I’m not a “water person.” Swimming and snorkeling have never been high on my list of leisure pursuits, which always surprises people, because I was born and raised in Hawaii (which is, of course, surrounded by water).
But on a recent Sunday afternoon, my boyfriend, Walter, and I decided to check out Wai Kai, Hawaii’s newest recreational, dining and entertainment venue. The name provides a big clue about what to expect: “wai” means “water and essence of life,” and “kai” means “ocean water that sustains and heals."
A 45-minute drive from Waikiki in West Oahu, Wai Kai offers a slew of aquatic activities in a 9-acre facility beside the sea. First-timers should start at the adjacent 52-acre Wai Kai Lagoon, where there are several types of non-motorized watercraft to rent by the hour, including stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, pedal boats, outrigger canoes and Hydrobikes.
Wai Kai is Hawaii’s newest recreation, entertainment and dining attraction.
Credit: 2023 Wai KaiWai Kai Wave and Other Watersports
First, Walter and I decided to test our paddling skills in a tandem kayak. After brief instructions from a staffer, we were off, cruising around the calm lagoon at a pretty fast clip. It felt great to get a low-impact cardio and upper-body workout in the fresh air and sunshine.
Next, we hopped into a pedal boat, which again required us to work together — this time, with our feet instead of our arms. After a few minutes, it was clear this vessel was not meant for racing; no matter how hard we pedaled, we still moved at a deliberate pace. But no matter, we were in no rush. We steered to an “aquabana,” or floating cabana, where we tethered the boat and relaxed in that quiet space for a while.
Back at the dock, we couldn’t resist trying the Hydrobike, which is basically a bicycle with twin pontoons instead of wheels. Initially, I was nervous about powering and piloting it on my own, but that concern vanished in seconds. The Hydrobike was stable, easy to pedal and control, and moved smoothly and quickly. We glided across the lagoon and were back in no time, no sweat.
Guests can relax in an “AquaBana” at the Wai Kai Lagoon.
Credit: 2023 The LineUp at Wai KaiA priority for many water enthusiasts is experiencing Wai Kai Wave, Hawaii’s first deep-water standing wave, which can operate as one 100-foot-wide wave; two channels with one 30-foot-wide and one 65-foot-wide wave; or three channels of 30-foot-wide waves. Speed, depth and height can also be adjusted — the latter up to 6 feet.
Carissa Moore, Kai Lenny and Gerry Lopez are among Hawaii’s surfing greats who have given Wai Kai Wave a big thumbs-up. One of its considerable benefits is that surfers don’t have to paddle out to a wave and pop up on their board to catch it; they simply slide onto it from the side of the padded pool. Also, surfers don’t have to contend with reefs, crowds, critters, currents or rough whitewater.
Here’s how it works: Anyone can reserve a 45-minute time slot for a lesson or open surf session (with a limit of 10 people per session). Then, everyone lines up in an orderly fashion, waiting for their turn to ride the wave several times. It’s a safe, controlled environment, and they don’t have to depend on nature to provide the “perfect wave” — at Wai Kai, the swells are nonstop, consistent and predictable.
Staffers insist that even those without any prior surfing experience can learn how to master Wai Kai Wave. The day Walter and I were there, teens were zipping back and forth on it, displaying incredible skill, control, balance and athleticism. They were having a blast, and so was everyone watching them.
Lounge and Dining Facilities
Among Wai Kai’s other draws are multiple settings for private functions: Nalo Kai Club Lounge offers showers, a locker room and concierge services (day passes are available), while three food-and-beverage venues provide sustenance.
Fresh ahi is used for the Plaza Grill’s Spicy Tuna Tartare.
Credit: 2023 Kitchen Door Napa at Wai KaiThere’s Kitchen Door Napa, a dual-concept dining experience whose partners include Michelin star-awardee Todd Humphries, along with Boardwalk Cafe, which is open for breakfast and lunch (don’t miss the mochi pancakes and banh mi sandwiches). Serving lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, Plaza Grill features an open kitchen, a wraparound bar, a lanai with spectacular views of the lagoon and enticing items such as matcha tiramisu and Vietnamese lettuce cups with crispy tofu, bean thread noodles, pickled vegetables and glazed chicken or seared shrimp.
Special Events and More to Come
Special events are always happening at Wai Kai, including the family-oriented SUP Ohana Tuesday, women-only Wahine Wednesday surf sessions, Social Paddle Thursday, Neon Nights: Glow Paddle Friday and, on the first Sunday of every month, Sustainability Sundays, which spotlight a locally based nonprofit organization committed to sustainable solutions. Farmers markets take place on Thursdays from 4-8 p.m., and Camp Kai, for children ages 8-13, is open during select times of the year, including summer and holidays.
On Monday evenings, The LookOut restaurant’s lanai and decks surrounding the wave pool become the seating areas for a served dinner and The Wai Kai Show. Singers, musicians, dancers and surfers riding the wave tell the story of courageous Polynesian voyagers who settled on islands throughout the vast Pacific.
Set to launch soon is Wai Kai Wave Surf Academy, where ocean riders of all experience levels can sign up for private sessions with top-notch instructors, including former pro surfer Shane Beschen, once ranked the No. 2 surfer in the world.
Even under the watchful eye of exceptional coaches, I’m not sure I’d ever be able to drum up enough nerve to tackle the Wai Kai Wave. But this is certain: Although Wai Kai is closely connected to water, there’s still plenty to enjoy even for avowed landlubbers like me.
