Water parks play an irreplaceable role in the tourism industry of Hawaii. Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii, a premier water park in the heart of Oahu, offers a diverse range of thrilling water rides, interactive attractions, and family-friendly activities, making it a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike. This article is to provide an all-encompassing guide to Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii. If you’re a thrill-seeker who craves adrenaline-pumping slides or someone looking for a relaxing float down a lazy river, this guide has you covered.
Highlights
- Experience an adrenaline rush with an array of water slides and rides, each offering a unique and exhilarating journey.
- Perfect for families with young children, Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii boasts the expansive Keiki Kove and other water play areas.
- Immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of Hawaii with the Waianae Mountain Range as a breathtaking backdrop.
- For those seeking a taste of surfing without hitting the ocean waves, Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii’s FlowRider offers an exciting surf simulator experience.
- Take a break from the water adventures and indulge in a variety of nearby attractions.
History
Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii, originally known as Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park, was established in May 1999 and has since been a must-visit destination for island residents and tourists alike. Throughout its history, the park has offered a unique blend of Hawaiian culture and water park excitement.
The park’s popularity is evident in its status as one of the top 10 most visited family attractions on Oahu. Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii is recognized not only for its fun-filled attractions but also for its commitment to delivering an unforgettable family experience. Testament to this is the fact that it has earned the title of “Best Family Attraction” in Honolulu Magazine’s prestigious “Best of” list. Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii has also earned its place among the Top 10 Best Amusement/Water Parks in the nation, as recognized by Travel Channel. This prestigious ranking speaks to the park’s exceptional offerings, solidifying it as a must-visit destination for an unforgettable Hawaiian getaway. Located in Kapolei, also known as Oahu’s “Second City”, the park provides an oasis of entertainment amidst the bustling cityscape. Spanning 29 acres, Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii is a diverse and expansive water park that provides over 25 thrilling attractions tailored to cater to all ages and preferences. Currently, the Wet’n’Wild Hawaii water park is owned by the EPR Properties, a real estate investment trust based in Kansas City, Missouri. They acquired the park in 2017 from CNL Lifestyle Properties and have since maintained it as a popular destination.
Rides and Attractions
Family-Friendly Fun
Lil Kahuna Beach
The Lil Kahuna Beach is an expansive area spanning 8,000 square feet, serving as a whimsical water playground for children. It showcases an array of engaging features, including vibrant, fun-filled slides and playful tipping buckets that drench the unsuspecting with refreshing sprays. These spray features are notorious for displacing thousands of gallons of water per minute, adding to the exhilarating atmosphere. The area is further embellished with 60 additional activities specifically designed for Keiki (children). Each activity has been thoughtfully curated to ensure the utmost fun, creating an arena of endless delight for the young visitors. The Lil Kahuna Beach promises an unforgettable experience, making it the perfect spot for a family day out.
Accessibility and Requirements: For the Orange/White Slide, riders must be 36 inches or taller and weigh under 200 lbs. Similarly, for the Teal/White Slide, riders must be at least 40 inches tall and weigh under 200 lbs.
Kapolei Kooler
The Kapolei Kooler is a serene river ride that offers a blend of relaxation and excitement. It features lush tropical gardens and cave-like 10-foot walls, making it an ideal spot for unwinding. However, the journey is not without surprises, such as rushing rapids, waterfalls, and water spouts. These unexpected delights break the monotony and keep riders alert to the playful dynamics of the river. The Kapolei Kooler is open on Saturdays and Sundays, providing a leisurely 800-foot lap around the river, allowing visitors to unwind and refresh over the weekend. Whether seeking relaxation or a fun-filled adventure, the Kapolei Kooler caters to all ages and preferences, making it a must-visit feature of your Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii adventure.
Surf Sliders
Experience the thrill of the Surf Sliders, a trio of exciting body slides designed for maximum fun and adventure. Each slide offers a unique journey, with varied twists, turns, and drops that will keep you guessing until the moment you splash down into the pool below. Choose from the Tsunami, a high-speed slide with unexpected drops; the Cyclone, a twisting, turning adventure that will leave you breathless; or the Typhoon, a wild ride featuring a mix of high-speed drops and sharp twists. Whichever you choose, the Surf Sliders promise a heart-pumping adventure unlike any other.
Accessibility and Requirements: Please keep in mind that to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all our guests, the Surf Sliders ride has a maximum single-rider weight requirement of 300 lbs. Additionally, riders must be 42″ or taller to participate in this aquatic adventure.
Keiki Kove
Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii is a kid’s spray ground with interactive water activities for the youngest guests. The Mini-Water Spouting Volcano mimics Hawaii’s natural wonders, creating a playful atmosphere with water eruptions. Water Cannons allows guests to engage in friendly water battles. Mini-Water Slides are designed for younger guests, ensuring safety. The Mushroom Water Shower offers a refreshing cascade of water for children to cool off. Two child-friendly water slides are available for children, with trained lifeguards watching. The park also features interactive water features, such as water sprouts and cannons strategically placed to create a refreshing spray. These features add an element of surprise and excitement, making every visit to Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii an enchanting experience.
Accessibility and Requirements: For the Yellow and Orange Slides, riders need to be at least 36″ tall.
Moderate Adventure
Big Kahuna
The Big Kahuna is a thrilling ride at the Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii park, featuring two distinct slides for riders to choose from. The ride is known for its quick twists and turns, keeping riders on edge and eager to ride again. As the ride reaches its climax, riders plunge into a large splash pool at the bottom, showcasing the spirit of Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii. The ride is not just a slide, but a heart-stopping adventure that embodies the spirit of the park. Whether an adrenaline junkie or a water park novice, the Big Kahuna promises a thrilling adventure that will leave a lasting impression.
Accessibility and Requirements: This ride accommodates 2 – 3 riders at a time, with a maximum combined weight limit of 600 lbs., ensuring everyone enjoys the thrill safely. To ride the Big Kahuna, guests must be at least 48″ in height.
O-Hana Highway: (Closed for Extended Maintenance)
The O-Hana Highway, located seven stories above Kapolei’s cliffs, is an exciting adventure ride offering a 600-foot family raft slide. The ride offers a thrilling experience with an adrenaline rush, sharp turns, and steep drops. The White Water Rafting attraction, with descents of over 40 feet, is a thrilling simulation of real-life white water rafting. It is perfect for families or groups of friends looking for a shared experience. However, the O-Hana Highway is currently closed for extended maintenance to ensure safety and joy for guests. The company apologizes for any inconvenience and looks forward to welcoming guests back soon.
Accessibility and Requirements: One of the major rides, the Shaka, has specific safety requirements. To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests, riders must be at least 42″ or taller to go on this ride. Furthermore, each raft can accommodate 2 to 3 riders, with a total maximum combined weight of 625 lbs. Please note that each rider should not exceed a maximum weight of 250 lbs.
Waimea Whirl
Waimea Whirl at Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii is a thrilling two-person, rainbow-colored ride suitable for families. It offers a thrilling experience as riders drop into a funnel-shaped bowl at high speeds, experiencing a rush of adrenaline. The ride is not just a ride, but an experience. Riders are glued to the walls as they whirl around in the funnel-shaped bowl, experiencing the eye of the storm. The ride ends with a big splash in the pool below, leaving riders drenched and exhilarated, eager to experience the thrill again.
Accessibility and Requirements: Individuals must meet a minimum height requirement of 48 inches to ride. For those who wish to take the plunge with a friend, please note that the maximum combined weight for the double tube is 400 lbs. For individuals opting to ride solo on a single tube, the weight limit is capped at 250 lbs.
Extreme Experience
Da’ Flowrider
This unique, pay-per-play premium attraction offers Hawaii’s only simulated surfing experience. Here, you can hang ten without ever setting foot in the ocean. The choice to ride the wave lies entirely with the guests, they can decide to either take it on with a bodyboard or stand-up surf. As daunting as it may seem, both options present their unique thrill, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in this exhilarating activity. Known as one of the best waves in Hawaii, this continuous 40-foot wave is meticulously simulated to give guests the most authentic surfing experience possible without stepping into the open sea. Whether you choose to bodyboard or surf, Da’ Flowrider promises an unforgettable journey on its endless waves.
Accessibility and Requirements: Participants must be 42 inches or taller for bodyboarding and 52 inches or taller for stand-up riding.
Shaka
The Shaka at Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii is a unique water slide attraction that offers a combination of wet and dry sections, providing an adrenaline rush. The ride can reach speeds of up to 31mph, with the pinnacle being the heart-stopping moment of “zero gravity.” Water spray jets provide a frictionless surface, ensuring a smooth and thrilling ride. The ride also features a 36-foot drop at a nearly vertical angle of 70 degrees, mimicking the sensation of a freefall. This electrifying feature sets Shaka apart, making it a must-try attraction for thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies.
Accessibility and Requirements: For safety reasons, riders must be 48″ or taller to go on this ride.
Volcano Express
The Volcano Express is a four-story, four-lane downhill speedway located at Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii. It features a unique design and adrenaline-charged drops, combining speed, suspense, and fun. Guests are challenged to race against their friends and family, vying for supremacy. The 240-foot raceway catapults riders from a height of 42 feet, reaching speeds of over 20 feet per second. The thrilling descent and speed make the Volcano Express a must-try experience at Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii.
Accessibility and Requirements: Please be aware that riders must be 42 inches (107 cm) or taller to venture on this exhilarating ride.
Tornado
Guests are catapulted from a 50-foot height and zip through a 130-foot tunnel. The climax is when guests plummet into the eye of the storm, pumping adrenaline and creating unforgettable memories. They will spin around the Tornado’s funnel in a two or four-person clover-leaf tube, splashing back and forth through the swirling water before being released into the calm shallows below. This extreme experience is not for the faint-hearted and is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Accessibility and Requirements: The Yellow Clover Leaf and Green Whirly Wheel are two thrilling rides that require riders to be 48″ or taller. The Yellow Clover Leaf can accommodate 2 to 4 riders at a time, but the maximum combined weight for a group is 700 lbs. The Green Whirly Wheel is designed for a pair and has a maximum combined weight limit of 400 lbs.
Entertainment and Events
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Wet’n’Wild Hawaii’s daily events and live entertainment. The park is not just about water rides; it also offers a plethora of shows that cater to all ages. Whether it’s the thrilling stunts performed by our talented acrobats or the mesmerizing dance shows that keep you tapping your feet, there is always something to keep you entertained. To make the most out of your visit, we recommend arriving early to grab the best spots for shows and events. Remember, some of our most popular offerings can fill up quickly, so it’s always a good idea to check the showtimes and plan your day accordingly. Don’t miss out on any of the fun!
Experience the Chief’s Luau
Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii offers a unique Polynesian cultural experience with an evening with Chief’s Luau. This unique cultural experience offers a glimpse into Polynesian tradition, welcoming guests with island hospitality. The park showcases captivating performances featuring traditional Polynesian music, dance, and storytelling. Chief Sielu Avea, the original world champion fire-knife dancer, brings his extraordinary talents to the park. His captivating fire-knife dance demonstration, an authentic island tradition, is a must-see, showcasing the dramatic play of flame and movement, combined with Chief Sielu’s skillful execution and engaging charisma.
Park Safety Measures and First-Aid Facilities
The park implements strict safety protocols, ensuring all rides and attractions are routinely inspected and meet the industry safety standards. Lifeguards and security personnel are present throughout the premises for immediate assistance. In case of medical emergencies, the park houses a fully-equipped first-aid center staffed by trained medical professionals, ensuring prompt and competent medical care.
Accessibility for Guests with Disabilities
Wet’n’Wild Hawaii strives to offer an enjoyable experience for all guests. The park is wheelchair-accessible, with ramps and elevators available for easy access to various areas. Service animals are also permitted in most areas of the park.
Rental Services for Wheelchairs, Strollers, and More
To enhance the convenience of guests, the park provides rental services for wheelchairs and strollers. Visitors can also rent lockers to securely store their belongings while they enjoy the attractions. These rental services can be availed at the park’s guest services center.
Ticketing and Packages
With a wide variety of ticket options, Wet’n’Wild Hawaii offers fun for every budget. Ticket starts at USD 58.59. Season passes offer unlimited entry and exclusive pass-holder benefits throughout the season. Additionally, Wet’n’Wild Hawaii offers group discounts for parties of 10 or more, making it the perfect locale for birthdays, family reunions, or corporate events. For convenience, you may book a ticket at HawaiiActivties.com.
Visitor Tips
Visiting Wet’n’Wild Hawaii can be an unforgettable experience with the right preparation. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit.
Advice for Planning Your Visit
The best times to visit Wet’n’Wild Hawaii are during weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds. Remember, the park usually gets busier during weekends and holidays so plan your visit accordingly. Also, considering Hawaii’s tropical climate, it’s important to check the weather forecast before your visit to ensure a comfortable and safe experience.
What to Bring
Remember to pack the essentials, including a swimsuit, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Towels and a change of clothes are highly recommended. Lockers are available for rent to safely store your belongings. Also, while the park offers a great variety of food options, visitors are allowed to bring in their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, so feel free to pack a picnic.
Policies on Outside Food, Pets, and Personal Belongings
While Wet’n’Wild Hawaii encourages visitors to enjoy the variety of food options available at the park, guests are also permitted to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. However, guests are requested not to bring any glass containers or alcohol. In the interest of safety and comfort for all visitors, pets are not allowed within the park, with exceptions made only for service animals. Personal belongings can be stored securely in lockers available for rent.
Guidance on Making the Most of Your Day
To ensure you have an exhilarating and memorable time at Wet’n’Wild Hawaii, it’s advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends and during peak season. This allows you to fully experience all the rides and attractions. Be sure to check the schedule for any special events or shows on the day of your visit. Remember to take regular breaks between activities to rest and hydrate. Lastly, don’t forget to take home a souvenir from the gift shop to remember your unforgettable day at Wet’n’Wild Hawaii.
Nearby Attractions
When visiting Wet’n’Wild Hawaii, be sure to explore other exciting attractions in the vicinity to make the most out of your vacation. Just a short drive away, immerse yourself in Hawaii’s rich culture at the Bishop Museum, the largest museum in the state and the premier natural and cultural history institution in the Pacific. For nature enthusiasts, the Kaena Point State Park offers mesmerizing views of the ocean and a unique opportunity to spot Hawaiian monk seals and nesting albatrosses. Don’t miss out on the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, a historical site that provides a sobering reminder of the events of December 7, 1941.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii is located at 400 Farrington Highway, Kapolei, Hawaii 96707.
The operating hours of Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii vary throughout the year. It’s recommended to check the official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii offers a variety of attractions including thrilling water slides, a wave pool, an interactive kids area, a lazy river, and much more.
While it’s not mandatory to book tickets in advance for Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii, it’s highly recommended to ensure entry, especially during peak times.
Yes, Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii offers a range of dining options including a grill, a pizzeria, and snack bars.
Yes, Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii is wheelchair accessible and strives to provide a fun and safe environment for all guests.
How to Get There
By Car
If you’re driving from Honolulu, head west on the H1 Freeway. Take the exit onto HI-93 W towards Waianae. Continue along HI-93 W until you reach Exit 1B for Farrington Hwy towards Makakilo/Kapolei/Kalaeloa. Merge onto Farrington Hwy and you’ll find Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii on your right.
By Bus
For those preferring public transit, TheBus offers service to Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii. Take Bus Route 40 or 401 from Ala Moana Center in Honolulu, and depart at the UH West Oahu Stop. From here, it’s a short 15-minute walk to the water park.
Please remember, it’s always a good idea to check with your accommodations or local transit authority for the most up-to-date and direct routes.
Splash your Way to Wet’n’Wild Hawaii!
Create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re seeking heart-pounding thrill rides, family-friendly attractions, or serene relaxation spots, this park has something for everyone. Situated amidst the breathtaking beauty of Oahu, a day at Wet’n’Wild Hawaii is more than just a fun-filled outing; it’s an experience that brings joy, excitement, and a sense of togetherness. Don’t miss out on the exhilaration and enjoyment waiting for you at Wet’n’Wild Hawaii! Share this article with your friends and family, plan your visit, and prepare to embark on an extraordinary adventure.