Zip down a two-story slide. Climb a 15-foot wall. Cross bridges with arches, dips and twists. It's all part of the fun at AquaPeakz, the newest offering to make waves at Wai Kai, a west Oahu attraction known for its exhilarating water-based diversions.

Opened in July, it is an addition to AquaVenture, a floating playground on Wai Kai's 52-acre lagoon that has been drawing crowds since its March 2024 opening. The minimum age requirement for both is 7 years old.

AquaVenture offers some 20 components, such as ramps, monkey bars and bounce zones. AquaPeakz ups the thrill factor.

"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."

Wibit Sports, a company based in Bocholt, Germany, manufactured most of the play equipment in Wai Kai Lagoon. Its customizable installations can be found in more than 100 countries, including Bali, France, China and Saudi Arabia. Wai Kai is the only place in Hawaii where visitors can navigate Wibit courses, which comprise modular, interlocking components inspired by Lego.

"Our leadership team was familiar with Wibit's cool floating playgrounds," Pupillo said. "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."

Wai Kai Lagoon's size and clearly marked boundaries enable visitors to enjoy a wide range of activities simultaneously without overlapping, whether they're kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, riding a hydrobike or honing their agility, coordination and balance in AquaVenture and AquaPeakz.

The 12 bridges in Leeward Launcherz each present their own unique challenges, including daring gaps and wobbly walkways. Photo Credit: Wai Kai

Launcherz and a Slider

Leeward Launcherz in AquaPeakz features 12 bridges set 3 to 9 feet above the water, each with a different challenge. For example, one bridge has gaps between narrow sections that look like balance beams.

"Walking this bridge requires balance and careful foot placement because the surface doesn't stay level," Pupillo said. "It shifts slightly in response to body weight, so you feel like you're 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."

AquaPeakz's Ewa Slider was manufactured by Aquaglide, a company headquartered in Bend, Ore. To reach the top, visitors can either use steps or climb a vertical wall with soft, textured grips. They then speed down a 20-foot slide with a "kicker exit," a slightly upward curve at the end that lifts them into the air before they land in the water.

"Ewa Slider is engineered for speed, splash and serious up-in-the-air time," Pupillo said. "Imagine climbing to the top, pausing to take in the amazing view of the ocean and everything that's going on at Wai Kai, both on land and on the water and then launching into the lagoon. It makes you feel like a kid again and keeps you coming back for another round."

The 20-foot Ewa Slider features a "kicker" exit that launches riders in the air before they drop into the lagoon. Photo Credit: Wai Kai

What else is new?

In addition to AquaPeakz, three other new draws make Wai Kai a must for an Oahu vacation itinerary.

? The Ohana Splash Pad is a relaxing hangout for visitors of all ages. Two shaded floating lounges on the lagoon are equipped with sprayers, fountains and shallow splash zones that delight toddlers and preschoolers.

? Every Thursday evening, top Hawaii surfers wow spectators with flips, turns and other remarkable displays of athleticism during the free 30-minute LineUp Surf Show at the Wai Kai Wave.

Since Wai Kai opened in 2023, the Wave has even drawn pros who appreciate that they don't have to paddle or wait for the perfect peak. The Wave continuously forms in a 30-meter pool and can be adjusted up to 6 feet high and 100 feet long.

? Ask foodies where they go for delicious, local-style fare on Oahu and Side Street Inn no doubt will be on their list of suggestions. Now there's Halia by Side Street Inn at Wai Kai, where the same hearty dishes, including pan-fried pork chops, "kim chee" fried rice and boneless chicken in a sweet shoyu garlic sauce, have earned its two sister restaurants on the island a loyal following.

"Even better, Halia has indoor and outdoor seating right beside the lagoon," Pupillo said. "Hawaii residents love the water, and if we aren't in it, most of us want to be near it. Water is a big part of island living, and Wai Kai is a family-friendly destination that invites everyone to celebrate that."

For more information, visit waikai.com.