SOLOMONS, Md. — A new local business is making waves in Southern Maryland with an experience unlike any other on the Patuxent River. Big Kahuna Cruises, founded by husband-and-wife team Josh and Erin Gibbons, officially launched operations May 1 and offers residents and visitors a chance to explore the region’s scenic waterways—tiki-style.
The couple, deeply connected to the local marine industry, saw a need in the community that inspired their latest venture. Their other business, Gibbons Marine—a family-owned company founded in 1969 by Josh’s grandfather—was originally based in Solomons for over 40 years before relocating to Blackstone Marina in Hollywood in 2016. They purchased Blackstone to facilitate Gibbons Marine’s operations, and it now also serves as the Hollywood home base for Big Kahuna Cruises.
“We wanted to be able to give people access to the water,” said Erin Gibbons. “For us, we take it for granted that we’re on the water all the time… but a lot of other people don’t have that.”
Big Kahuna Cruises operates out of two locations: Hollywood and Solomons Island. From Monday through Wednesday, their 30-person capacity tiki boat docks at Blackstone Marina in Hollywood, where it primarily hosts private events. Thursday through Sunday, the boat sails from Solomons Island, offering both public and private cruises that showcase some of the area’s most picturesque waterways.
Guests cruising from Solomons can expect to see Back Creek, Mill Creek, and Solomon’s Harbor, with occasional trips out to the Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge for sunset cruises, weather permitting. “We can go out by the bridge for the sunset, which can be some pretty epic pictures,” Gibbons noted.
The boat itself features a full bathroom onboard and was designed to reflect the couple’s vision of carefree, tropical relaxation infused with local flair. Their mission is simple: to create unforgettable memories, powered by community pride and passion for the Chesapeake.
In addition to sightseeing, Big Kahuna Cruises offers an extensive drink menu. The siginature drink menu aboard Big Kahuna Cruises is the creation of local mixologist Brooke of Top Shelf Mixology & Bar Consulting, who was recommended by Gwyn Novak of No Thyme to Cook.
“We were looking for a local mixologist that could curate a menu for us,” said Gibbons. “Brooke was an awesome fit—she created our cocktail menu specifically for our boat.”
After hosting a tasting event with friends, the team selected their favorites and had fun coming up with names for each signature cocktail. The result is a vibrant menu that includes drinks like the Captain Kahuna (vodka and watermelon), Banana Boat Old Fashioned (rich bourbon and smooth banana), and the Kahuna Crush (an orange crush with a splash of sunshine).
The boat also offers a variety of mixed drinks, canned beer and wine—including selections from the Port of Leonardtown Winery—as well as nonalcoholic options. View the full drink menu at bigkahunacruises.com/signature-drinks.
Big Kahuna Cruises has also launched a lineup of themed events designed to give back to the community. Each month through October, they’ll host appreciation cruises. The company’s Facebook page and website will share updates and event details, typically posted a month in advance.
While the Solomons location is more focused on general public cruises, the Hollywood dock specializes in corporate events and private gatherings. “Corporate, team building, morale-building offsite types of events” are the target, Gibbons said, along with a recurring Happy Hour Creek Cruise on select Wednesdays.
Whether it’s a relaxing sunset sail or a festive themed night on the water, Big Kahuna Cruises aims to bring the “island way” to life right here in Southern Maryland.
To learn more or to book a cruise, visit bigkahunacruises.com or call (240) 572-1440. You can also follow updates on Facebook.
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