A Hawaiian oasis is coming to Ohio on April 15. Maui Sands Resort will join the indoor water park craze that makes Sandusky the place for families to find a winter-spring getaway. When fleeing to the islands is not a practical solution for you, a Hawaiian resort may be just the cure.

The 55,000-square-foot water park will be the second largest in Ohio behind the Kalahari Water Park, which is also located in Sandusky. According to Lexi Robinson, marketing manager for Maui Sands Resorts, the newest resort plans to stand apart from others in the area because of its theme. “We’ve seen that the Hawaiian theme does very well with different markets,” she says.

Maui Sands will also offer a unique attraction known as SurfRider, which will allow people to boogie board or surf the waves inside. “It’s the first and only in North America and it’s a real life surf simulator,” says Robinson.

For the traditional water park patron, the resort will also offer a variety of slides, a multi-level aquatic play structure, activity pools, a lazy river as well as a spa and whirlpools.

Bonzai Game Arcade is also available as an alternative to the watery-wonderland. The arcade includes 75 interactive redemption and video games such as Dance Dance Revolution, Route 66 Bowling and virtual jump rope.

The resort will also feature a Cabana Village. Seventy cabanas with chaise lounges, televisions, refrigerators and food and beverage service can be rented for half a day. However, the cabanas cannot be reserved.

When it comes to dining at this island oasis, guests have two main choices: Ono Poi offers an authentic luau experience complete with a pig roast and feast. Guests may also attend Black Sands Restaurant and Lava Lounge, which offers American dishes with a pinch of Hawaiian style. Other restaurants and bars will also be available around the resort area. 

Both of the resort’s featured restaurants will be kid-friendly. “It’s definitely open for children,” Robinson says. “Everything will be designed for kids.”

The resort hopes to encourage students, families, wedding parties and business groups to visit by offering group-meeting spaces.

Room accommodations will be offered in three hotels and for every budget. Depending on what you reserve and the time of year, room prices will range anywhere from $89 to $400 per night. The resort offers 14 room types and 300 room choices. “You’re going to find a room at a price that will fit you perfectly,” Robinson says.

Most rooms offered at the resort include water park admission. However, because it is not directly connected with the resort, the Holiday Inn Express will remain open for business travel while still offering admission to the nearby park for its guests. The Holiday Inn may also serve as a cheaper alternative than staying at the new resort hotels. “There are families out there that are budget conscious and the Holiday Inn Express is a good choice for them,” Robinson says.

For more information visit www.mauisandsresort.com or call 1-888-STAY-MSR.