Hawaiian Falls, Waco

Hawaiian Falls water parks may be in Texas, but they're special thanks to thoroughly Hawaiian influences. Take the Shaka Meter, for instance. Most mainlanders know the shaka hand gesture, originally from Hawaiian surf culture, as the hang loose-sign; in the context of the park, it's a measure of a ride's intensity. Each attraction gets rated with up to five shaka signs, five meaning "as intense as surfing a wave after downing five cups of espresso."

Other Hawaiian touches include football-field-sized wave pools perfect for body surfing and cafes that cool off tongues with flavorful shaved-ice treats. Hawaiian Falls water parks also feature attractions such as inner-tube rides and ziplines that end with cannonballs in aquamarine pools.

Two locations entertain guests with adventure park activities, too. Visitors safely strapped into harnesses can scale ropes courses, race up climbing walls and cargo nets, and plunge to the ground during a 60-foot free fall.