By Perry Schaible
Enquirer contributor

Tara Nahrup, marketing manager at The Beach, points out details on a model of one of the new attractions. The Cincinnati Enquirer/MICHAEL SNYDER

MASON - Two new Hawaiian-themed attractions will open at The Beach Waterpark this summer.

Volcanic Panic, a 500-foot waterslide with a 360-degree turn, and Kahuna Beach, said to be Ohio's largest tropical beach, will open for the park's 20th operating season.

The water slide is the first ride added to the park's 48 attractions since 1996.

"We think the rides are a great fit with our theme for the summer, which is 'Plunge In,' " said Pam Strickfaden, vice president and general manager of The Beach.

Park officials announced their plans Wednesday. They declined to release the projected cost, saying it is a significant capital investment.

The former Thunder Beach wave pool will be transformed into Kahuna Beach with ocean-style waves, islands, waterfalls and volcanic rockwork. Live palm trees, music and cabana seating will add to the atmosphere.

Guests brave enough to tackle The Beach's new ride, Volcanic Panic, will travel through wooded terrain into a "molten lava" finish on the park's longest slide.

Kahuna Beach will be finished for the season opener on May 22. Volcanic Panic will follow on July 3.

Employees of The Beach will do almost 90 percent of the work on Volcanic Panic, said assistant general manager Todd Nahrup, who is serving as construction manager.

"By doing it ourselves it teaches the maintenance (crew) every aspect of the ride," he said, allowing for quicker repair when necessary.

Milford resident Kate Storch is excited about the new attractions. She has been taking her three children, ages 11, 7, and 5, to the water park twice a week since 1999.

"I spend a lot of time around the wave pool because you can kind of just relax there," Storch said. "The kids are really looking forward to any new thrill ride."

Paramount's Kings Island recently announced plans for Crocodile Dundee's Boomerang Bay, a new outdoor water park to open this season. An out-of-town resort company is negotiating with park officials to build a hotel and indoor water park on its campground.