In 2021, Pau Hana Tiki Boat Tours launched as a summertime destination in Somer’s Point, New Jersey—and it’s going to be back for 2022, with a new partnership that stretches all the way to Philly. Pau Hana’s owners, Brian and Jen Toner, experienced a lot of success in its maiden voyage last summer, so they’re expanding programming and offerings at a new destination now dubbed “Waterfront Point.”
“The response to Pau Hana in 2021 was overwhelmingly positive and showed how much residents and visitors were interested in engaging with the waterfront.” say owners Brian and Jen Toner in a statement. “We’re so excited to launch Waterfront Point as a summer destination where like-minded brands bring the spirit of the waterfront and the beach to life.”
What this new concept offers still keeps the original charm of Pau Hana—the chartered tiki boat tours—but now, also, on-the-water floating yoga classes with Philadelphia’s own Aqua Vida; hourly rentals of paddleboards, E-foil boards, kayaks, and windsurfing equipment; and the launch of Boutiki: A new waterside boutique that sells products from mission-based brands doing good in the world, only available through Waterfront Point. Last but not least, the new destination will also be the site for the 29th Annual Somers Point Beach Concert Series, which features live music for free on Friday evenings throughout the summer.
For the tiki boats, another vessel has been added, and Pau Hana will feature three boats in its fleet—so, more availability to patrons in its sophomore summer. According to a release, with reservations available now through the end of the summer season, tikis set sail beginning May 13, offering a “tropical oasis” featuring barstool seating, a thatched straw roof, and open-air layout aboard the 26-foot tiki barges. Each boat has capacity for parties of six, while parties of up to 18 can cruise together aboard multiple tikis. Charter guests will have the option to bring-their-own food and beverages, or choose catering packages from Pau Hana’s local food partner, The Cheese Board (with two weeks notice.)
Catering includes an array of different spreads boasting fine cheeses, charcuterie, seasonal fruits, nuts, crab cakes, Jamaican curry shrimp skewers, jerk chicken skewers, chili lime steak skewers and more, depending on what package you choose.
The new partnership at Waterfront Point with Philly’s own Aqua Vida also launches this summer. The locally-based eco-conscious, socially responsible company—which offers unique floating yoga and stand-up paddleboard classes—will be launching a Somers Point-based satellite studio called Aqua Vida’s Floating Casita. What this new satellite studio will offer spans yoga, Pilates, and fitness classes, as well as guided paddle tours and beach clean-ups. It won’t all be classes however, those looking to rent paddleboards, E-foil boards, kayaks, and windsurfing equipment can do so throughout the day.
As a release states, Aqua Vida aligns with Pau Hana’s vision for Waterfront Point, and programming will include special events like “Dive in Movies”, family activities, SUP & SIP, SUP with your PUP, and more — creating a varied experience for the entire family to have fun, stay fit, and redefine their relationship with the water.
Boutiki finishes up the new additions to Pau Hana’s Waterfront Point this year, and as a floating boutique shop, their offerings span a partnership with various local vendors and businesses including Raising Surfers, Coast Hippy, Rybandz, and Naked Bee, in addition to Pau Hana’s original product offerings. Boutiki also aims to support mission-based local businesses, including Raising Surfers, who fund sponsorships of swim and surf lessons for those affected by drowning deaths around the globe.
Lastly, unique to Ocean City—which is right around the corner from Somer’s Point— in celebration of the 2022 Night in Venice, (Ocean City’s annual boat parade and one of the largest in the world) Pau Hana will be auctioning three special packages geared towards creating a one-of-a-kind experience for the annual event. Those interested will have the opportunity to bid on a boat for the evening of July 23 of this year, providing “an exclusive chance to enjoy the celebration as a participant through a one-night-only rental.” Bidding is open now and can be found at 32auctions.com/PauHanaNightinVenice.
Finally, the release also states that as part of Waterfront Point’s summer activities, the free Somers Point Beach Concert Series will be returning to William Morrow Beach this summer. Concert-goers can bring their beach chairs and coolers on Friday nights throughout the summer and enjoy diverse musical stylings along the scenic waterside stage, and performers include international recording artists, as well as regional performers from a variety of musical genres. The first concert series will begin on June 17, featuring Countdown to Ecstasy, a Steely Dan Tribute. A full schedule can be found online.
For information, visit pauhanatikiboat.com or follow them on social media.