Ewa Beach, Hawaii — Imagine the thrill of experiencing the most impressive waves Hawaii has to offer, and doing so on any day you are there, not just when natural conditions come together, and the surf park will be only one aspect of the Wai Kai destination where everything people love about Hawaii comes together in West Oahu— just west of Pearl Harbor. Located within Hoakalei Resort in Ewa Beach, the facility will capitalize on surfing's growing popularity by coupling the sport with dining, entertainment, and events focused on wellness, families, arts and culture, and celebrations for every season.
Wai Kai is set to open in 2022
According to Larry Caster, director of retail development for Wai Kai Commercial Development, the company building Wai Kai:
“Wai Kai is destined to become a year-round active destination where residents and visitors will enjoy first-of-its-kind attractions, signature events, and the natural beauty of the nearby Pacific Ocean. Wai Kai will have interactive and engaging experiences all in one place, along with great food, that you won't find anywhere else.”
Wai Kai is part of Hoakalei Resort, with access to adjacent beaches and an ancient shoreline trail, gracious residences, with seven major golf courses nearby, including Hoakalei Country Club designed by Ernie Els, his first Hawaii signature golf course.
One of the truly unique experiences at Wai Kai will be The LineUp at Wai Kai, a dynamic social and recreational hub of authentic water experiences headlined by the Wai Kai Wave, the world's largest deep-water standing surf wave at 100-feet wide. Powered by citywave®, the technology creates authentic surfing conditions with perfect endless and adjustable waves from two feet to head-high for all skill levels allowing the use of standard surfboards with fins for big carving turns and top-to-bottom surfing on its glassy wave face. The Wai Kai Wave was created in collaboration with Oahu's-own Shane Beschen (a partner in The LineUp at Wai Kai's operating company), X Games Gold Medalist, and a former world #2 ranked surfer, and his young gun surfing son Noah.
According to Shane Beschen, a partner in The LineUp at Wai Kai's operating company, X Games Gold Medalist, and a former world #2 ranked surfer:
“The surfing will be similar to Oahu's Waimea Bay river wave that flows periodically when the sand bar opens up after heavy rainfall periods – but on steroids. Everything from high-speed carving turns to sections for attacking the lip or doing airs are all possible here. It creates the perfect on-demand setup.”
The Wai Kai Wave overlooks the 52-acre Wai Kai Lagoon, which will offer a sheltered area for stand-up paddling, kayaks, guided outrigger canoes, and piloted electric boat cruises. Major surf and waterman competitions are already being planned for the Wai Kai Wave and Wai Kai Lagoon.
Caster also explained that a portion of the Lagoon waterfront will be devoted to restaurants, pop-up retail, events, and recreation focusing on wellness, arts, and culture, as well as seasonal celebrations. He highlighted that a large special events lawn area is envisioned to host farmers and makers markets, local arts and cultural activities, and music.
The Lookout Bar and Restaurant will offer a front-row view of the surf action and the entire watersports facility.
Management
The LineUp, including the Wai Kai Wave, will be managed by Surf Park Management. “Our team is excited to launch the most progressive facility in all of Hawaii for anyone who loves an active ocean lifestyle,” said Surf Park Management's Skip Taylor. “To give the local community an amazing place to play and socialize as well as introduce active travelers to the waterman's lifestyle is a super exciting opportunity.”
Also in the area:
Ewa Beach is a short trip outside the bustle of Honolulu, making it an ideal base station for your Oahu vacation. West Oahu beach parks line the shore in either direction from Ewa Beach. Day visits to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial or to the island's north shore are easily accomplished.
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