Family-oriented water park opens in West Oahu

One of the world's largest water parks, the 25-acre attraction hopes to attract 400,000 visitors in its first year of operation, half coming from visitors, half from residents. Grand opening celebrations began with a local couple getting married atop of one of its two 65-foot high slides before taking the plunge.

Other attractions include a wave pool the size of a football field; water toboggan, inner-tube, and body-flume slides; and a "river" with a three-mile current. It also has water-activity areas for adults, teens, and children, plus volleyball courts, a stage area for concerts, public and group picnic areas, gift shops, and dining outlets.

Admission to all attractions is $29.99 (children $19.99). A standard package, with attraction admission, instruction, equipment, and round-trip transfers from Waikiki hotels, costs $44.99 (children ages 3 to 11, $28.99). A deluxe package, with standard package inclusions, plus a barbecue lunch and a gift on arrival, costs $60 (children $36).

The park can handle groups of 50 to 3,500 for functions, and offers theme parties and activities for corporate and incentive groups. It is owned Waters of Kapolei LLC, and is managed by Sacramento, Calif-based Horizon Management Group, which manages mainland water parks. It is open 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, and from 6 p.m. for exclusive groups. Hawaiian Waters, Phone: (808) 674-9283.