Big Kahuna’s Water Park in Destin, Florida: Better Than the Beach??

Destin, Florida, is a popular destination for beachgoers. With its gorgeous white sand and glittering emerald waters, it’s hard to beat the beach. But does the beach have water slides??

No. No, it does not.

But at Big Kahuna’s, there are over forty water slides, water rides, and water play areas to explore! Spending the day at this Destin water park is an awesome way to cool down and turn up the thrill factor.

So, slip on your sandals and grab the sunscreen – it’s time to make a splash!

Big Kahuna’s Water Park

Take things at your own pace at Big Kahuna’s, be it slippery fast or totally chill. There’s something everyone can enjoy!

Slip ‘n’ Slide

The biggest draw to Big Kahuna’s is their towering waterslides and thrilling water rides.

There are eight notable thrill rides, as well as four kiddie slides. Many slides boast multiple lanes, like the four-lane, five-story Kowabunga Racer. Who will reach the bottom first??

The Hammerhead, Monkey River, and Tiki River Run all incorporate twists, turns, and tunnels that add to the ride’s excitement, while the park’s most iconic slide, Jumanji, sends you on a seventy-foot free fall. In the dark. (For a slightly less scary free fall-style slide, try the Maui Pipeline!)

If those crazy slides make you feel faint of heart, you might want to try the Cobra Twister instead. It sounds deadly, but in reality, this slow slide will gently slalom you into the Lazy River.

There’s also a unique ride called the Honolulu Half Pipe that continuously generates the perfect wave for body surfing – or board surfing!

You must be 48 inches tall to ride Jumanji or body surf on the Honolulu Half Pipe, 44 inches tall to tackle Tiki River Run, and 42 inches for the rest of the rides, including the kiddie slides.

Rivers and Waves

For those who wade into the water not only to cool down but also to chillax, Big Kahuna’s has you covered with their waves, rivers, and pools!

Splash and play in Bombs Away Bay, where waters range from just over your toes to five feet deep. You can also check out The Wave Pool, which simulates the ocean – without the salt! While we all want to know how they manage to harness wave power, Big Kahuna Destin has a disclaimer: “the process to generate waves is a trade secret, sorry.”

I know, super disappointing!

At least we know how they create a current in the Lazy River….right? Right?! Okay, maybe we don’t know that either, but we do know the Lazy River is tons of fun. With no height requirements, this relaxing ride is perfect for the whole family! Similarly, you can also ride the Humunga River, which has slightly more pep with its added waves.

But if you’re at least 44 inches tall and looking for some action, jump into the rumbling rapids of Raging Rhino River or the lighting-fast Thunder River!

Big Kahuna’s Adventure Park

If you’d rather stay high and dry for the day, head on over to Big Kahuna’s Adventure Park!

Here you can play a rousing round of Tropical Minigolf, choosing from three unique courses, or scream yourself silly on the Sky Coaster, a thrill ride that hangs you one hundred feet in the air and lets you fly at 60 mph!

Admissions and More

While a day at Big Kahunas Destin is enjoyable and often considered a top thing to do in Destin, everyone agrees: it is pricey.

One-day tickets and reservations for the water park are $39.99 and must be purchased online at Big Kahuna’s website. As of writing, season passes are $129.99, but the prices are likely to go up once the water park season officially begins (April 15th).

At Adventure Park, you can choose to either play mini golf ($12.99) or ride the Sky Coaster ($17.99) or get a package deal for both at $25.99.

Food, Drink, and Shade

Unfortunately, outside food and drink are not allowed at Big Kahuna’s. While they have on-site food service (pretty typical burgers and fries), it’s nothing too spectacular, and just like admission, getting lunch here will take a bite out of your budget. Additionally, lockers for stowing less-than-waterproof items must also be rented for a fee.

Another complaint about Big Kahuna’s is that it gets incredibly busy. (To be fair, it gets super busy because it’s so rad.) Renting a cabana can give you a bit of privacy in the midst of the hustle and bustle – as well as wonderful shade! – but again, that comes with a hefty pricetag ($159.99).

Is Big Kahuna’s Better Than the Beach?

Water slides rock. So, in that regard, Big Kahuna’s might be cooler than the beach. However, with admission prices almost as steep as the water slides themselves, the beach is far more accessible (though you do have to pay for parking). And – bonus – you’re allowed to bring your own PB&J sandwiches to the beach!

While it’s probably not a sustainable way to stay cool for the duration of an entire vacation, Big Kahuna’s is great for a splishy splashy splurge day!

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Have you been to Big Kahuna’s in Destin? What was your favorite water slide? Splash into the comments below!

Stay cool, friends!

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Featured photo: Sunny Studio via Canva