Kapolei park's waterslide packs 'em in

By Tanya Bricking
Advertiser Staff Writer

Volcano Express riders carry their mats away after reaching speeds of up to 40 mph — fast enough to be thrilling — while sliding down a five-story drop head first. Cory Lum • The Honolulu Advertiser Volcano Express Waterpark admission: $29.99 for kama'aina; $19.99 for ages 4 to 11; $14.99 for those older than 60; free for children under 3. 674-WAVE (9283).

A theme-park attraction called the Volcano Express, billed as "half volcano, half drag strip," looks like the aquatic version of the state fair Superslide.

The four-lane racing ride, which features special effects like a 30-foot volcano crest that can "erupt" with 50-foot jets of water, made its big splash with a Memorial Day weekend debut at Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park in Kapolei.

"To me, the biggest excitement of this ride is the ability to go head to head," said Jerry Pupillo, general manager of the 29-acre waterpark. "A family of four could race together. It has a competitive edge."

Morgen Sullivan, 13, of Kailua, who won the slide race against her classmates from Mid-Pacific Institute, said the best part is "you can go fast."

Sliders can reach 35 to 40 mph riding blue mats head first down the five-story drop that stretches the length of a football field.

Compared with the other 20 slides in the park, this one is a favorite, said Kelley Macdonald, 14, of Kailua.

"It's better than the Cliffhanger because you don't get a major wedgie," she said, rating the Volcano's smooth ride against the Cliffhanger's feet-first, seven-story free fall.

"It's cool," added Mid-Pac eighth-grader Claire Parrish, 14. "You, like, go down and catch air."