Looking for things to do in Destin, Florida? Sure, there is the beach, but the city is also home to the largest water park on the Florida’s Gulf Coast. Big Kahuna’s Destin is a great option for families with children of all ages. Home to water slides, wave pool, lazy river, and non-aquatic attractions, Big Kahuna’s attracts visitors and locals year after year. As a local family, we have had the opportunity to learn through our neighbors and visits how to make the most of your trip. Keep reading for top tips, money-saving ideas, and everything you need to know before you go to Big Kahuna’s water park!
Big Kahuna’s Destin
Opened in 1986, Big Kahuna’s water park is home to over 40 water slides, rides, and attractions. Today, it remains one of Destin’s most popular attractions, to both locals and tourists alike.
So, what exactly can you expect from a day at Big Kahuna’s?
Well, that partly depends on when you’re planning to visit. As with most things to do in Destin, if you’re coming during the busy tourist season, then you can expect long lines and lots of people.
Tip: If you can, book your trip after Memorial Day but before the end of the season. Temperatures are usually in the upper 90’s and the crowds are gone!
However, if you plan accordingly, Big Kahuna’s Destin can still be a great time, even on the busiest of days.
First, keep in mind that Big Kahuna’s water park is much bigger than it appears from the outside.
There are several different areas and play zones throughout the park. This means a lot of walking. With several stairs and bridges throughout the park, it can be tiresome with babies and toddlers.
Therefore, to maximize time spent having fun and minimize tiring yourself out from lugging everything around, it is best to determine the primary area that you think you’ll be staying.
If you’re not renting a cabana, choose lockers in this zone and store whatever you don’t need to be hauling around.
For the smallest of swimmers, the Tadpole Pond, Yellow Submarine, and Pirate Ship all offer shallow waters with smaller slides and fountains. These are conveniently located next to the wave pool and are all within sight of each other.
Toddlers, preschoolers, and younger adolescents might also enjoy the Crocodile Flats and Pleasure Island areas. Located near the front entrance, these zones have smaller slides and waterfalls with lower-depth pools.
Tip: The maximum height for Pleasure Island is 44 inches to allow little ones their own space to splash and play.
In addition to the many individual and family water slides throughout Big Kahuna’s, the park also offers a lazy river, wave pool, splash pads, and a river tube packed with waves and currents.
Big Kahuna’s in Destin also has a smaller, non-aquatic themed space called Adventure Park. Here, guests can find thrill rides and a mini-golf course. Typically, Adventure Park opens and operates later in the day than the water park itself.
Big Kahuna Prices
For the 2019 season, prices for entrance into Big Kahuna’s Destin are $45.99 for guests 48 inches and over and $35.99 for those under 48 inches. Guests under 2 years old are free. It is important to note that these ticket prices are for purchases made at the gate.
For those purchased online, the water park offers a discount. An even deeper discount can be applied for those purchasing tickets online two days in advance.
Cabanas are available for rent and have a maximum party size of 10 people per cabana. These shaded, private lounge areas include lockers, a server for food and drinks, and dining tables and chairs.
There are four areas in Big Kahuna’s water park where cabanas can be located. A full-day rental at any of these locations costs $125.99
Tip: This does not include the price of admission to the water park itself!
While this might be helpful if you’re traveling with a large party during peak season hours or planning an event at the park, in the off season with a small group, it’s just not necessary.
Additionally, it is important to note that Adventure Park, which is separate from Big Kahuna’s, has fees for each ride or attraction there.
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Adventure Park
Located adjacent to the water park, this small area of Big Kahuna’s is home to thrilling attractions that may be more appropriate for older adolescents, teens, and adults.
Currently, there are four thrill rides and attractions located in Adventure Park. While admission fees to Big Kahuna’s Destin will gain you entrance into Adventure Park, it will not cover the fees for any of the rides.
This includes the Cyclone and Sky Coaster rides, which both cost $14.99 per ride.
Also located in Adventure Park is a 54-hole miniature golf course. Players under the age of 12 can play for $4.99 while those over 12 years old cost $6.99 per game.
Perhaps the most popular and unique attraction here is the Honolulu Half Pipe. Here, riders can surf a continuous wave for $9.99 per ride.
Money-Saving Tips
As with any excursion in tourist cities, a family day at the water park can add up quickly. Luckily, there are several ways to save money. Many of these tips were shared by locals who frequent Big Kahuna’s Destin several times per year!
First, don’t pay full price for those tickets!
As mentioned previously, there are discounts, including simply purchasing tickets online a few days prior to your trip.
Big Kahuna’s Water Park also offers discounts for military members, seniors, and provides group rates for those coming to the park in large parties.
Tip: Military servicemembers can also check with the Eglin or Hurlburt ITT offices, which sometimes offer additional discounts on tickets and passes.
However, the biggest discount can be applied when purchasing a season pass. Big Kahuna’s offers a Black Friday special on season passes, and also offers these at the end of the season.
The savings offered here are huge. For instance, the 2019 season passes are currently going for $49.99 for an individual pass, or $46.99 when purchasing 3 or more season passes. Considering that an adult ticket is around this price when purchased at the gate, it makes more sense to buy the season passes.
Tip: The end of the season deals are typically much greater than those on Black Friday so look out for this around the end of the summer!
In addition to unlimited entrance into the water park for the season, the season passes also include unlimited entrance into Adventure Park, free parking, free or discounted bring-a-friend tickets (depending on when you purchased).
It also provides free admission to special events held at the park, a 20% retail discount, and special offers on food and snap-on souvenir items. Perhaps the biggest incentive of all is that the admission through the season passes also extends to all Apex locations, which are found throughout the United States.
For a full list of Apex parks included in this offer, check out their parks map here.
Outside of ticket prices, there are other tried and true methods locals use to save money. One example is packing a cooler lunch rather than eating at the food court restaurants provided on site.
Big Kahuna’s Destin does allow guests to re-enter the park, and the parking lot is located just outside of the entrance, making this a convenient money-saving opportunity.
Also, there are lockers provided throughout the park, but these can be costly. Save the money and pack simple essentials in a small beach bag. Generally, this just means sunscreen and a few beach towels.
If you get to the park early enough or later in the season, there are plenty of chairs available to leave your things on while you ride or swim. Just be sure not to leave anything of valuable lying around!
For more information, including the season calendar, how to purchase tickets, special discounts, and hours of operation, check out the official Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park website.
Have you been to Big Kahuna’s Destin? Let us know in the comments below!
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Mimi says
Water parks are so fun, honestly wishing I was there, it’s gloomy and sad here!
Christina says
Oh no, I feel your pain! We were lucky enough to get stationed here after a few years in dark and freezing Alaska!
Paula @ I'm Busy Being Awesome says
This is such a fun place, i bet both kids and adults will enjoy and your tips for saving are super helpful
Christina says
I totally agree that adults love it too. My husband was like a kid on Christmas!
Lori Riddle says
We were there when the kids were smaller, so much fun! I hope after hurricane Michael that things are ok.
Christina says
We got very lucky here in the Destin/Navarre areas. Our neighbors at Panama City Beach and Mexico Beach took the brunt of it unfortunately, but it’s been so nice to see everyone here pitching in and trying to help out whatever way that they can.
Christa Anne says
This looks so fun! Water parks are always great for vacation. I live in the desert, so I always travel towards the water.
Christina says
Definitely! I remember it was one of my favorite things growing up and I have some amazing memories of vacation times at water parks, so it’s nice being able to give that to our kids as well!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
Water parks are the best! This looks fabulous and super-entertaining!
Christina says
It really is, there is a lot to do at this one and it’s much bigger than it looks!
It's Megan says
This looks so fun! I love your tip about when to book – crowds can really make or break a vacation sometimes! You don’t want to have to wait in line when it’s hot to go down the water slide …!
Christina says
That is so true! I learned one year after booking our Disney World trip in the off-season that it makes a huge difference going when it’s not too hot and there are almost no lines. It opened up a whole new world to me!
moondreams says
It looks like a really fun water park! Would love to visit some day!
Christina says
It’s a blast, and there’s a lot more to it than I was able to provide in pictures. If you have the chance to visit, I definitely recommend it!
Kasey Ma says
This place looks like so much fun!! I am from Florida so I really appreciate a good water park haha!
Kasey Ma
thestylewright.com
Christina says
Yes! Anything to cool off in these hot summers! 😀
Stine Mari says
This would definitely be my kind of heaven as a kid! I love swimming and water activities
Christina says
I was the same, and loved Big Kahuna’s even as an adult!
Karen Giuliana says
Love these tips about when to book! I’ll have to check it out, it looks so much fun and not a huge drive from south Florida. A good vacation spot for sure! Thanks for sharing!
Christina says
Yes absolutely! Next time you have a road trip up this way, it’s a great place to check out. There are a ton of things to do in Destin and nearby Navarre Beach as well!
aditi says
This is great to know. The last time we visited Destin, we simply overlooked this park.
Christina says
There are so many things to do in Destin that it’s hard to fit it all in one trip. We’ve lived here going on two years and still haven’t experienced half of what’s available in the area!
laurenwyngarden says
Love this post! We make it to the Gulf a few times a year and we will be giving this place a shot! Thank you for sharing!
Christina says
That’s so awesome to hear! Hope you have an amazing time next time you’re down here!
Kirstin | the tinberry travels (@tinberrytravels) says
This looks fantastic but certainly agree to try head out of peak season – these places can get so busy that it spoils the fun. Great that there are discounts but the season pass certainly sounds like such a good deal!
Christina says
Yes absolutely! We’re fortunate enough to live here so it is easier for us to do so, I know not everyone is able to. I’ve learned that holiday breaks are good times to go as well, Florida’s spring time week may be different from other states, so it would be less likely to be crowded then also!
Mommy Levy says
the area looks awesome. I like that you shared your experience for those who want to try it and save. Thanks for the money tips.
Christina says
You’re welcome, I’m glad you enjoyed it! This area is beautiful and there is so much to do and see!
Emily Cave says
Hey Christina! Great article! One question- we are Inn Destin now and are going to Big Kahunas today. We are going to take our lunch and keep it in a cooler in the car and eat out in the parking lot. Is there an area we can sit and eat at our in the parking lot like picnic tables or do we just stand at our car and eat? Thank you!!
Christina says
Hi Emily, I’m afraid I’m late responding to this so you may have answered your own question! We were just there a few weeks ago and I thought there were picnic tables adjacent to the parking lot, but I could not remember. Personally, I would head to the air conditioning of my car if possible! I hope you enjoyed your time there, they just opened the new pirate play area and it looks awesome!
James Davidson (jdphoto) says
Love the write up – quick question – did you mean book between Labor day and the end of the season? “between Memorial Day and the end of the season” seems like the whole season 🙂 Thanks again for the article!