The Lineup at Wai Kai features a German rapid wave pool technology flourishing in the birthplace of surfing. Sounds strange but that’s what’s happening here on Oahu halfway between Waikiki and the North Shore.

This wave pool has become a gathering point for both local Hawaiian surfers and visiting pros. During WavePoolMag’s visit we sessioned with Nathan Fletcher, Shane Beschen, Kelly Slater, Jason Shibata and even shared a wave with skating legend Christian Hosoi.

GETTING HERE

You can fly to Oahu from almost anywhere in the world at any level of comfort and price. We rented a car at the airport and stayed in Waikiki at the newly remodelled Twin Fin which is centrally located and beachfront in Waikiki. It has a surfy vibe and is a good alternative to expensive stays and is reasonably priced starting at just $239 per night.

THE LINEUP AT WAI KAI

The wave pool at The Lineup is different from a travelling wave and does take some getting used to. Salted surfers need to unlearn a lot of ocean knowledge and check their egos at the door. It can be frustrating the first few runs, but eventually most traveling wave surfers get the hang of it.

The facility has instructors to help you learn. These teachers operate at all levels, from total newbies to advanced.

The wave is setup as either one 100 foot wide rapid wave or divided into two distinct waves, one 30 feet wide and one 60 feet wide. Surfers wait on each side and drop in when it’s their turn.

Hours of operation/Seasonal Hours: The surf park is currently open 9:45am-9pm (Sat-Sun) / Noon-9pm (Mon-Fri). Check website for updated schedules.

Surrounding this wave is a giant lagoon for stand up paddling and outrigger canoeing. Other amenities include The LookOut bar and restaurant, a surf shop, VIP Cabanas, a lounge and a coffee bar.

The Lowdown: Hawaii’s first citywave features a 100-foot-wide wave for all level of surfers.

Accessibility: Open to the public, All-ages, Beginner surfer, Intermediate surfer, Advanced surfer Reservations for surf sessions and digital waivers are required, as well as showing up an hour before your session.

Wave Generating Technology: citywave

Wave’s Technical Information: Rapid wave (or deep water standing wave) with variable settings of height, air sections and intensity surfed either as a 100-foot-wide wave or broken up into two sections (30ft / 65ft)

Hours of operation/Seasonal Hours: The surf park is currently open 9:45am-9pm (Sat-Sun) /  Noon-9pm (Mon-Fri). Check website for updated schedules. 

What it costs to surf at Wai Kai at the moment:
100-foot wave: $175 ($99 Kama’aina and multipack discounts $84/session). 
65-foot wave: $140 ($75 Kama’aina and multipack discounts to $56/session)
30-foot wave: $90 ($60 Kama’aina and multipack discounts to $36/session)
Surfside Cabanas: $275 ($200 Kama’aina) 1/2 day
Play-Your-Way at the 52-acre Wai Kai Lagoon (1hr): Adult: $40 (Kama’aina $34), Junior (6-13 years old): $20 ($17 Kama’aina) 

Pool Structure: citywave surrounded by lagoon facility

Waves per hour: One never-ending wave

Atmosphere: Hawaii vibes and history

Apparel: Mostly boardshorts and bikinis

Other questions: Email the team at [email protected] or call (808) 515-SURF (7873)

Ikaika and Greg from The Lineup at Wai Kai address the challenges of running a wave pool in Hawaii