West Oahu’s Wai Kai is making a splash this summer with the opening of AquaPeakz, an exhilarating addition that complements the already popular AquaVenture floating playground.
This latest attraction promises an adrenaline rush for visitors aged 7 and older, featuring thrilling activities like zipping down a two-story slide, climbing a 15-foot wall, and crossing intricately designed bridges complete with arches, dips, and twists.
‘Because of its elevated obstacles and jump platforms, AquaPeakz is more of an adrenaline rush,’ said Jerry Pupillo, vice president and general manager of Wai Kai. ‘It’s great for teens and adults looking to test their nerve. Many visitors choose to start in AquaVenture, then advance to AquaPeakz when they’re ready to go outside their comfort zone.’
Launched in July 2023, AquaPeakz enhances the fun at AquaVenture, which has welcomed crowds since it opened in March 2024. The floating playground boasts around 20 components, including ramps, monkey bars, and bounce zones, catering to adventure seekers of all ages.
Wibit Sports, a German company based in Bocholt, is the mastermind behind much of the play equipment at Wai Kai Lagoon. Their customizable installations can be found in over 100 countries, including exciting locations like Bali, France, China, and Saudi Arabia. Notably, Wai Kai stands out as the only site in Hawaii where residents and tourists can navigate Wibit courses, which are constructed from modular, interlocking components reminiscent of Lego.
‘Our leadership team was familiar with Wibit’s cool floating playgrounds,’ Pupillo shared. ‘We felt that the expansive, protected waters of our lagoon would be perfect for those kinds of experiences, especially since nothing like them previously existed in Hawaii.’
The lagoon’s ample size and clear boundaries enable visitors to engage in numerous activities without overlap. Guests can enjoy kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, riding hydrobikes, or improving agility and balance in AquaVenture and AquaPeakz simultaneously.
One standout feature of AquaPeakz is the Leeward Launcherz, which consists of 12 bridges elevated 3 to 9 feet above the water, each presenting a unique challenge. For instance, one bridge mimics balance beams with gaps between its narrow sections.
‘Walking this bridge requires balance and careful foot placement because the surface doesn’t stay level,’ Pupillo explained. ‘It shifts slightly in response to body weight, giving the feeling of walking on a seesaw or a moving log. The spaces between segments range from 5 to 10 inches, wide enough to make you pause and focus before proceeding but not so wide that they look unsafe.’
Another thrilling component is the AquaPeakz’s Ewa Slider, designed by Aquaglide, a company from Bend, Oregon. To reach the top of the slide, visitors can opt for steps or tackle a vertical wall with soft, textured grips. Upon reaching the summit, they zoom down a 20-foot slide equipped with a ‘kicker exit,’ which propels them into the air before they splash down into the lagoon.
‘Ewa Slider is engineered for speed, splash, and serious up-in-the-air time,’ Pupillo noted. ‘Imagine climbing to the top, pausing to take in the amazing view of the ocean and everything happening at Wai Kai, both on land and water, before launching into the lagoon. It makes you feel like a kid again and keeps you coming back for another round.’
Beyond AquaPeakz, Wai Kai has introduced several other attractions that make it a must-visit destination on an Oahu vacation.
One such feature is the Ohana Splash Pad, which serves as a relaxing space for visitors of all ages. It includes two shaded floating lounges equipped with sprayers, fountains, and shallow splash zones designed for the enjoyment of toddlers and preschoolers.
Every Thursday evening, the Wai Kai Wave hosts the LineUp Surf Show, where top Hawaii surfers entertain spectators with an array of flips, turns, and athletic displays during a complimentary 30-minute performance. This wave pool is especially appealing for pros, who enjoy surfing without the hassle of paddling or waiting for the perfect wave. The Wave continuously forms in a 30-meter pool and can be adjusted up to 6 feet high and 100 feet long.
For food enthusiasts, Halia by Side Street Inn at Wai Kai offers delectable local-style fare that locals cherish. The menu features hearty dishes like pan-fried pork chops, kim chee fried rice, and sweet shoyu garlic chicken, all served with the allure of indoor and outdoor seating along the lagoon’s edge.
‘Hawaii residents love the water, and if we aren’t in it, most of us want to be near it,’ Pupillo expressed. ‘Water is a big part of island living, and Wai Kai is a family-friendly destination that invites everyone to celebrate that.’
image source from：travelweekly
