UPCOMING & RECENT EVENTS

Best of both worlds at The Hukilau 2025: Beachfront resort with full Mai-Kai experience NEW

For the first time, the 23rd Tiki weekender will take place at both the oceanfront Beachcomber Resort and the historic Mai-Kai restaurant, restoring the event to its pre-2020 format. Special features include an exclusive showing of The Donn of Tiki film, a two-day Tiki bar-building class, multiple Mai-Kai events, plus more.
EVENT PREVIEW: Detailed info on all of the performing bands and Tiki Treasures Bazaar
Direct links to more info
Tickets | Entertainment | Full list of vendors | The Mai-Kai | The Beachcomber

The Tiki Times: Exclusive events guide UPDATED

Check the calendar for all of the major happenings around the world, from Tiki weekenders to rum festivals to marketplaces and music fests, plus lots more.
• SEE ALL THE UPCOMING 2025 EVENTS | Past event photos, video
• More: Online events, vlogs | Ongoing live events

Mcbiff introduces 'Mystery at the Mai-Kai' print, merchandise during special event

The California artist met with fans as they purchased an array of new items while enjoying special Mcbiff cocktails. Also unveiled was a one-of-a-kind painting framed by creative director "Typhoon Tommy" Allsmiller using pieces of the Mai-Kai itself.
RECAP: Photos, event highlights plus details on Mai-Kai merchandise
MORE: Latest news and exclusive coverage of the Mai-Kai reopening

LATEST NEWS

Restoration meets reimagination: Mai-Kai opens new passageway between Tiki gardens NEW

Guests can now stroll the exotic indoor gardens under the front of the historic A-frame and enjoy all of the restaurant's tropical environments.
PHOTOS, VIDEO: Walk through the enhanced space, learn more about its history
MORE: Latest news and exclusive coverage of the Mai-Kai reopening

Mai-Kai cocktails at events near and far, new menus coming soon

The first two weeks of April featured a flurry of events for the bar team, a precursor of more to come this spring. In addition, beverage director Cory Starr plans to launch two new permanent menus.
PHOTOS, VIDEO: New cocktails, event recaps and previews
Direct links to more stories
• Mai-Kai joins top Florida bars at Tiki-a-Go-Go
• Mcbiff cocktails toast artist's arrival, 'Mystery at the Mai-Kai' event
• Mai-Kai bartender competes in creative Daiquiri competition
• Up next: A new Tiki event in Italy
• Mai-Kai set to host multiple events during The Hukilau
• New menus will expand the Mai-Kai's bar and cocktail offerings
FULL COVERAGE: Mai-Kai bar and cocktail news, reviews and exclusive insights

SPECIAL FEATURES

Paradise Reimagined: Deep Inside the Mai-Kai Restoration

Attendees at Inuhele 2025 in Atlanta enjoyed an exclusive look at the reimagination and revival of the historic restaurant during a special multimedia presentation featuring photos, video and inside tips. Check out slideshow highlights, plus two walk-through videos with creative director "Typhoon Tommy" Allsmiller.
DEEP DIVE: The renovation and reopening of the Mai-Kai

Mai-Kai grand reopening: Answers to frequently asked questions UPDATED

Check out our handy guide featuring all the basics you need to know to plan your next trip to the South Florida landmark.
UPDATES: Official information, tips and advice for guests

Mai-Kai Restoration & Reopening Guide

Check out all the latest news, photos, video and deep details on the refurbishment and return of South Florida's Polynesian Palace.
• FULL COVERAGE FROM THE ATOMIC GROG

Live coverage: Photos and video from Tiki-a-Go-Go in Orlando

Polynesian Pop enthusiasts from around the world flocked to the Sunshine State for three days of retro-themed festivities, along with a healthy dose of educational entertainment.
RECAP: Highlights from social media
PREVIEW: Schedule, tips and photos | 10 questions with the co-founders

Mai-Kai gives food menus a major facelift with all new bar, dining room dishes

The historic Polynesian restaurant has launched a fully revamped food menu, including many new entrees and the return of some classic appetizers.
NEWS, ANALYSIS: Photos, breakdown of the new menus
MORE: Latest news and exclusive coverage of the Mai-Kai reopening

February-March 2025 update: Artists continue working on Mai-Kai design projects

Highlights of ongoing restoration efforts, including the return of historic waterfalls, installation of new tiki carvings, a new signature Bora Bora Bar sign, plus more.
NEW PHOTOS, VIDEO: Updates from the past two months
Direct links to stories
• Historic water features running, new front deck completed
• Vintage pieces from the South Seas added to rear Tiki gardens
• New Tiki carvings await installation throughout the grounds
• Bora Bora Bar gets signature sign, new link to Molokai Bar
• Guarded by artifacts, restored Tahiti Room readied for guests
• New merchanside from Tiki artists available in gift shop

Don the Beachcomber brand closes maiden venue, but navigates rough seas with dynamic expansion plans

Get the official scoop from creative director Justin Peterson and beverage director and Marie King, revealed during a presentation at Inuhele in Atlanta with author Tim "Swanky" Glazner.
• Full coverage of the past, present, and future of the iconic brand
Takeaways from this story
• Don the Beachcomber won't reopen in Madeira Beach
• Rollout of Gantt Reserve Collection bars accelerating
• Flagship restaurant still on track for Orlando area
• Author plans more Donn Beach books after biography
• New custom mugs available in online store
Bonus cocktail recipe: Tribute to Marie King's The Seminole Heights

Inuhele, Atlanta grow together into a Tiki powerhouse

The sixth annual weekender returned Jan 24-26 with expert symposiums, artists and vendor marketplace, live music and entertainment, authentic luau, plus more.
LIVE COVERAGE: Photos, video on social media
• Take 5: Q&A with organizer Jonathan Chaffin

COCKTAIL GUIDES

Okole Maluna Society: The Mai-Kai Cocktail Guide

Hurricane Hayward reviews and rates the historic restaurant's current and past tropical drinks, plus reveals a treasure trove of ancestor and exclusive tribute recipes.
• A DEEP DIVE INTO THE COCKTAILS OF THE MAI-KAI
• List of all 100+ recipes

Atomic Grog Cocktail Recipes, A through Z

A comprehensive list of every recipe we've posted on the site since 2011.
• COMPLETE LIST OF 250+ DRINKS

ALL PAST COVERAGE

The Atomic Grog Archive

Check out the top stories and special features from the blog dating back to our 2011 launch.
Past stories by year: 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018
More archives: Take 5 interviews | More memorable stories

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