BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Buffalo's biggest tiki boat has officially set sail. Big Kahuna Tiki Tours welcomes families during the day and adults to set sail with adult beverages at night.
“This is something totally new and totally different,” said Rich Hilliman, the captain of Big Kahuna Tiki Tours, “Kids are going to see this boat on the water and want to get on it. I just can't do adult only cruises. I have to make family friendly cruises.”
Anyone can head to Canalside for a little getaway without ever leaving the city.
“It's a 90-minute vacation of Buffalo with some nice Caribbean style music, some island drinks and it's a nice way to get away quickly. It's a nice way to get away quickly here on the Buffalo Harbor and Buffalo river.>
Groups will be socially distanced on the boat and any time people are walking around the boat they have to wear a mask.
“We've have our plan with New York State cleaning all the hard surfaces both in between every trip and throughout every trip,” Hilliman said.
Even though they can safely operate, the boat's debut comes at a difficult time for attractions at Canalside.
“We are operating at such a deficit in passenger count that I don't see us even having an okay year,” Hilliman said.
But Hilliman said it's not about money. It's about keeping the memory of his late father alive.
“He kind of was the Big Kahuna,” said Hilliman, “His heart [was] in taking people out and showing people Buffalo and giving access to the water. I just didn't have it in me to fold and not do it.”
An hour long family cruise is $16 for adults, $10 for kids. The 90-minute adult booze cruise is $23 per person.
Book your cruise by visiting Big Kahuna Tiki Tour’s website or by calling 716-796-4556.
