Surfer riding wave in "The Lineup" wave pool at Wai Kai with Sessions and Kitchen Door restaurants and lagoon at sunset, Ewa Beach, Oahu, environmental graphic design by RSM Design.

Ewa Beach, Hawaii

Wai Kai

Celebrating Hawaii's Connection to Water

Project type

Wayfinding Signage Design Public Art & Murals

Project sector

Sports & Entertainment Waterfront Wayfinding Design
Dimensional Wai Kai monument sign with wave symbol on lava rock base framed by palm trees, Ewa Beach, Oahu, environmental graphic design by RSM Design.

Project info

Client Haseko Development

Architect CallisonRKTL

A culturally rooted wayfinding system
that brings Wai Kai's identity to life

Set against the pristine shores of West Oahu within the Hoakalei Resort, Wai Kai is a groundbreaking destination that redefines the connection between people, water, and the rich cultural heritage of Hawaii. This year-round venue is home to The LineUp, a social and recreational hub featuring the world’s largest deep-water standing surf wave, a sprawling 52-acre lagoon, premier dining experiences, and immersive retail. “Bringing the best of the island’s activities, never before available in one location, celebrating our deep connection to water,” Wai Kai is designed to inspire exploration and adventure. Tasked with bringing the site’s identity to life, RSM Design crafted a seamless integration of public art and wayfinding signage, weaving storytelling and navigation into the very fabric of the space. Through culturally inspired graphics, intuitive signage, and artistic expressions, RSM Design ensured that every element not only guides but also deepens the experience, celebrating the spirit of Wai Kai and its deep ties to the land and sea.

"The Lineup" building facade signage with graphic wave mural at Wai Kai, Ewa Beach, Oahu, environmental graphic design by RSM Design.

the movement of waves

RSM Design created a mural for the exterior facade of the Lookout building, wrapping around the corner to bring texture and movement inspired by ocean waves to the once-blank wall.

Public Art & Murals
Black and white illustrated wave pattern graphic for Wai Kai, environmental graphic design by RSM Design.
The Lookout Food and Drink dimensional building sign at Wai Kai, Ewa Beach, Oahu, environmental graphic design by RSM Design.

The Lookout offers cocktails, craft beers, and small plates in a casual setting with live entertainment.

The Lookout Food and Drink building exterior with travertine stairway and graphic wave mural at Wai Kai, Ewa Beach, Oahu, environmental graphic design by RSM Design.
Sessions retail storefront with illuminated channel letter sign and wave-textured facade at Wai Kai, Ewa Beach, Oahu, environmental graphic design by RSM Design.
Foam Coffee and Bar green glass blade sign mounted on travertine facade at Wai Kai, Ewa Beach, Oahu, environmental graphic design by RSM Design.
Nalo Kai Club oval blade sign in black and brass mounted beneath wood ceiling at Wai Kai, Ewa Beach, Oahu, environmental graphic design by RSM Design.

RSM Design gave Wai Kai's retail and F&B tenants signage full of personality, each distinct yet united by a surf-inspired design language.

Market

Food & Beverage Design
Surf Orientation oval blade sign against blue sky at Wai Kai, Ewa Beach, Oahu, wayfinding by RSM Design.
"Barefoot Zone" oval regulatory sign mounted on glass railing overlooking wave pool at Wai Kai, Ewa Beach, Oahu, wayfinding by RSM Design.
Surfer walking beside "The Lineup" wall graphic overlooking wave pool at Wai Kai, Ewa Beach, Oahu, environmental graphic design by RSM Design.
"Welcome to the Wai Kai Lagoon" regulatory sign on dock overlooking paddlers on the water, Ewa Beach, Oahu, wayfinding by RSM Design.
"Ohana" ADA restroom sign with pictograms and braille on wood paneled wall at Wai Kai, Ewa Beach, Oahu, ADA signage by RSM Design.

RSM Design extended the signage to Wai Kai’s various amenities, such as the Wai Kai Lagoon, a 52-acre inland water playground for paddleboards, hydrobikes, kayaks, and more.

Wai Kai Lagoon rental kiosk with "E Komo Mai" oval sign overlooking the water at Ewa Beach, Oahu, environmental graphic design by RSM Design.
Directional pylon sign with wave icon for parking, drop-off, and ride share at Wai Kai, Ewa Beach, Oahu, wayfinding by RSM Design.
Directional pole sign with stacked panels for The Lineup Launch, Foam, Nalo Kai Club, the dock, and restrooms beneath illuminated lantern light at Wai Kai, Ewa Beach, Oahu, wayfinding by RSM Design.
Surfer riding wave beneath "The Lineup" wall signage with Sessions and Kitchen Door buildings at Wai Kai, Ewa Beach, Oahu, environmental graphic design by RSM Design.