2023 TOP STORIES

Top 10 stories of 2023: Tiki resurgence and appreciation breathes life into year marked by loss

Take a look back at last year's most significant news, including legends lost, honored and revived.
Bonus cocktail recipes: Beachcomber Punch | Ray's Mystique

The Year in Tiki 2023: A look back at the top events in photos, video

Recap all the year's top events - from Inuhele to The Hukilau to Exoticon to Tiki Oasis, plus many more - in our annual review featuring photos, video and social media posts.

Mai-Kai refurbishment 2023 year-end recap: Updates, photos, timeline

Everything you need to know about the ongoing restoration, plus a comprehensive compilation of 2023 highlights.

Beyond Bora Bora: Reimagination of Mai-Kai entry experience evokes original vision

A new driveway and lushly landscaped parking will completely immerse guests in a South Seas fantasy world, just as the original owners envisioned.

Mai-Kai update, fall 2023: Artists shine amid construction as final renovation projects take flight

While multiple construction projects are underway inside and outside the historic property, a small team of craftsmen is bringing the vintage decor back to life.

Pioneering Miami Rum Festival foreshadowed spirit's renaissance

The 14th annual event offered an opportunity for rum connoisseurs to meet and mingle in an intimate setting with producers, distillers, importers, distributors, retailers and other members of the spirits trade.
>>> Q&A with festival co-founder Robert Burr

Sunshine State emerges as epicenter of Tiki revival in 2024

Florida will quickly become a must-visit destination with the addition of Tiki-a-Go-Go, the return of The Mai-Kai, and the revival of the Don the Beachcomber brand.

Outside The Mai-Kai: Artistic flourishes set stage for reimagination, early 2024 reopening

The final phase of the multimillion-dollar renovation kicks off as artists and craftsmen restore and transform the signature porte-coch�re.

Inside The Mai-Kai: Detailed restoration advances amid total infrastructure overhaul

Work is progressing on the historic South Florida restaurant's guest areas alongside a near total rebuild of the back-of-house facilities.

The Mai-Kai and The Atomic Grog at Tiki Oasis

We were proud to present two special seminars at the world's original Tiki weekender in San Diego.

The Mai-Kai renovations, May-June 2023: Historic restaurant's new infrastructure begins to take shape

Crucial work was completed over the past two months in the multimillion-dollar restoration project.

Meticulous attention to detail is hallmark of The Mai-Kai restoration project (May-June 2023 update)

When guests re-enter the Polynesian palace, it will be like stepping into a time machine set for 1973 thanks to a talented team of artists and craftspeople.

The Hukilau highlights: Photos and memories from Tiki weekender

The 21st annual event featured four days of nonstop music, cocktails and education on modern and historic Polynesian Pop at the oceanfront Beachcomber Resort in South Florida.
>>> IMAGES FROM THE HUKILAU 2023
RELATED: The Hukilau 2023 live coverage, photos and video from social media

The Mai-Kai renovations, April 2023: Bora Bora building comes down as restoration efforts pick up steam

The structural footprint of the historic South Florida restaurant changed dramatically with the demolition of a long-dormant building. Meanwhile, work accelerated restoring the vintage dining rooms and rebuilding the back of house.

Take a wild ride on the Tropical Thunder Express from Pooch and Tiki Farm

An ambitious four-mug set brings the surrealistic world of lowbrow artist Mike "Pooch" Pucciarelli to life.
Exclusive cocktail recipes: Pooch Punch | Tropical Thunder Express

Behind the scenes at The-Mai-Kai as restoration ramps up in 2023

With work accelerating on the exterior, craftsmen meticulously restore the historic South Florida restaurant's elaborately themed interior guest areas in exacting detail.

The Mai-Kai officially begins work on first phase of $8.5 million renovation projects

With three key building permits in hand, the new ownership group is finally moving full-steam ahead on major construction projects that will restore and reshape the historic Polynesian restaurant.

New Don the Beachcomber locations launching in Florida, up to 15 planned across Southeast

A Tampa-based hospitality company will begin rolling out a chain of new Tiki-themed restaurants featuring the Don the Beachcomber branding in 2023, the first two in Central Florida.

Modern rum revolution hits the beach for Miami Rum Congress

The year's first major spirits festival returned to balmy Miami Beach for a fourth time on Feb. 10-12.

New details on The Mai-Kai renovations, new merchandise revealed at Inuhele 2023 in Atlanta

New images and renderings of the historic restaurant's refurbishment unveiled during presentation at Tiki weekender. Attendees also got a sneak preview of new mugs and other merchandise along with a new signature rum.

Historic preservation board approves The Mai-Kai's renovation plans, clearing way for project to move forward

Landmark Polynesian restaurant allowed to remove old building, make other enhancements in sweeping plan to reimagine 66-year-old, 2.7-acre property.

2022 TOP STORIES

Top 10 Tiki stories of 2022 include legends lost, hope for the future

Join us in paying tribute to the influential figures we lost and reflect on their great impact. Let's also give thanks for the positive news that made it into our annual list of the most impactful stories of the year.
Bonus cocktail recipes: Harry Yee's Tropical Itch | Stephen Remsberg's Planter's Punch

The Year in Tiki 2022: Take a trip back to the year's top events

Relive the year's top happenings with photos and video, social media posts, plus promotional artwork and links to official sites.

The Mai-Kai turns 66 as work progresses on multiple renovation projects

There are many reasons to be hopeful that the 67th anniversary in 2023 will be the first since 2019 when we'll once again be able to gather inside the historic South Florida restaurant to appreciate its grandeur and beauty.

Miami festival fills weekend with rum seminars, tastings

Event includes two full days featuring some of the world's best spirits, premiere industry experts, and a friendly gang of easy-going rum enthusiasts.

The Mai-Kai's deadly Zombie is resurrected for Halloween, along with its mysterious legend

The iconic cocktail is available for the first time since the historic restaurant closed after an October 2020 storm, and for the first time in takeout quarts and gallons.

The Hukilau 2022: Daily recap, photos and video

The 19th Tiki weekender featured four days of live music, educational seminars, cocktails and rum tastings, plus lots more.

The Mai-Kai's new owner reveals renovation plans during The Hukilau

Tiki enthusiasts get preview of refurbishment of the 65-year-old landmark during discussion at annual event in June.

The Mai-Kai's renovation plans include reimagined entryway, new event space

When The Mai-Kai completes a multimillion-dollar renovation, guests of the historic restaurant will be treated to several major enhancements, including a more immersive arrival experience and a new banquet hall.

Miami Rum Congress 2022 kicks off full schedule of worldwide rum events

Industry VIPs and rum enthusiasts gathered for seminars, tastings and special events at the Hilton Cabana Miami Beach.

2021 TOP STORIES

The Mai-Kai sale, Oceanic Arts closing among top Tiki stories of 2021

It was a landmark year thanks to all the talented people in the Tiki community.
Bonus cocktail recipe: The Tiki Lover

The Year in Tiki 2021: Take a look back at the year's top live and virtual events

Recap the year's top happenings, including official artwork and links plus photos and video.

Photos, recap: Miami festival reunites rum family for tasting event

Quick takes and highlights from the 2021 Rum Renaissance event, including photos and our favorite sips.

RECIPES: French, Haitian Zombies reflect true roots of deadly cocktail's namesake legend

Savor the complex flavors and stories behind the original deadly cocktail as we present two new Zombie recipes that feature the flavors and spirits of France and Haiti.
FULL STORY: History, mythology and cultural significance of the zombie
New original cocktails: LE ZOMBI | VODOU ZONBI (Haitian Zombie)

Hulaween on hiatus: Relive 12 years of madness at The Mai-Kai

With the Tiki temple closed for refurbishment, the annual Halloween bash isn't happening this year. But that won't stop us from taking a look back at 12 years of madness at the signature event.

The Mai-Kai fans rejoice as new partnership paves way for reopening

Full coverage of the historic restaurant's joint ownership deal, announced in September 2021.

Exclusive photos: The Mai-Kai through the eyes of The Hukilau villagers

See images from the annual Tiki weekender shared by loyal fans.

The Hukilau 2021: Daily recap, photos and video

The Hukilau returned to the picturesque Fort Lauderdale area oceanfront for an 18th time Sept. 16-19 for four days of Polynesian Pop paradise in America's vacationland.

A new Zombie becomes final challenge for The Hukilau villagers

Upon completion of The Hukilau, villagers had one Final Destination: the "Hereafter Party at Death or Gory in Hellray Beach." To bring the theme full circle, The Atomic Grog presents a Zombie to end all Zombies.
RECIPE: The Final (Destination) Zombie

Tiki Marketplace offers a taste of The Mai-Kai

The July 18 event featured vintage art and collectibles, food trucks, authentic Mai-Kai cocktails and entertainment.

Take a trip down the Tiki Trail for a lethal new Zombie recipe

It was a honor mixing up an original cocktail on the longest-running weekly online gathering of Tiki enthusiasts.
RECIPE: Tiki Trail Zombie from The Atomic Grog

The Atomic Grog 10th anniversary: Beware! Deadly Zombies ahead

After 10 years and more than 1 million page views, we take a look back at the blog's best posts and most popular cocktails. A special anniversary Zombie kicks off 10 months of deliciously dangerous drinks.
>>> Tiki Top 10: Most popular blogs | More blog posts worth reading
Most popular cocktails | More drinks worth trying
NEW RECIPE: Revenge of the Atomic Zombie Cocktail

Zombie hunters: Beachbum Berry, Ed Hamilton join forces on rum blend

Two of the spirits and Tiki cocktail world's most respected figures are putting their names on the label of an exciting new release: Beachbum Berry's Zombie Blend from Hamilton Rum.
NEW RECIPE: Hamilton Zombie by The Atomic Grog

The Mai-Kai hosts first Tiki Marketplace featuring vendors, entertainers, cocktails, rum tasting and more

The historic restaurant may be closed for repairs, but a new event took advantage of the large parking lot for a safe and fun-filled day featuring the generous spirit of 'ohana.

Thousands of fans unite to show support for The Mai-Kai during closing

More than 10,000 signed a petition and thousands flooded social media channels as the historic restaurant sought potential partners in the wake of devastating storm damage.

2020 TOP STORIES

Year in the rearview: The Top 9 Tiki stories of 2020

Not all the news was negative in a year many would rather forget.
Bonus cocktail recipe: The Urban Archaeologist

The Year in Tiki 2020: Recap the top virtual and in-person events

Take a look back at the top happenings, featuring artwork and links plus photos and video.

Photos: Remembering Dawn Wells at The Hukilau

Lucky villagers cherished the memorable chance to meet the actress at the Tiki weekender in June 2015.

The Mai-Kai celebrates 64th anniversary under the moon as challenges loom

Check out all the details on The Mai-Kai's sold-out 64th anniversary party.

Rum Spotlight: Ed Hamilton brings new West Indies blend to Florida

Importer Ed Hamilton has announced the arrival of a new blend bottled for the Florida Rum Society.
>>> Recipe: Hamilton Navy Grog, as served at The Mai-Kai

The Mai-Kai celebrates Hulaween 2020 with drive-in movie party after closing for renovations

The historic Polynesian restaurant transported revelers to a socially-distanced celebration like no other, including an appearance by Appleton Rum's Joy Spence.
Tribute recipe: Blood Island Green Potion #2

Daiquiris of Hope: Keeping the spirit of our favorite bars and bartenders alive

A salute to our favorite industry professionals in their time of need.
Daiquiri of Hope #2: Beachbum's Special Daiquiri (Dedicated to Jeff "Beachbum" Berry)
Daiquiri of Hope #1: Martiki's Merchant Daiquiri (Dedicated to Martin Cate)
Contributed: The Underground Cardamom Daiquiri (Dedicated to Tiki Underground)

Skinny Jimmy's Picks: 5 underappreciated surf bands of the first wave

The first wave of instrumental surf (late '50s through mid-'60s) included many bands that remained under the radar and lack the notoriety they deserve.

2019 TOP STORIES

The Year in Tiki 2019: A look back at all the top events
Check out photos and video plus links and coverage of top happenings around the globe.

Sippin' Santa comes to town: Beachbum Berry interview, plus recipes
We caught up with Tiki historian, author and bar owner Jeff "Beachbum" Berry to ask him about his growing family of Sippin' Santa surf shacks, the delicious drinks, and what makes holiday pop-up bars so popular.
Bonus recipes: Tribute to Christmas Eve of Destruction | Nutty Old Fashioned
Previous story: Another holiday Miracle: Sippin' Santa locations double

VIDEO & PHOTOS: Skinny Jimmy Stingray talks classic surf, performs at The Mai-Kai
Skinny Jimmy Stingray and his band rocked The Molokai bar during December's Retro Rekindled community gathering. The live set followed a Q&A with The Atomic Grog about the guitarist's journey from punk to instro surf.

Skinny Jimmy's Picks: The all-time top 5 Dick Dale songs
Dick Dale uncovered something special in Southern California's sandy beaches that, like a powerful wave, could not be contained. In this second in a series of top 5 lists, Skinny Jimmy Stingray picks his favorite Dick Dale songs.

Gone but not forgotten: Surf guitar pioneer Dick Dale, 1937-2019
We knew him as the "King of the Surf Guitar," but he was so much more than that. Check out our tribute featuring South Florida remembrances and photos plus obituaries and social media reaction.

The living dead came to party at The Mai-Kai's Hulaween 2019 luau
After 10 years, we know what to expect from The Mai-Kai's infamous Hulaween party: Kooky costumes, rockin' tunes and many cocktails consumed in The Molokai bar. The 2019 bash lived up to those standards.

Eerie and evil tunes for your Halloween shindig
In this first in a series of special features on instro surf music, Skinny Jimmy Stingray gives us his picks for the most sinister surf songs. "Nothing echoes quite as ghoulishly as the sound of a reverb-soaked electric guitar."

What we learned at Appleton master blender Joy Spence's rum tasting

What could be better than an Appleton rum tasting at The Mai-Kai? How about the first-ever such event at the historic Polynesian palace hosted by Joy Spence, the longtime master blender for the venerable Jamaican brand.
>>> Recipe: Joy Spence's favorite rum cocktail

The Hukilau 2019 rewind: Photos and video from social media

The Hukilau careened through Fort Lauderdale for its 18th annual Tiki weekender with an exhaustive schedule of events at the Pier Sixty-Six Hotel, B Ocean Resort and the historic Mai-Kai restaurant.

The Atomic Grog presents new class and symposium at The Hukilau 2019

We took a virtual journey to the Caribbean to learn about the key rums and styles that have dominated The Mai-Kai's acclaimed cocktails for more than 60 years. Hurricane Hayward was joined by rum expert Stephen Remsberg for an Okole Maluna Cocktail Academy class at the Pier Sixty-Six hotel and by Cocktail Wonk writer Matt Pietrek for an on-stage symposium at The Mai-Kai.
>>> HEAR THE SYMPOSIUM: Inside the Desert Oasis Room podcast

New cocktail books, magazine prove Tiki underground is alive and thriving

Is the printed word is dead? The appearance of several new cocktail and recipes books, along with a quarterly magazine devoted to the revival of Polynesian Pop and mid-century culture, would indicate otherwise.

Surprise winner, new spirit of aloha at fifth annual Art of Tiki in South Beach

Find out how an unassuming chef beat out Miami's top mixologists in the South Beach Wine & Food Festival's tropical bartending competition.

VIPs, connoisseurs of fine spirits flock to first Miami Rum Congress

The inaugural Miami Rum Congress was an unqualified success, a star-studded gathering of rum industry experts that sold out the cozy and picturesque Shane Center in Miami Beach.

Special event: 'Demerara Rum - The Mai-Kai's Secret Weapon'

The Atomic Grog was pleased to present a special happy-hour talk during The Mai-Kai Takeover event, presented by the Magical Tiki Meet-Up and Retro Rekindled.

Epcot's Native American exhibit includes Hawaiian, Polynesian artifacts

The Hawaii and California display spotlights one of seven geographic regions of art, both historical and modern, in the American Heritage Gallery.

2018 TOP STORIES

The Year in Tiki 2018: Recap all the top events with photos and video

What did you attend in 2018? Take a look back at the top happenings in the Tiki, rum and surf music worlds.

Florida bartender wins Chairman's Reserve Mai Tai Challenge

Gregory Schutt pulled off an upset victory in the regional finals to earn a trip to the global finals in St. Lucia.

Hulaween turns 10 with another ghoulish gathering

The Mai-Kai in South Florida was overrun by a lively crowd of undead revelers who returned from the grave for a 10th time in search of a rockin' good time with Slip and the Spinouts.

Okole Maluna Cocktail Academy: How to Mix Like The Mai-Kai

Tips and techniques from The Atomic Grog's Hurricane Hayward for turning your home bar into a Tiki paradise. Check out highlights from the sold-out class at The Hukilau 2018.

The Hukilau 2018 recap: Photos and video from social media

Check out a compilation of images from the whirlwind Tiki weekend in Fort Lauderdale.

The Mai-Kai updates bar menu, adds classic 'lost' cocktail

A new cocktail menu made its debut in May 2018 in The Molokai bar at The Mai-Kai, marking first update to the classic tropical drink lineup since 2014.

New monorail fleet in the works? Disney World denies rumors

Disney World may soon be getting replacements for its aging fleet of monorails, says the retired imagineer who designed the original iconic trains. But officially, theme park officials say there presently are no such plans.

TAKE 5: INTERVIEWS WITH MOVERS & SHAKERS

August 2014: Otto von Stroheim, pioneering event promoter and Tiki tastemaker
April 2014: Ian Burrell, global rum ambassador and organizer of the UK RumFest
September 2013: Martin Cate, owner of Smuggler's Cove in San Francisco and rum cocktail maestro
June 2013: Jeff "Beachbum" Berry, Tiki cocktail author and historian extraordinaire
June 2012: Rodney Mayo, guiding light of South Florida's indie entertainment scene
November 2011: Mai-Kai General Manager Kern Mattei
September 2011: Artist Mike "Pooch" Pucciarelli

FROM THE ARCHIVES: OUR FAVORITE BLOGS

Exotic cocktails at Altered State Tattoo's 20th anniversary party

We were pleased to serve up drinks for special guests of artist Mike "Pooch" Pucciarelli at the 20th anniversary party for his South Florida shop that has gained him a worldwide following for his highly creative ink.
>>> Get the recipes: Altered State Zombie | Mai Ta-IPA

'Boozy' blog hosts birthday bash

The Atomic Grog celebrated its fifth anniversary with a cocktail party in The Molokai lounge at The Mai-Kai featuring live instrumental surf music from Skinny Jimmy Stingray, drink specials, giveaways, and more.

10 reasons why you need Sven Kirsten's Tiki Pop
The third hardcover opus from the acclaimed Tiki urban archaeologist explores in rich and colorful detail the uniquely American phenomenon that permeated fashion, music, eating, drinking, and architecture for decades.

Jeff Berry proves he's never too busy to be a 'Beachbum'

Author and cocktail historian Beachbum Berry solidified his standing as the "Indiana Jones" of Tiki mixology with his first branded product, unearthing a long-lost gadget from the catacombs of mid-century bar culture:
* Beachbum Berry's Navy Grog Ice Cone Kit.

A journey back in time uncovers 'Disney side'

My first visit to the Magic Kingdom in Orlando was in 1972, but it wasn't until decades later that events conspired to make me a Disney World fan for life.
>>> Related: Celebrating 30 years of Epcot magic

Potions of the Caribbean: Cruise back to the birthplace of Tiki drinks

Beachbum Berry's sixth book on tropical drinks and the fascinating stories behind them could be considered the sequel to Sippin' Safari, both in style and substance.

Need a punch recipe for 200? The Rum Rat Pack has it covered

The experts at The Hukilau's 'Rumposium' showed us how to fill a bowl with 630 ounces of deliciousness (including 240 ounces of rum) with style and flair.

Florida at forefront of surf rock's contemporary renaissance

Just as Florida surfers have played second fiddle to California, so have the Sunshine State's surf bands.
But it's surely not due to lack of talent or effort.
>>> Related: Book makes waves, gives state's rich surfing history its due
>>> Album review: Los Straitjackets soar again with the release of Jet Set

Enchanted Tiki Room still charms, inspires

Keeping Walt Disney's vision alive since 1971, this landmark attraction received a welcome refurbishment in 2011 that heralded the return of the vintage show that pays tribute to the Disneyland original.
>>> Related: Enchanted Tiki Room 50th anniversary merchandise

Artists shine at Magic Kingdom's 40th birthday party

For many of us, celebrating Disney World means celebrating all the great artists and imagineers without whom none of the magic would be possible.
>>> An appreciation: Disney World is still cool at 40 thanks to retro artists Shag, Kevin & Jody
>>> Related: Cocktails come of age at Epcot Food and Wine Festival

Stretching the limits of the imagination

The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg is a surreal experience in its own right.

We be Jammin: Rum Renaissance Zombie fest at The Mai-Kai

The kickoff party for the 2011 Rum Renaissance Festival was a Tikiphile's dream, featuring a Jeff "Beachbum" Berry cocktail seminar followed by a deadly mixology competition.
Click here for our first-person recap
>>> MORE: Zombie Jam photo gallery | Event preview | Rum Renaissance recap
>>> ORIGINAL RECIPE: Wake the dead, it's time for the Atomic Zombie Cocktail
>>> Zombie alert: 5 crucial things you need to know about the deadly cocktail

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