EWA BEACH, Hawaii — West Oahu’s newest venue, the first of its kind in the state, features water activities, restaurants and monthly curated events. Wai Kai sits within Hoakalei Resort, anchored by the much-anticipated Wai Kai Wave and the 52-acre recreational Wai Kai Lagoon.
“Wai Kai aims to create community and connection through interactive and engaging activities, dining and events,” said Director of Retail Development Larry Caster in a news release. “We’re excited to provide a unique place for locals to gather while introducing travelers to the vibrant surf and waterman lifestyle for which Hawaii is known.”
The Wai Kai Wave, powered by citywave®, is Hawaii’s first deep-water standing wave, similar to a moving wave. Former No. 2 ranked world surfer, X-Games champion and Red Bull’s high-performance surf coach Shane Beschen explained to wavepoolmag.com, “Standing waves are obviously different than paddle-in waves because the water is coming at you. But with CityWave (and other tech) being a deep-water standing wave, it allows for real surfboards and fins, which allows you to get a similar feeling when doing big carves.”
The technology allows for a consistent, rideable wave, emulating natural standing river waves such as Waimea River. It’s suitable for all levels, beginner to pro. The Wai Kai Wave spans 100-feet wide with up to three lanes accommodating up to 10 surfers per lane. In the works is the Wai Kai Wave Surf Academy being developed in collaboration with Wai Kai partner Beschen.
“Our goal isn’t to replace the ocean, rather to be a valuable resource for water enthusiasts,” said Beschen in a news release. “Our custom surfing program and innovative technology enable an in-depth approach to coaching made easier by the consistent and predictable nature of the Wai Kai Wave. It’s the perfect practice arena for the sport’s best to hone their craft, and an accessible entry point for beginners to learn in a controlled environment.”
Beschen and other internationally acclaimed surfers are available for personal instruction and training sessions.
Olympic gold medalist Carissa Moore, world champion big wave surfer Kai Lenny and Gerry Lopez have already taken a ride on the wave. “I had the best time visiting The LineUp,” said Lenny. “It’s the perfect environment to improve surfing technique and try out different tricks because it’s a never-ending ride. I can’t wait to go back.”
The LineUp at Wai Kai is the venue’s social and activity hub featuring the Wai Kai Wave, as well as kayak, stand-up paddleboard and pedal board, Hydrobike, outrigger canoe, surfski and pedal boat rentals, plus Duffy boat cruises and AquaBana Floating cabanas on the Wai Kai Lagoon. It also includes The LookOut Food & Drink (a Surfrider Foundation Ocean Friendly Restaurant) with a front-row view of the Wave, Foam Coffee & Bar, and the Nalo Kai Club and Sessions Lifestyle & Apparel.
The LineUp is STOKE (Sustainable Tourism & Outdoors Kit for Evaluation) certified and works with Sustainable Surf and its Hawaii-based SeaTrees program. Every guest activity booking on the Wai Kai Wave or Wai Kai Lagoon puts one dollar toward the SeaTrees program, supporting restoration of coral reefs, coastal watersheds, kelp forests, mangroves and educational programs.
In addition, each token purchased sequesters one ton of carbon emissions through double-certified carbon credits and restores one square-foot of coastal watershed on Maui.
The critically acclaimed Kitchen Door Napa is Wai Kai’s signature restaurant presented by Michelin-awarded Chef Todd Humphries, Maui-born restaurateur Richard Miyashiro and Managing Partner Tim Seberson. Plaza Grill is a full-service dining room with wrap-around bar, open kitchen, lanai with lagoon views and a parlor. Boardwalk Café is a quick-service restaurant with an all-day menu.
Wai Kai has partnered with Hawaii-based Events International, catering to groups and events in a variety of spaces. Events include social paddles, farmers’ markets, Wahine Wednesdays, surf/paddle/yoga sessions and Sustainability Sundays, a monthly event highlighting nonprofit organizations committed to sustainable solutions. Camp Kai is a multi-day camp for keiki that will be available throughout the year.
Every Monday starting April 17, the signature Wai Kai Show will feature a family-style dinner along with performers weaving a story of water through song and dance that will incorporate the Wai Kai Wave.
Wai Kai offers The LineUp Local for residents and military with price discounts and preferred access to special programs and events.
Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.