If we had wanted to really splurge, we would have rented a cabana or reserved seating prior to our trip. On our afternoon we purchased a locker for most of our gear, rented one towel, and moved our remaining gear around the park instead of really setting up camp. On our second afternoon we found a quiet spot next to the Puka Uli Lagoon in the Rainforest Section by taking an immediate left after entering the park. This home base was close to the central wave pool, and allowed the grown-ups to take advantage of the Drop Slides while Alice played in the interactive Puka Uli Lagoon pool.

The Kopiko Wai Winding River was the perfect relaxing option for waiting between waterslides. Runamukka Reef allowed Alice to play freely while Alex and I swapped between some of the more adventurous slides.
There were many quick service dining options, but we had lunch before arriving. We did want to try one of the Polynesian themed kiosks, so we shared the vegetarian South Pacific Glazed Vegan Meatball Rice Bowl.

Even with an eight year-old who prefers not to ride on anything with a sudden steep drop, we still found plenty of slides suitable for our entire family. The Taniwha Tubes, TeAwa The Fearless River, and ika Moana of the Honu ika Moana were all mild enough for Alice. Alex’s favorite was the Ohno of Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slide. I was the only one brave enough to take the Ko’okiri Body Plunge, a slide that puts you in a closed tube, then drops the floor beneath you for a 70 foot drop that shoots you through a clear observation tunnel. I likened it to a drive-thru bank teller system, but in reverse.

The central focus of the entire resort is the Krakatau Volcano. The large wave pool at the Waturi Beach went still at times, then guests were asked to summon it back with an interactive dance and chant.