Turtle Bay Resort, Hawaii's best surf and golf destination, getting a makeover on Oahu's fabled North Shore

KAHUKU, Oahu, Hawaii -- Is life better on land or by sea at Turtle Bay Resort? To golfers and surfers, this iconic destination provides the best of both worlds.

Turtle Bay's idyllic location of 840 acres along the North Shore has been filmed in more than 150 movies and TV shows since opening in 1972, from "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" to "Alvin and the Chipmunks III" and "Pirates of the Caribbean IV." Guests don't have to be as talented as the surfers in the movie "Blue Crush" to catch a wave.

They can take a surfing lesson at the Hans Hedemann Surf School of Oahu or sit safely on the bleachers next to the resort's pool complex, watching more experienced people tackle the challenge.

Golfers gather on Turtle Bay's Fazio Course and Palmer Course. Arnold Palmer's fine design has hosted the LPGA Tour and the Champions Tour, providing plenty of shot-making demands. The ocean sits within sight of the 17th and 18th greens, ending the day in style. George Fazio's course plays shorter and simpler, although it does feature more ocean views.

A 2011 renovation refreshed the resort's lobby and introduced Surfer, The Bar. Ongoing through the end of 2013 are enhancements to all 397 guest rooms, the 21 Degrees North and Palm Terrace/Leonardo's restaurants, the fitness center and Spa Luana. While cosmetic surgery might not help a Hollywood starlet look any younger, it will certainly give Turtle Bay Resort a fresh, vibrant feel for generations of guests to come.