LATEST NEWS & UPDATES

NEW: Countdown to Don the Beachcomber biography begins with fundraiser, early special edition

Searching for Don the Beachcomber is the long-awaited exploration of the life and times of Tiki's founding father by Tim "Swanky" Glazner.
PREVIEW: Details on the book story, including sample pages
Bonus cocktail recipe: Beachcomber's Silver

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Tiki Times: Preview the 2026 calendar of events

Get ready for an action-packed year in the world of Tiki culture with this preview of the many returning events. Look ahead at the full calendar featuring official artwork and links to more info.

2025 IN REVIEW

TOP STORIES: Tiki culture honors the past as it expands reach and influence

Storylines in 2025 included a continued reverence for the past and Tiki culture's slow growth into new territory and addition of new fans.
• See the full list, including The Donn of Tiki film, Tiki Oasis 25, new bar openings, and the Mai-Kai revival
Bonus cocktail recipe: A tribute to the Mai-Kai's Christmas Barrel

The Year in Tiki 2025: Recap the top events in photos, video

It was another banner year for Tiki and adjacent events in 2025 as the calendar continued to expand with new gatherings, large and small. Our full recap contains streaming video, plus social media photos and links to more coverage on many happenings around the world.

SEE BELOW: Past 2025 news, events

SPECIAL FEATURES

Photo and video tour: The 16 most iconic photo spots at the Mai-Kai

Learn how to get those classic shots on your next trip to the historic South Florida restaurant. We take you on an adventure via new and historic photos, plus video from Spike's Breezeway to document the top locations inside and outside the historic Tiki temple.
SEE THE TOP 16: Jump straight to the tour, tips and tricks
FULL COVERAGE: Latest news and exclusive coverage of the Mai-Kai

Okole Maluna Society 2.0: All the Mai-Kai cocktails ranked

Check out the sneak preview of our updated ratings, and stay tuned for new reviews and recipes, coming soon.
SEE THE RANKINGS: Updated rundown of 50+ Mai-Kai cocktails
• Okole Maluna Society - The Mai-Kai Cocktail Guide
See also: Mai-Kai Restoration & Reopening: Full story and photo archive

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

Answers to frequently asked questions about the Mai-Kai

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

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

Mai-Kai legends return to the stage for 69th anniversary celebration

The Mai-Kai welcomed back dozens of alumni from throughout its 69-year history for a first-of-its-kind anniversary celebration and a weekend full of incendiary performances of the Polynesian Islander Revue.
FULL RECAP: Photos, video, overview of alumni anniversary weekend
• Preview: See the list of returning performers, details of the anniversary celebration
NEW: Vintage cocktails return for 69th anniversary, more Mai-Kai bar news

Mai-Kai holiday treats include 12 drinks of Christmas, new Rum Barrel mug, festive decor, non-stop events

The historic Polynesian palace is embracing the season to be jolly like never before with a Christmas overlay featuring extensive decor, a limited-edition mug, and a new menu of 12 creative cocktails that celebrate spirits and flavors from around the world.
Detailed coverage: Photos, video of the Mai-Kai's holiday decor and theming
CHRISTMAS COCKTAILS GUIDE: Analysis, ratings, insights from bar manager Michael DeMahy
Mai-Kai Rum No. 1: News, details on the new signature spirit
Christmas Rum Barrel release: Photos, video, interview with artist John Mulder

Exclusive Mai-Kai updates: Rum release date, holiday cocktails and mug, anniversary events, plus more!

The Black Friday release of Mai-Kai Rum No. 1 is just the first of many noteworthy happenings coming soon to the historic restaurant. There's also big news for 2026.
FULL COVERAGE: Christmas pop-up, throwback Polynesian show coming in December
Miami Rum Festival: Event highlights, social media recaps, more
More on the Mai-Kai
• Bar and cocktail news, reviews and exclusive insights
• Latest updates and exclusive news on the historic restaurant

Mai-Kai's Hulaween party returns from the dead in 2025

The historic restaurant was transformed into a haunted Polynesian island during October, culminating with the 13th Hulaween party on Oct. 31 in the Molokai and Bora Bars.
EVENT COVERAGE: Relive Hulaween with more than 60 images and video, full recap
Hulaween photo galleries: Design & decor | Oct. 31 Hulaween party
Bonus cocktail recipe: Tribute to the Mai-Kai's Pineapple of Perdition

Mai-Kai October update: Hulaween returns bigger than ever, new food menu debuts

Halloween revelry and artistic decor have engulfed the historic South Florida restaurant all month with multiple special events. Check out the full preview, plus a recap of all the past happenings and a detailed look at the new food menu, plus more.
FULL COVERAGE: Photos, video, preview of all the Halloween events, more Mai-Kai news
DIRECT LINKS: Hulaween resurrected as monthlong event featuring unique decor, cocktails
Review, analysis: New food menu introduced in dining rooms, bars
Recap: Longtime PR director honored, FOM invades Mai-Kai
Video: Flounder shows off restoration of Mai-Kai lamps
MORE: Updates and exclusive coverage of the Mai-Kai reopening

Halloween cocktails invade the Mai-Kai for October

Featuring fire, smoke and detailed theming, the new drinks capture the spirit of the season. Check out our ratings and reviews of these scary offerings, plus other recent special cocktails.
REVIEWS, PHOTOS, VIDEO: All the Hulaween cocktails, plus more
DIRECT LINKS: Mai-Kai scares up nine new Hulaween drinks
Recap: Special event cocktails highight September
Video: Cory Starr, signature flaming drink featured on YouTube shows
FULL COVERAGE: Mai-Kai bar and cocktail news, reviews and exclusive insights

Latest news: Mai-Kai at Tiki Oasis, new mug release, upcoming events, video and media blitz

Surprise mug release and rum preview highlight busy summer, special presentation in California, as South Florida restaurant gears up for fall.
FULL COVERAGE: See all the recent news, photos, video and more

Mai-Kai updates: New cocktails and Cannibal mug revealed, Rum No. 1 on the way

The historic restaurant's beverage program is about to enter its "next evolution," according to general manager Cory Starr.
PREVIEW, PHOTOS: Check out the new drinks, preview what's to come

Relive Tiki Oasis 2025 with photos, video and a room party cocktail

The world's first (and largest) multi-day event celebrating the Polynesian Pop revival celebrated its 25th anniversary with a bang Aug. 6-10, when it literally took over the sprawling Town and Country Resort in San Diego.
SOCIAL MEDIA RECAP: See firsthand reports, experiences from the event
Bonus cocktail recipe: Jungle Bum from the Mcbiff Cocktail Hour at Tiki Oasis 2025
Previous coverage: Tiki Oasis celebrates a quarter century as subculture's preeminent event

Video guide to iconic Mai-Kai photo spots, special summer prix fixe menu

Spike's Breezeway Cocktail Hour hosts guided tour of 16 scenic locations with The Atomic Grog. Dining deal features three-course meal during August and September.
FULL COVERAGE: More info on upcoming videos, menu and kitchen updates

Photos, video: Mai-Kai unveils two large tiki carvings during The Hukilau 2025

Guests are now greeted by two towering tikis in the restaurant's reimagined entry area, one created locally by a familiar artist, the other in Arizona by a veteran carver.
EXCLUSIVE: The full story behind the new tiki carvings at the Mai-Kai

Mai-Kai cocktail updates: New secret bar menu available, Rum Barrel mugs are back

Bartenders in the Bora Bora Bar are crafting special drinks as the iconic Barrel O' Rum mug returns to service.
REVIEWS, PHOTOS: Full story on the new cocktails and mugs (July-August)

Tiki Oasis celebrates a quarter century as subculture's preeminent event

The world's longest-running and largest Polynesian Pop weekender returns to San Diego for five days of live entertainment, DJs, seminars and classes, artists and vendors, cocktails and room parties, plus much more.
FULL COVERAGE: Event history plus preview of 2025
Mai-Kai at Tiki Oasis: History, reimagination of legendary back bar to be revealed
• Flashback & photos: Tiki Oasis 2023

The Hukilau 2025: Live coverage, photos and video from the Beachcomber Resort and Mai-Kai

Take a look back and all the fun and festivities at the 23rd Tiki weekender, held June 5-8 in South Florida.
• SEE THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM SOCIAL MEDIA
Direct links: Pool party & bands | Bars & cocktails | Tiki Treasures Bazaar | Miscellaneous fun | The Mai-Kai

Hukilau 2025: Symposiums and schedule for 23rd Tiki weekender in South Florida

Tikiphiles and fans of retro culture flocked to South Florida from around the world June 5-8 for unique classes and symposiums, distinctive merchandise, dozens of guest bartenders, plus multiple days and nights at the Mai-Kai.

June recap: Tikiphiles, Panthers fans flock to the Mai-Kai for special events

The beginning of the summer season brought a cavalcade of unique special events and happenings. From the return of The Hukilau weekender to a celebration of the Florida Panthers' championship, there was never a dull moment.
FULL COVERAGE: Latest news, photos and video from June
Direct links to more stories
• The Hukilau returns to the Mai-Kai for five days of Tiki festivities
• Panthers stars greet fans at Mai-Kai victory party
• Acclaim from South Florida media, popular YouTube show
PREVIOUS: The Hukilau 2025: Live coverage, photos and video from the Beachcomber Resort and Mai-Kai
MORE: Updates and exclusive coverage of the Mai-Kai reopening

June recap: The Hukilau brings special events, guest bartenders, unique cocktails

Mai-Kai bar program reaches new heights, audience in June as creative drinks get spotlight.
REVIEWS & PHOTOS: Highlights of all the cocktails and events
Direct links to more stories
• Mai-Kai welcomes The Hukilau guest bartenders with exclusive dinner
• Beverage director reunites with old friends at The Hukilau finale
• Bar manager pops up at Boynton Beach event
• Upcoming: Mai-Kai Rum No. 1 coming soon, symposium and tasting planned for Tiki Oasis
FULL COVERAGE: Mai-Kai bar and cocktail news, reviews and exclusive insights

Beachbum Berry joins forces with Omni hotels for Tiki Social pop-up in summer 2025

From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, this cocktail experience will feature eight drinks created by the Tiki historian and the Omni, available exclusively at 11 hotel properties.
FULL COVERAGE: Find out all the locations, see the menu and cocktails, plus more

Mai-Kai gears up for return of The Hukilau as enhancements continue

Preview all of the events happening at the historic restaurant June 4-8, plus get updates on the return of live bands, new dishes in the bars, and the continuing work on the immersive theming.
FULL COVERAGE: Latest news, photos and video from May
Direct links to more stories
• Molokai Bar is rocking again with weekly concerts
• Bar menu updated, more appetizers added
• Painters spruce up outdoor Tiki gardens

Mai-Kai bars welcome special guests, live music, new cocktails

The South Florida landmark expanded the cocktail and entertainment offerings in its signature bars in May.
PHOTOS, VIDEO: Updates on special guests, past and future events
Direct links to more stories
• Mai-Kai goes international at new Tiki event in Italy
• Black Tot Rum tasting and cocktails offer sneak peek of what's to come
• Live local bands return to Molokai Bar, set stage for The Hukilau

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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