We Tried It: Volcanic Wedgeee Waterslide at Wet ’n’ Wild Hawai‘i

Photo: Laura Dornbush

What: Volcanic Wedgeee Waterslide, two side-by-side enclosed body slides

Who: A mom and her 8-year-old son, both thrill-seekers

Where: Wet ’n’ Wild Hawai‘i, Kapolei

When: Opens to the public on Saturday, May 17

Cost: Included with waterpark admission ($37.99 to $59.99 single-day kama‘āina and military admission)

Photo: Laura Dornbush

As Wet ’n’ Wild season pass holders, our family was stoked to hear about a new attraction in the works and had noticed the construction over the past six months. We were thrilled to be invited to test out the Volcanic Wedgeee Waterslide before it opens to the public on May 17. My son Duke and I were up for the task—in fact, we love roller coasters, twisters and loop-the-loops.

The waterslide is at the far end of the park, opposite the entrance. Just keep walking past the concessions and the wave pool. It’s located where the blue and red Wai‘anae Coasters used to be. However, there are two Wai‘anae Coasters slides still there.

Before the fun comes the workout. We climbed 178 stairs to reach the top of the nearly 70-foot Volcanic Wedgeee Waterslide tower. Which means, if you ride six times, it’s like climbing Koko Head Trail! Breathing a little faster now, we admired the view. From this vantage point, you can see Ko Olina, the ‘Ewa plains and all the way to Diamond Head.

To get the go-ahead to ride, the slide attendant weighed us and measured Duke’s height. You must be less than 300 pounds and taller than 42 inches. Note: 42 inches is the average height of a 5- to 6-year-old.

Photo: Laura Dornbush

Cleared for takeoff, we each took our positions at the top of the two slides. I chose the blue one, and Duke chose yellow. They are positioned side-by-side, so you can race your family and friends to see who gets to the bottom first.

Here goes nothing! I launched myself into the pitch-black tube. As the attraction name alludes to, I screamed, “Eee” as I hit the initial drop. Later, I was told that riders can reach speeds up to 26 miles per hour. Yikes!

Next, I entered the turns section, illuminated with rainbow shaka lights. Finally, toward the end of the slide, I plunged through a meteoric rings section. The dark tunnel paired with vibrant lights gave a nightclub vibe.

By the time I reached the bottom, I had naturally slowed down and easily stepped out of the splash zone. Did I have fun? YES. Did I have a wedgie? No comment.

Photo: Laura Dornbush

Duke had already climbed out of the slide next to me. He won the race. Surprisingly, he wasn’t smiling from ear to ear as he usually does. We exited the ride area, and I asked him how it was.

He said it wasn’t too scary, but that it was hard for him to breathe inside the slide. Also, he mentioned that water splashed in his face, so he kept his eyes closed. Bummer, he didn’t see the fun lights. After asking more questions, my interpretation is that he had a minor bout of claustrophobia—his first ever.

Duke didn’t want to ride again, but I sure did. This time, I chose the yellow slide. I was told that the blue slide has a steeper drop at the beginning, but that the yellow is slightly longer. After riding both, I really couldn’t tell the difference. My second ride was more enjoyable because I knew what to expect and could lie back and soak in the experience.

I know we’ll spend a few days at the waterpark this summer, and I hope to convince Duke to try the Volcanic Wedgeee Waterslide again with me. See you there!

Tips

• Buy a season pass instead of a single-day ticket. If you plan to visit the waterpark twice this year, the pass will pay for itself.
• Skip the new ride if you’re afraid of heights or claustrophobic. The nearly 70-foot tower and dark, enclosed tubes can be a no-go for some.
• Lie back, cross your ankles and cross your arms over your chest for the most streamlined position.
• Stash shoes, sunglasses, hats, etc. in the waterpark’s lockers, because they’re sure to fall off on this thriller.
• If you visit in May, you’ll be gifted limited edition Volcanic Wedgeee merchandise while supplies last.

400 Farrington Highway, wetnwildhawaii.com, @wetnwildhawaii

Laura Dornbush is a regular contributor to HONOLULU and HONOLULU Family