They call it the Waimea Whirl. The latest addition to the attractions at Wet'n'Wild Hawaii, the water raft ride drops guests into a splash-filled bowl, where they stay glued to the wall through multiple spins before plunging into the pool. The new ride is just one of 25 exhilarating attractions at Hawaii's only water park, which recently earned plaudits as Best Family Attraction from the listmakers at Honolulu Magazine. At the park, which stretches over 25 acres of verdant tropical landscape in Kapolei, thrill-seekers can also tackle slides such as Shaka, an innovative wet/dry ride that sends riders screaming down a 36-foot drop that feels almost vertical.

It's not all about adrenaline, though; tamer attractions include the Water World Playground, which features interactive children’s activities, and Hawaiian Waters, a 400,000-gallon wave pool powered by artificial waves. Adults can lounge on a deck chair by the inland shore, or grab a drink at the Sweet Spot Flow Bar and watch the latest sports or cheer aspiring surfers showing off moves on Da Flowrider wave machine.