[ WEEKEND ]

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HAWAIIAN WATERS ADVENTURE PARK The Volcano Express ride wasn't finished in time for us to get a photo, but you can expect a splashing good time when the ride makes its public debut Monday.

Volcano tops 5-story ride

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By Keiko Kiele Akana-Gooch
kakana-gooch@starbulletin.com

A hot new water ride will erupt Memorial Day at Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park.

The Volcano Express is a five-story slide comprising straight vertical drops and three plateaus. The ride, a football field in length, is topped by a volcano that shoots 50 feet of water into the air.

The new ride, with a tube of red and orange Plexiglas, is among more than 20 water attractions at the 25-acre amusement park.

The ride allows four people -- at least 4 feet tall -- to race down a steep incline, sliding headfirst to the finish, while speed guns clock riders to determine just who's the fastest.

It may not be who you think.

Park officials say there are three forces at work while racing down a slide: momentum, gravity and speed.

Volcano Express grand opening Where: Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park, 400 Farrington Highway When: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday Cost: $32.99 general for adults, $21.99 for children 4 to 11, $14.99 for seniors 60+ and free for keiki under 3; kama'aina rates $29.99 for adults, $19.99 for children. Call: 674-9283 Regular hours: 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays to Mondays

Hawaiian Waters public relations officer Kimi Takazawa said, "The smallest amount that touches the slide is the best."

While heavy people have gravity and momentum working for them, thinner types have less friction working against them due to less contact with the walls.

And have those razors handy. She said it's been noted that people with hairy backs don't reach optimum speeds.

The ride uses a specially crafted pump, gushing more than 2,000 gallons a minute.

The water park caters to all ages, with rides such as Keiki Kove, Waterworld, Surfsliders, Hurricane Bay and Kapolei Kooler for young children, and Flyin' Hawaiian, "The Shaka," Waianae Coaster, Big Kahuna, Cliffhanger and Volcano Express for older kids and adults.

For those who get the munchies, the Windjammer Food Court and Kau Kau Cafe offer a range of quick foods such as burgers, pizza, nachos, shave ice, saimin, chili and rice and plate lunches.

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