About 35 minutes from Honolulu, the Wai Kai recreation and lifestyle development has opened with three restaurants, a 52-acre lagoon, plentiful outdoor event space and the Wai Kai Wave, a deep-water pool powered by Citywave for learning to surf.
Measuring 100 feet wide and adjustable for two- to six-foot-high swells, the Wave can be set up with three lanes, for up to 10 surfers per lane, and emulates natural standing river waves such as those found on Oahu’s Waimea River. Future plans for the attraction include the Wai Kai Wave Surf Academy, which is being developed Shane Beschen, former world No. 2-ranked surfer, X-Games champion and Red Bull's high-performance surf coach.
“Our goal isn’t to replace the ocean, rather to be a valuable resource for water enthusiasts,” said Beschen. “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 will be available for personalized instruction and training sessions.
Guests also can choose from other water activities on the protected 52-acre Wai Kai Lagoon, set inland from the Pacific Ocean. Kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, pedalboards, Hydrobikes, outrigger canoes, surfskis, pedal boats, Duffy boat cruises and AquaBana floating cabanas are available for rental.
The property's Kitchen Door Napa is Wai Kai’s signature restaurant, featuring a dual-dining concept housed in a two-story, 7,200-square-foot venue. Among the creators of the eatery are Michelin-star chef Todd Humphries and Maui-born restaurateur Richard Miyashiro, whose menu aims for sophisticated yet approachable fare for broad-ranging appetites. Plaza Grill, on the upper level, features a full-service dining room, a wraparound bar, an open kitchen, a spacious lanai with lagoon views and a parlor for intimate events. On the Lagoon level is Boardwalk Cafe, a counter-service restaurant with an all-day menu of eclectic and traditional favorites. The LookOut Food & Drink, a Surfrider Foundation ocean-friendly restaurant, serves dishes inspired by famous surf spots around the world, and also offers views of the lagoon action from its lanai and wave deck. Foam Coffee & Bar features coffees, smoothies, fresh juices and handcrafted cocktails along with snacks and grab-and-go food items.
Among the event venues in the development are the 61,200-square-foot Event Lawn, the Fire Pit Terrace, the Lagoon Promenade and the 12,600-square-foot Surfside Lawn by the Wai Kai Wave.
