Oahu, Birthplace Of Modern Surfing, Will Soon Have The World’s Largest Deep-Water Standing Wave

Oahu’s west side offers the best of both worlds — Honolulu and its glorious restaurants and museums are a short half-hour drive away, while the stretch of island along the leeward side has mellow beaches and a laid-back, local vibe.

On February 10, 2023, a unique entertainment destination will open on its shores: Wai Kai, part of Hoakalei Resort in Ewa Beach, will invite surfers, wannabe surfers, and the surfing obsessed to connect with the now-global sport that was born on the island.

This exciting development is the first of its kind in Hawai’i, where modern surfing caught a wave in the cultural zeitgeist, and it will have the world’s largest deep-water standing surf wave. Powered by citywave®, this technology creates realistic surfing conditions with infinite and adjustable waves, ranging from two to six feet to accommodate a range of skill levels. The 100-foot-wide controlled wave will allow up to three surfers at a time, and an additional 30 in the “barefoot zone,” and is designed to emulate natural standing river waves like the North Shore’s famous Waimea River Sand Bar. The Wai Kai Wave was created in collaboration with local surfer Shane Beschen, an X Games gold medalist and former world number two surfer. He and other former and current professional surfers will be available for hands-on instruction and training sessions.

Beschen says, “We’re looking forward to making surfing accessible to more people in a controlled, safe environment while also providing an exciting arena for the sport’s best to train. 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 52-acre water sports compound, known as the Wai Kai Lagoon, will also have an event event lawn with waterfront fire pits, water sports club and retail shops. The LineUp at Wai Kai will be the focal point of recreational and an activity hub of water sports and activities.

The Wai Kai Wave will overlook the lagoon, a peaceful protected area for stand-up paddling (SUP), kayaking, outrigger canoeing, peddle boats and piloted electric boat cruises. Aquabanas and sun loungers will punctuate the sandy beach.

Skip Taylor, a partner with Surf Park Management, which will oversee The Line Up, says, “After years of thoughtful planning, our team is thrilled to launch the most progressive facility in all of Hawaii designed specifically for those who love an active ocean lifestyle. It’s especially meaningful to give the local community an amazing place to play and socialize while introducing active travelers to the waterman’s lifestyle that Hawaii is beloved for.”

Optional monthly memberships will be available for frequent visitors, with preferred rates and access to special events and programming. Major surf and water competitions are being planned for the Wai Kai Wave and Wai Kai Lagoon.

There will be three restaurants onsite, and Michelin-awarded Todd Humphries of Kitchen Door Napa will be the headlining chef.

Event bookings are currently available for groups, and general activity reservations are expected to go live in November. Kama’aina rates will be available as well. For more information, visit Wai Kai or The LineUp.

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