In a state globally revered for its ocean surf, a facility in West Oahu is shifting the surfing experience inland. The Lineup at Wai Kai is positioning itself as a hub for Oahu wave pool surfing, offering controlled, consistent waves just 35 minutes from Honolulu International Airport.
Located in Ewa Beach, Wai Kai combines modern surf technology with a broad spectrum of water-based and hospitality amenities. Its signature feature—a deep-water standing wave—has drawn interest from longtime surfers, competitive athletes, and complete beginners alike.
Amber Jacroux Bixel, Events Director at The Lineup at Wai Kai, oversees the property’s event operations and shared with us many of the offerings available on site.
A Consistent Alternative to Ocean Surfing
Oahu’s surf scene is known for iconic breaks and variable conditions. Wai Kai’s wave pool, by contrast, runs on a programmable system. Its deep-water standing citywave can span up to 100 feet wide and provides repeatable surf conditions. According to Amber, this consistency is the key appeal.
“The upside of a wave pool is you’re not having to paddle out… you’re practicing turns and tricks,” said Amber.
The wave system allows users to practice maneuvers in a way that’s not always feasible in the ocean. Wai Kai alternates between running the wave at 65 and 35 feet widths, or fully opening it to 100 feet for special events like the new Surf League, which runs on the last Friday of each month through August.
Developing a Surfing Community
Amber added that older surfers who may no longer feel comfortable navigating crowded ocean breaks are returning to the sport through the deepwater standing wave pool. At the same time, young competitive surfers are using the wave to fine-tune their skills.
Wai Kai has observed a unique cross-generational community developing around the pool.
“They’re here one, two, three times a week, and they’re just lighting up because they’re getting to surf, like how they used to surf again,” said Amber.
Others are beginners who have never tried surfing before and find success within a 45-minute introductory session.
Oahu Wave Pool Surfing for Beginners and Pros
For those unfamiliar with the surf environment, the predictable wave pattern at Wai Kai can accelerate the learning curve. “We get them up and riding on their own within 45 minutes,” added Amber. “Sometimes those are the riders that like it, and for them the whole proces clicks the quickest.”
Meanwhile, experienced surfers gain the ability to isolate and drill specific tricks.
AquaVenture and Lagoon-Based Activities
Beyond Oahu wave pool surfing, Wai Kai offers additional attractions around its 52-acre enclosed lagoon. The water is brackish, containing approximately 60% of the ocean’s salinity, which makes it a different environment for water play.
The AquaVenture obstacle course spans an acre and resembles a floating “Ninja Warrior”-style park. Wai Kai says it is suitable for both children and adults.
“It’s not just for children—it’s designed for adults too,” said Amber. “It’s basically… you’re running, you’re jumping, you’re falling, you’re flying. It features high jumps and slides, and according to her, it’s a lot of laughs.”
Other water activities include stand-up paddleboarding, surf skis, pedal bikes, a six-person canoe, and hydro bikes. The lagoon’s enclosed nature eliminates ocean hazards such as riptides, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Dining and Amenities Overlooking the Wave
“The LookOut Food and Drink sits above our wave pool. It looks out onto our 52-acre lagoon, which then extends over to the Pacific Ocean,” said Amber.
The restaurant serves appetizers, pizzas, burgers, and local fusion cuisine, with extended happy hours and service extended to surfside cabanas on the wave deck. Guests can watch surfers, enjoy live music, or spot whales during migration season from the elevated venue.
Airport-Friendly Services for Travelers
The Malachi Lounge caters to inbound and outbound travelers with services like luggage storage, lockable lockers, air-conditioned seating, and fully equipped shower facilities. According to the company, it provides a convenient option for visitors arriving early or departing late.
Team Building and Event Hosting
Wai Kai also serves corporate groups, birthday parties, and weddings through its events division. Surfing sessions can be combined with land- and lagoon-based team-building activities such as kayak relays or obstacle races.
“We host everything from concerts to night markets to weddings to grad parties… we can do it all here,” Bixel said.
The facility offers audiovisual support for meetings, which can be paired with meals or surfing.
“You really build a lot of camaraderie with your individuals… it’s a cool dynamic that we’ve been seeing happening here,” Amber added.
Expanding the Role of Wave Pools in Hawaiian Surf Culture
While Oahu has no shortage of natural surf, Wai Kai believes wave pools like theirs are a complement—not a replacement—for ocean surfing. On flat days or for skill-specific training, the facility sees itself as a new chapter in the evolution of surf culture in Hawaii.
“Here in more of their golden years, they’re now competing against each other in a wave pool,” said Amber. “Younger athletes, meanwhile, can use the facility to train with consistent repetition. You can continuously do a single trick over and over again.”
With its combination of hospitality, recreation, and structured surf training, Wai Kai is aiming to broaden what surfing means in Hawaii—making Oahu wave pool surfing an emerging fixture in the island’s sports and tourism ecosystem.
