Big Kahuna's is the largest water park on the Emerald Coast and one of Destin's most-visited family attractions. It sits right on Highway 98 at the eastern end of Destin, which makes it an easy half-day stop between the beach and dinner. The water park side is seasonal — open from late May through late September — but the Adventure Park with the mini-golf, go-karts, and SkyCoaster runs year-round.

If you're staying in Destin with kids and looking for a break from sand and saltwater, this is the obvious choice. Here's what to know.

Hours, Tickets, and Prices

Address: 1007 US-98, Destin, FL 32541
Phone: (850) 837-4061
Standard hours: 10am to 5pm, though hours extend during peak summer weekends. Confirm the day's schedule on the official website before driving over — they adjust seasonally.

2026 ticket pricing (online):

The online discount is real — book the day before if you can. The Sunset Supersaver is the best deal if you don't mind a shorter visit; the park is also less crowded after 3pm.

Parking: $5 per vehicle, paid separately at the lot.

Discounts: Active duty military, veterans, nurses, doctors, and first responders get discounts at the ticket booth with valid ID. The discount isn't always advertised but it's there if you ask.

What's at Big Kahuna's

Big Kahuna's bills itself as having 40+ attractions. The water park side accounts for roughly 20 of those; the rest are dry attractions in the Adventure Park area.

Water Park (Open Late May to Late September)

The headline attractions are the Honolulu Half Pipe (a wave simulator you can boogie-board on), the Kowabunga Racer (six-lane mat racing slide), and Jumanji (a high-speed body slide). For groups who want to take it easy, there's a Lazy River and a large wave pool. Younger kids stay in Buccaneer Cove and Pleasure Cove, which are shallow play areas with smaller slides and complimentary life jackets.

The ground at the park is concrete that gets brutally hot by midday in summer. Water shoes or flip-flops are essential — barefoot walking is painful.

Adventure Park (Year-Round)

Three mini-golf courses, go-karts (must be 54" to drive), and the Sky Coaster — a free-fall swing ride that's the closest thing to skydiving you'll find in Destin. The SkyCoaster runs $16.99 for a single rider or $27.99 for the Thrill Combo (SkyCoaster plus one Cyclone ride).

If you're visiting in winter or shoulder season when the water park is closed, the Adventure Park alone is still worth a couple of hours.

Tips for Visiting Big Kahuna's

Arrive at opening. The park fills quickly on summer weekends. Slides operate first-come, first-served — get there at 10am and you'll hit the headline attractions before lines build past 30 minutes.

Bring your own towels and sunscreen. Both are available at the park but marked up significantly. Food and drinks are also expensive, so unless you're committed to convenience, eat before or plan to leave for lunch.

Cabana rentals. If you're with a larger group or want shade, the cabana rentals are worth it on hot days. They include reserved seating, a fridge, and a server. Book in advance during peak season.

No outside food or drinks. Standard amusement park rule, enforced at the gate. The exception is sealed water bottles, which are typically allowed.

Re-entry. You can leave and come back the same day if you keep your wristband and parking receipt — useful if you want to eat lunch off-site.

When the Water Park is Open

The water park season runs roughly Memorial Day weekend through late September, with exact opening and closing dates announced each year. June and July are peak crowds; the first two weeks of school re-opening in mid-to-late August are quieter, with the park typically running weekend-only hours.

If you're visiting in October through April, the water rides are closed but the SkyCoaster, mini-golf, and go-karts still operate. Discounted admission applies during off-season.

Big Kahuna's vs. a Day at the Beach

Locals who've been to both will tell you the trade-off: Big Kahuna's is predictable and kid-controlled — no jellyfish, no rip currents, no driftwood. The beach is free and more memorable for older kids and adults. For families with young children, the water park is usually the easier day. For everyone else, save it for a day when the beach flag is yellow or red and you're stuck looking for an alternative.

The cost adds up fast — a family of four runs about $230 with parking before any food or drinks. That's worth knowing when comparing it against a free beach day at Henderson Beach State Park or the Destin public beach accesses.

Getting There

Big Kahuna's is on Highway 98 about 2 miles east of the Destin Bridge. From central Destin, it's roughly a 5-minute drive. From Pensacola Beach, allow about 45 minutes; from Navarre Beach, about 30 minutes.

There's plenty of parking on-site, but on summer Saturdays after 11am the lot can fill and overflow parking gets used. Arriving at 10am eliminates this issue entirely.

What's Nearby

After Big Kahuna's, families often head to HarborWalk Village for dinner along the harbor, or to Destin Commons for the AMC theater and Uncle Buck's Fishbowl bowling alley. For a quieter end to the day, Henderson Beach State Park is 10 minutes east and has lifeguard-monitored beaches with restrooms and showers.

Plan Your Destin Trip

Vacation rentals fill up fast in summer, especially for families wanting pool access. Browse Destin condos and homes on Vrbo or Destin hotels on Expedia to lock in dates early. For activities, browse Destin tours and activities on TripShock.

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