Brian and Jennifer Toner, a married couple, epitomize the essence of weekend beach vibes as a way of life. As certified captains, the Toners have established a business that brings the island atmosphere to the Jersey Shore. Pau Hana Tiki Boat Tour has been operating for several years, offering a unique perspective of the Jersey Shore beyond its beaches.
It feels like just yesterday when my friends and I were shopping, packing our bags, and loading our cars in excitement for sun, sand, and summer adventures. Countless weekends were spent barefoot at beach bars, enjoying happy hours without a care, and strolling home in the early hours of the morning. Nowadays, it warms my heart to hear young people making plans or reminiscing about crashing on friends’ couches after a beach weekend. As adults, many of us have transitioned into parenthood or spend our time preparing for the work week instead of indulging in jello shots. However, growing older and wiser is a natural progression but it doesn’t mean that we can’t have fun anymore. It just means a little more thought and planning is required.
Pau Hana, pronounced pow-hahna, is a Hawaiian term that translates to “finished work.” With over 25 years of experience exploring beach bar concepts across the U.S. and outer islands, the Toner family has a wealth of knowledge in this area. I was curious to experience a tiki boat adventure firsthand, although my visit coincided with a rainy day devoid of sunshine. Meeting Brian at the harbor, we engaged in conversation outside on the dock while awaiting the arrival of the boat. Uncertain of what to expect, I tried to envision a fusion of a tiki bar and a boat. If we can send a man to the moon, surely we can transport a tiki bar out to sea. Lost in thought, the tiki boat finally arrived. The boats embark on a two-hour journey around Ocean City and Somers Point, returning to the dock to welcome the next group of passengers. From the appearance of the fun loving passengers boarding the boat, it was evident that this was going to be an exciting experience.
The couple established their business in Ocean City in 2021. In February, after a story about them was featured on 6ABC, they sold 500 tickets, indicating an early sign of success. Since then, Pau Hana has been gaining popularity for various occasions. It’s not surprising that they have a high rate of returning customers, as one patron has already booked her 12th trip. Pau Hana offers a range of bookings, including Girls Day Out or Girls Night Out, bachelor and bachelorette parties, memorials, celebrations of life, birthdays, anniversaries, and more. Pau Hana offers several tour options from early bird calm tours to mid-day lunch to sunset cruises. If you’re a night owl and a disco party is more your speed, well there is a choice for that too. While Pau Hana is family-friendly and allows children, most of their trips are attended by adults. The couple and their son work together in this family business, making it a true family affair. During winters, the Toner family dedicates their time to travel and research for the upcoming summer.
Here’s a fun fact: many of their guests are boat owners. When inquired about it, Brian thinks that the majority of them just desire to relish their stay and have a pleasant experience. The tiki boat tour allows guests to bring their own beverages, but Pau Hana also provides cups and other necessary items. It’s a fantastic way to experience a unique side of the Jersey Shore, with sun, fun, and a floating bar. After the excursion, the party often continues at a restaurant called The Point. For a little shopping before or after your excursion, visit the Boutiki. You’ll find apparel, gifts, memorabilia, and so much more to round out your tiki boat experience.
There’s always time to enjoy the beach, have fun with friends, and indulge in no shower happy hours. Just remember to relax, appreciate the sunset views, and let someone else handle the boating. For reservations and more information, please visit their website. https://pauhanatikiboat.com/touroptions/
ICYMI – Don’t forget to see our previous blog on one of Atlantic City’s hottest places to check out here! https://thespotmagazine.com/hard-rock-hotel-casino-atlantic-city/