When Coral Crater Adventure Park opens in December, it won’t be merely another place to go ziplining. Instead, it promises to offer a nexus of action, relaxation and bonding, all in a 35-acre setting.
During a recent sneak preview of the west Oahu attraction, my pulse started racing as Coral Crater CEO James Owen described the park’s various components.
“We’re helping people rappel down walls, explore off-road, shoot laser guns and ride in a tandem giant swing, all while having a great time with friends and family,” Owen said.
The centerpiece of Coral Crater is the 50-foot-high Adventure Tower, which boasts activities — dubbed Challenge Elements — such as a freefall experience and a climbing wall. And yes, clients can go ziplining.
“Our two zipline courses, each with three lines, will be very different from one another, so they will cater to a wide variety of visitors,” Owen said.
Inside the crater, guests can navigate a network of specially designed off-road trails while buzzing around in two-seat go-karts or riding on electric mountain bikes. Owen plans to feature Zombie Apocalypse events on Friday and Saturday evenings, when clients can chase alien creatures with laser guns in a safe, party-like atmosphere.
At the top of the crater, meanwhile, Owen and his crew are creating a 6,000-square-foot relaxation and recreation area. Barbecue grills and “imus” (Hawaiian underground ovens) will be available for picnics, family gatherings and luaus. Food trucks will be on hand, as will horseshoe pits, a state-of-the-art playground and a mini obstacle course for kids. The attraction is providing plenty of parking, restrooms and shaded seating, as well as an observation deck for non-adventurers.
Coral Crater is the newest lure to west Oahu, a destination that’s gaining traction among visitors. Owen expects to offer transportation from Waikiki and from nearby Ko Olina Resort, home of the new Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa.
The attraction is poised to do well with a range of clients, according to Owen, who is marketing Coral Crater to families, adventure lovers, birthday parties, bachelor/bachelorette parties and team-building groups.
Owen wants to price Coral Crater affordably and flexibly so that clients can stop by for a short, single activity or spend the entire day there. Guests can buy activities on an a la carte basis or as a package. He estimates that a six-line zipline tour will cost $99 per person, with an all-inclusive package priced at $199. Commission is 10 percent.
Coral Crater makes its home in a 10-acre former quarry where, in the late 1940s, the U.S. Navy dug up rocks to build a runway. Currently, most residents don’t know that the big pit exists. Now that I’ve toured the site, I’m willing to bet that the adventure park will be a hugely popular attraction in west Oahu.
The Details
Coral Crater Adventure Parkwww.coralcrater.com
