We were at the Ritz-Carlton Turtle Bay on Oahu for July 4th, and the fireworks-night buffet was not what I expected from a resort at this price point. This is the honest account of what happened, and what I’d tell someone planning a Fourth of July stay there.
Given the price and the resort’s usual standard — Alaia and The Point have both been excellent on other visits — our expectations weren’t unreasonable. We were hoping for something that reflected Hawaiʻi: local seafood, grilled meats with real flavor, sides that used what’s actually grown on the islands. That’s not what showed up.
The Food
The burgers arrived well-done and dry, edges curled from sitting under the heat lamps. The hot dogs were rubbery. The pulled pork had no real seasoning — no smoke, no sauce to speak of — and the grilled chicken was pale and lukewarm. Several trays had clearly been sitting for a while. The seafood was the biggest letdown given the oceanfront location: a little shrimp, a seafood salad, nothing that tasted like it had been caught anywhere near where we were standing.
The Drinks
This is where it really fell short. The only adult option was a rum tasting station — no cocktails, no bar menu, nothing built around the holiday or the setting. I’m not even sure there was beer. It was forgettable in a way I didn’t expect from a resort known for its bar program.
Service
The staff were polite but clearly overwhelmed. We ran out of plates and utensils mid-service, trash bins overflowed, tables sat unbussed and sticky, and simple requests like napkins or water took a long time. The bar line was long and moved slowly, with no one clearly managing the flow.
Pricing and Value
Adults ran about $120 each, kids about $60, which put a family of four at roughly $360 including tax and tip. For what we got, that felt closer to two decent fast-casual meals than a resort holiday event.
How It Compares to Alaia
The contrast with Alaia, the resort’s main restaurant, is what made this sting more. We’ve had genuinely excellent meals there — thoughtful plating, real ingredient sourcing, service that felt attentive rather than reactive. It’s proof the resort can do this well. This event just wasn’t it.
Is It Worth It?
No, not at this price. Our kids had a little fun running around and watching the fireworks, but neither of them said anything about the food afterward, which tells you what you need to know. If you’re staying at Turtle Bay over the Fourth, I’d eat somewhere off-property that night and just show up for the fireworks themselves.
Quick FAQ
Is the July 4th BBQ at Turtle Bay worth it?
Not at this price — the food and service didn’t match what we’ve come to expect from this resort.
Do kids enjoy it?
Ours had fun with the fireworks and running around, but the food and drink side of the event wasn’t geared toward keeping them engaged.
How much does it cost?
Roughly $120+ per adult and $60+ per child at 2025 rates.
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