The 2012 Hukilau will be held April 19-22 at The Mai-Kai and several Fort Lauderdale beachside hotels. Official sites: TheHukilau.com | Facebook page | Facebook group
Other flashbacks: 2011 contest was a Barrel of fun | Los Straitjackets highlight 2009
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Hukilau announces mug, cocktails, new rum sponsor | Full Hukilau coverage
The annual Tiki weekender known as The Hukilau is famous for giving participants unprecedented hands-on access to the best bands, artists and cocktail experts in the modern Polynesian Pop movement. It’s a laid-back affair where friends old and new enjoy live music, mingle at special themed parties and show off their devotion to the world of retro culture.
At no time was this on display better than at the opening night party in 2010, when hundreds of revelers were treated to an ultimate trip into the world of Tiki culture. The Bahia Cabana Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale played host to a whirlwind evening of live music, room parties and cocktail contests.
With this month’s 11th annual Hukilau fast approaching, let’s take a look back at that night of revelry with another special audio slideshow. Click here or on the images above and below to relive all the hijinks. Then click on the play button and be sure to turn up your speakers!
The Intoxicators from Tallahassee and The Woggles from Atlanta rocked the main stage along with Marina the Fire-Eating Mermaid and other special guests. Meanwhile, “2010: A Cocktail Odyssey – The Hukilau Room Crawl” took the festivities to another level with room hosts showing off their mixology and interior design skills while competing for prizes for “best room decor” and “best cocktail creation.”
Josh Agle, aka Shag, pays a visit to Robotiki and the Planet of Forbidden Tiki. (Photo courtesy of Robotiki)
The evening culminated with The Hukilau’s first “Master Mixologist Cocktail Challenge,” featuring participants competing for a grand prize by racing the clock to create a unique signature tropical drink using sponsor rums and pre-determined exotic ingredients. Celebrity judges included Josh Agle, better known as “Shag,” a California-based painter whose distinctive works have been featured in solo exhibitions around the world and who is considered a pioneer in spurring the resurgence of interest in Tiki culture.
This year’s event promises more of the same excitement. We hope to see you there!
Hukilau 2010: Room Crawl and Master Mixologist Cocktail Challenge
Click here for a full recap including more photos, contest winners and drink recipes
