RECENT NEWS & EVENTS
Mai-Kai dinner menu upgraded with more than 20 new dishes
Expanded offerings introduced in May by the new executive chef include appetizers, entrees, sides and desserts.
EXCLUSIVE: Breakdown, analysis of the menu changes
MORE: Latest news and exclusive coverage of the Mai-Kai reopening
Restoration meets reimagination: Mai-Kai opens new passageway between Tiki gardens
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
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
• 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
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
Photos and video from Tiki-a-Go-Go in Orlando
Polynesian Pop enthusiasts from around the world flocked to the Sunshine State in April 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
Best of both worlds at The Hukilau 2025: Beachfront resort with full Mai-Kai experience
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 a two-day Tiki bar-building class, multiple Mai-Kai events, plus more.
Mai-Kai gives food menus a major facelift with all new bar, dining room dishes
In April, the historic Polynesian restaurant 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 in January 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
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