The Wave Pool Is Open for Everyone

Photo byErick PalacioonUnsplash

Resources: CBSNews, The Line Up at Wai Kai

Having a wave pool is an interesting decision. Having the wave pool approved is even more interesting because the pacific ocean surrounds Hawaii. You could go to the beach, which would still be closer than the wave pool. Of course, proponents of the wave pool see it as equivalent to a swimming pool. Many know the importance of conserving water because Oahu is an island. Fresh water is scarce; opponents to the wave pool see the wave pool as a waste of a valuable resource because the wave pool uses fresh water. Yet it still gained enough support from local leaders to construct and open the wave pool. It holds 1.7 gallons of fresh water, the same as two Olympic swimming pools.

In January 2021, the wave pool or the Line-Up at Wai Kai broke ground; on March 2023, the business opened to the public. Some residents have speculated why the government leaders approved a wave pool when the pacific ocean surrounds the island. The wave pool does serve the residents and tourists. The cost to use it seems reasonable; however, consider that you could go to any beach on Oahu and surf for free. Waikiki Beach is a popular surf spot for residents and tourists. The beaches on Oahu would still be cheaper than the wave pool.

Conclusion

Was it a good idea to build a wave pool on an island in the middle of the pacific ocean? I grew up within a five minutes walk from the beach. But if you can think of the wave pool as a swimming pool, it seems more reasonable. In elementary school, as a class, we used to go to the swimming pool about a block away from the school; the pool was across the street from the white sand beach. Swimming pools existed back in the day; the next evolution in recreation is a wave pool. If you think in those terms, it is a nice addition to the island recreation. You can visit the wave pool at Ewa Beach. Check out their website, The Line Up at Wai Kai.