Find the Best Things to Do in Kapolei

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About Kapolei

Kapolei Photo courtesy of koolinaweddings.com

Named after a volcanic cone in the area called Pu`u o Kapolei, the area is often referred to as Oahu's second city, although it isn't actually a city. Located on the western side of Oahu, Kapolei includes the communities of Makakilo, Barber's Point, Campell Industrial Park and Ko Olina, consisting of Aulani and the Ko Olina Golf Club.

Kapolei is home to some exciting things that are unique to the area. A large water park, an exquisite golf club, the new Disney Aulani Resort with three lagoons, and a wealth of shopping and restaurants.

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See & Do

So you've spent days the warm Pacific ocean with sand stuck between your toes, and now the family is ready to blast them down huge water slides? You're in luck! Kapolei is home to the islands only water park, Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park.

Rides include Hawaiian Waters (a wave pool), the Tornado (130 foot tunnel), Raging River, Kapolei Cooler (all ages tube cruise), Big Kahuna, Flyin' Hawaiian, Da Flowrider, and many other rides from big to small and mellow to wild. There's even a pool bar for parents to relax at.

Eat

A seaside location capitalizes on incredible sunsets at the established Paradise Cove Luau. When guests arrive, they're treated to a display of crafts and games on the grounds and are then invited to watch traditional ceremonies. Following is the unveiling of the pig and a delectable buffet with all sorts of appetizing fare, including native island dishes. Finally, performances of song and dance add a festive note and provide a rounded experience of Hawaiian culture. A shuttle to the locale is included.

Don't leave the luau without trying kalua pig, taro poi, lomi lomi salmon, and of course, the always tasty coconut haupia.

Kapolei's Best Restaurants

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Party

Relax true local style in a fisherman's style beach side shack that serves as a bar and lounge called Off the Hook at the extravagant Aulani Resort. Here you'll find a wide array of tropical drinks, and Hawaiian and Pacific inspired appetizers.

Open till 12 a.m. each night, Off the Hook offers hotel guests as well as those from around the island a place to socialize, unwind, and take in the sounds of the ocean breezes and waves. There isn't much nightlife out in Kapolei, but Off the Hook provides an island style locale to spend time watching the sunset and enjoy the outdoors well into the night.

Stay

The latest and greatest resort to open in the area is the Disney Aulani Resort. Making a home right behind a lovely beach cove, Aulani sits on 21 acres with lushly detailed rooms and suites will offer kids, adults and families Hawaiian vacation experiences that can be spent on the resort the entire trip without getting bored.

Boasting 359 hotel rooms, 460 villas, four restaurants, two lounges, a spa, a fitness center, several pools, water slides and a seemingly infinite amount of children's activities, Aulani can entertain guests for weeks.The man-made coves offer usually safe swimming and snorkeling, while the opportunity to have Micki and Mini attend a wedding are just some of the unique opportunities to be experienced at Aulani.

Shop

At the Kapolei Shopping Center, shoppers will find over 30 local and national brand businesses and shops. Whether you're looking for that perfect outfit for a nice dinner, swimwear to enjoy the area's beaches, or home decor or souvenirs, it's all here to be found. A bonus is that parking is free here.

For those that work up an appetite, there's no shortage of eateries at the shopping center. From local style loco mocos, to tasty cookies, to sushi, and some mainstream fast food places, you can shop and eat for hours.

The shopping center isn't huge. It's a manageable, medium sized shopping center that is overwhelming with crowds.