Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park reopens in April. Here's what to know

Brandon Girod, Pensacola News Journal
Updated ·4 min read

Florida vacationers might be surprised to learn that Floridians love their water parks just as much as they love their beaches. And Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park in Destin has been a longtime favorite of Pensacolians for decades.

Big Kahuna’s is one of the biggest water parks in the Florida Panhandle. It’s home to 40+ water attractions, including waves, rivers and pools, kiddie rides and water slides. Plus, Big Kahuna’s adventure park has a three-course mini golfing experience with 54 holes, a gravity-defying “skycoaster” that dangles riders 100 feet in the air while flying through the sky at 60 mph and more.

Season passes for 2024 are on sale right now, and the park is scheduled to open in just a few months. Here’s what to know before going.

Big Kahuna’s tickets

One-day tickets for Big Kahuna’s are $39.99. Tickets for guests ages 65 and older are $22.99. One-day tickets must be purchased online and reservations are required prior to visiting.

Big Kahuna’s 2024 season passes

Season passes for the park are on sale now for a discounted price of $129.99. The price will return to $154.99 once the promotional period is over.

Big Kahuna’s season passes are valid on all normal operating days. When pass holders visit the park for the first time, they will be prompted to convert their purchase to a photo-verified account.

Evan Bassham with Big Kahuna's Water Park in Destin helps park visitors as they exit the Tiki River Run Wednesday afternoon. With a tight labor market and booming tourism economy, many Destin businesses are having to compete with each other for employees and are paying a highter wage than they have in the past.
Evan Bassham with Big Kahuna's Water Park in Destin helps park visitors as they exit the Tiki River Run Wednesday afternoon. With a tight labor market and booming tourism economy, many Destin businesses are having to compete with each other for employees and are paying a highter wage than they have in the past.

Do kids get in free at Big Kahuna’s?

Kids 2 years old and under get in for free.

Attractions at Big Kahuna’s

Big Kahuna’s has over 40 water attractions. Here’s a look at the highlights.

Kowabunga Racer

The Kowabunga Racer is a four-lane drag strip that plunges nearly five stories on a downhill racecourse the size of a football field. Visitors will grab a speed mat and start off side-by-side with their fellow racers before disappearing in and out of twisting, coiling tubes before a breathtaking drop to the splash landing below.

Hammerhead

The Hammerhead slide features two symmetrical slides that start on top of the Temple of Doom, taking you on a curving ride.

Monkey River

The Monkey River features two slides with 360-degree turns.

Cobra Twister

The Cobra Twister was designed with the faint of heart in mind, according to the park. It provides a relaxing yet exciting journey that seamlessly takes guests into the lazy river.

Honolulu Half Pipe

The Honolulu Half Pipe is a surf simulator that moves 17,000 gallons of water per minute.

Lazy River

The lazy river at Big Kahuna’s is the epitome of aquatic tranquility and, subsequently, one of the best spots to take a break from the surrounding thrills. Unwind and float away in an inner tube or simply enjoy a scenic swim through the park.

Maui Pipeline Slides

The Maui Pipeline Slides is a waterslide attraction that mimics the feeling of a free fall. Specifically designed for thrill-seekers, these three speed slides propel you to high speeds as you twist, turn and plunge your way through until the end.

Jumanji

Jumanji is one of the biggest slides at the park. It’s a 70-foot free-fall in complete darkness.

Tiki River Run

The Tiki River Run lets guests slide down a huge tube alone or in tandem with a friend. Experience the twists, tunnels and turns that weave through waterfalls before splashing down in the pool below.

Does Big Kahuna’s have a wave pool?

Big Kahuna’s has a number of rivers and pools, including Bombs Away Bay, Humunga River, Raging Rhino River, Thunder River, Lazy River and Wave Pool.

How deep does the water get at Big Kahuna’s?

Water depth at Big Kahuna’s ranges between 0 and 5 feet.

How tall do you have to be to ride water slides at Big Kahuna’s?

Park guests must be a minimum of 42 inches tall to ride most rides or wear a USCG-approved lifejacket, which are provided at no charge.

Height restrictions are posted for each attraction.

Guests 42 inches tall or taller can ride:

  • Raging Rhino River

  • Thunder River

  • Kowabunga Racer

Guests 44 inches tall or taller can ride:

  • Tiki River Run

Guests 48 inches tall or taller can ride:

  • Jumanji

  • Maui Pipeline Speed Slides

  • Honolulu Half Pipe

When does Big Kahuna’s in Destin open in 2024?

Tropical Mini Golf at Big Kahuna’s will open on March 9. The water park portion will open on weekends starting April 13.

Big Kahuna’s map

A map of Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park in Destin, Florida.
A map of Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park in Destin, Florida.

How much is parking at Big Kahuna’s?

The parking fee at Big Kahuna’s is $5.

How much do tubes and life jackets cost?

Inflatable tubes and USCG-approved life jackets are provided by Big Kahuna’s for free.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: When will Big Kahuna's in Destin open in 2024? Here's what to know