Covering some 30 acres in total, Wet’n’Wild Hawaii is a popular water park containing an assortment of exciting rides and fun attractions that encourage visitors to splash, surf, and swim until their heart’s content. In addition to its numerous wave pools, tube rides, and water slides, Wet’n’Wild Hawaii has multiple restaurants and food stands. Wet’n’Wild Hawaii is located in Kapolei, some 20 miles west of downtown Honolulu. Unofficially known by the nickname of “Oahu’s Second City,” Kapolei is where visitors will also find Coral Crater Adventure Park.
Wet’n’Wild Hawaii History
The popular Oahu attraction known today as Wet’n’Wild Hawaii first opened its doors to the public in the spring of 1999. It was built at a cost of roughly $15 million, and at the time of its grand opening was known as Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park. Almost straightaway it became one of the most notable attractions located in Kapolei, drawing just under a half-million visitors in its first year of existence.
In 2008 the water park changed hands, and a year later the new ownership group rebranded the attraction as Wet’n’Wild Hawaii. At that time, it was the first Wet’n’Wild Hawaii property located within the United States. Today, it’s one of six attractions that operate under this name across the world. Wet’n’Wild Hawaii is Hawaii’s sole water park.
What’s at Wet’n’Wild Hawaii
Wet’n’Wild Hawaii is home to approximately two-dozen distinctive rides, pools, restaurants, facilities, and more. It’s a particularly fun destination for kids, who are sure to love such attractions as Keiki Kove, where they can enjoy an interactive playground full of water cannons, buckets, and slides; Lil’ Kahuna Beach, an 8,000-square-foot space with a whopping 60 unique kid-centric activities; and the Kapolei Kooler, an 800-foot-long tube cruise that makes for a relaxing time.
The Shaka is another popular experience at Wet’n’Wild Hawaii; this half-pipe ride sees two people share an inner tube and go racing down a sharply angled slide at tremendous speed. Other attractions worth looking out for when visiting Wet’n’Wild Hawaii include the Hawaiian Waters Wave Pool, which is perfect for body surfing or inner tubing; Volcano Express, where the entire family can compete against one another in a mat-sliding race; and Da Flowrider, considered one of Oahu’s best spots to go bodyboarding in a controlled environment.
Most visitors to Wet’n’Wild Hawaii work up quite the appetite during their day of fun in the sun, but that’s no problem at all here as the attraction has multiple dining options for you to choose from. Wet’n’Wild Hawaii’s primary food court is the Windjammer Café; their menu features favorites like burgers, hot dogs, pizza, quesadillas, and a selection of value meals. The Sweet Spot Bar is a popular hangout for adults looking to enjoy a delicious cocktail or refreshing beer in a relaxing environment. There are several food and beverage carts located throughout the park, too, that serve snacks, desserts, and drinks.
If you need to pick up a last-minute must-have water park item like sunscreen, sunglasses, or a bottle of water—or you simply want to snag a stylish piece of surf wear—then you can head straight to the Surf Shack. Davey Jones Lockers, found alongside the shower-and-changing facilities (right in the middle of the park) is a great place to grab a soda or beach towel. They also rent out lockers for the day on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tips for Visiting Wet’n’Wild Hawaii
*Be advised that some Wet’n’Wild Hawaii rides or attractions are operated on a so-called rotational schedule; this means that certain parts of the park might not be open and available at all times during your visit. When in doubt, you can always find the Wet’n’Wild Hawaii ride rotation schedule posted at the entrance gate and, within the park itself, near the Flowrider. It will help you plan out your day here.
*The majority of attractions within Wet’n’Wild Hawaii have strict weight and height requirements; these requirements will be checked and enforced by staff members. It’s probably a good idea to look into and be aware of these standards in advance, especially if you have children who might otherwise be bitterly disappointed to be turned away. A complete list of this information can be found on the Wet’n’Wild Hawaii official website.
*If you’re interested in getting a life jacket to wear during your visit to Wet’n’Wild Hawaii you can check one out for free at the Hawaiian Waters Wave Pool and Lil’ Kahuna Beach.
*Anyone using their Go Oahu All-Inclusive Pass to visit Wet’n’Wild Hawaii will not only enjoy admission to the water park, but they’ll be entitled to a 10% discount throughout the attraction, including on food, drink, souvenirs, and cabana rentals.
