid value for a fraction of the cost.

Families: Hotels with bunk beds can be hard to come by. This location offers a lot of family-friendly amenities beyond that, from the free cultural activities to recreational areas.

North Shore: Is it worth it?

The Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore punches above its weight, offering a family-friendly stay with cultural and recreational perks at a price that’s more affordable than neighboring luxury resorts. With no resort fees, spacious rooms and a prime location next to the Polynesian Cultural Center, it’s an excellent base for exploring the laid-back beauty of Oahu’s North Shore.

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