Launch of Buffalo's largest tiki boat, 'Big Kahuna,' is Canalside's newest attraction

Spirit of Buffalo and Buffalo River History Tours announced the launch of the “Big Kahuna,” a tiki tour boat docked at Canalside. The boat is the latest to be added to the fleet of Buffalo River History Tours and will carry passengers on daily fun-filled 90- or 60-minute tours on the Buffalo River, Buffalo Harbor and Lake Erie with Caribbean-style music and drinks – all while maintaining social distancing rules.

“The addition of the Big Kahuna will give people a much-needed opportunity to get out on the water, have some fun and enjoy Buffalo’s beautiful waterfront,” said Capt. Rich Hilliman, owner/operator of Buffalo River History Tours/Big Kahuna Tiki Tours. “The Big Kahuna will have cruises for adults and separate family-friendly tours. Our goal is to erase some of the stress people have been feeling and replace it with a smile.”

Big Kahuna Tiki Tours will offer Caribbean-style drinks as well as beer and wine. Passengers age 21 and over should bring their ID. The Big Kahuna is also equipped with a bathroom. Passengers will be welcomed aboard starting today.

Big Kahuna is a 48-passenger vessel during normal operations. Due to COVID-19, operators are required to reduce to half capacity (24). Buffalo River History Torus/Big Kahuna Tiki Tours has filed a safety plan with New York State and will be requiring masks for boarding, disembarking, moving about the vessel, as well as any time passengers are within 6 feet of other others. Hand sanitizer will be available throughout each trip. A thorough cleaning of surfaces will be performed after each trip, as well as while underway.

Book online at bigkahunatikitours.com or by calling 716-796-4556. Big Kahuna Tiki Tours is operated by the Hilliman family. It joins their fleet of boats that include the Flagship of Buffalo, Spirit of Buffalo and the Harbor Queen, as well as the Queen City Bike Ferry.