With lots of media attention, the new “Volcanic Wedgeee” erupted at Wet’n’Wild Hawaii for the park’s 25th season. These two High-Speed AquaTubes are the tallest, steepest, and fastest slides in the state and are already extremely popular with guests.
But it’s not just a vanity project.
Volcanic Wedgeee holds so much more significance than meets the eye. standards, delivering an unparalleled experience for our guests.”
A Thrilling Reward for Sustainability Initiatives
The launch of Volcanic Wedgeee represents more than just a new ride—it’s the direct result of smart, forward-thinking investment in sustainability. This $5+ million attraction was made possible in large part due to operational savings from Wet’n’Wild’s bold move to become Hawaii’s first 100% solar-powered, year-round attraction.
The park expanded its existing 1.3 MW solar carport system by adding more solar PV capacity and a Tesla Megapack battery energy storage system, significantly lowering its carbon footprint and utility bills. As a result, annual operating costs are projected to decrease annually by over $300,000.
In addition, Wet’n’Wild partnered with Hawai‘i Energy to install 20 variable frequency drives (VFDs) on the motors powering its water attractions. This single upgrade has delivered 900,000 kWh in annual energy savings and cut energy costs by $200,000 in just the first year.
Instead of simply pocketing those savings, the park reinvested in guest experience—with Volcanic Wedgeee as the thrilling payoff. This project is a testament to how sustainability can drive innovation and fund future-forward entertainment.
A Uniquely Hawaiian Ride Experience
Paying homage to the geographic make-up of Hawaii, Volcanic Wedgeee is a set of two WhiteWater High-Speed AquaTubes body slides, which are designed to be up to 50% faster than traditional models while still delivering a smooth, rider-friendly experience.
Before embarking on the park’s newest thrills, guests hike 178 steps to the top of the tower, where they take in magnificent views of Ko Olina and the ‘Ewa Plain as they wait their turn for either the blue slide or the yellow slide. Heart pounding, they peer into the darkness before launching from almost 70 feet in the air, through an enclosed flume at speeds of up to 26 mph.
The tube does not stay dark for long. Soon, the rider is surprised by bursts of light—a simulated magma chamber outfitted with one-of-a-kind AquaLucent effects: Colorful stripes, rings, and the world’s first SHAKA tunnel!
This fusion of speed, height, and immersive visuals creates a cinematic thrill ride that’s unlike anything else in the region.
Strategically Filling a Gap in the Ride Mix
Up to now, most of the Wet’n’Wild Hawaii’s high-thrill attractions were restricted to guests 48 inches and taller. Volcanic Wedgeee is engineered for guests 42 inches and up, significantly broadening access to younger thrill-seekers and families with older kids. This fills a long-standing gap in the park’s ride portfolio—delivering high excitement to a wider range of guests.
In addition, it’s the first new major thrill ride since 2015, helping reinvigorate repeat visitation, encourage season pass renewals, and re-energize media buzz around the park.
Volcanic Wedgeee aligns directly with Wet’n’Wild Hawaii’s core business goals:
- Drive attendance through headline-making, state-leading attractions
- Differentiate from regional competitors with immersive, custom-designed experiences
- Expand the target demographic, especially families with kids aged 7–12 who are too big for kiddie rides but often excluded from larger thrill slides
- Stimulate revenue growth through increased in-park spending, photos, and merchandise tied to the new ride
It also marks a strategic shift toward innovation and storytelling, paving the way for future themed expansions and tech-integrated experiences.
In Summary
Volcanic Wedgeee isn’t just an exciting ride, it’s an industry-leading example of what a park can achieve through committed sustainability efforts, selecting an attraction that fulfills the demands of the guest demographics, and recognizing the heritage of the land.
And the guests love it.
“We’ve had so much positive feedback from guests. It’s actually a nostalgic ride brought back with a twist for many now adults who remember the park in its original form 26 years ago as ‘Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park.’ Volcanic Wedgeee is a modernized thrill ride they can now enjoy with their kids. In addition, this ride really rounds out the adrenaline-seeking offerings of the park—perfect timing for a grand opening just as school lets out for summer break!”
— Scott Loos, General Manager, Wet’n’Wild Hawaii