Updated Sept. 18
A limited number of tickets are still available for The Hukilau 2021, scheduled for Sept. 16-19 at the Beachcomber Resort & Club in Pompano Beach, according to an email announcement. The 19th Tiki weekender will also include a special event at The Mai-Kai in Fort Lauderdale.
The longest-running Polynesian Pop celebration on the East Coast will feature live music (The Intoxicators, Aqualads, The Hilo Hi-Flyers), symposiums, rum sponsors and pop-up cocktail bars, luau on the beach, Tiki marketplace, plus more.
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See below: News on symposiums, Marina the Mermaid, more
NEW: The Hukilau 2021 updates: Daily schedule and photos
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Previous: The Hukilau announces return in 2021 with new oceanfront hotel, event at The Mai-Kai
Regarding concerns over safety and COVID, the email announcement noted that “all signs still point to a fun, safe, outdoor event.” It added: “In the event that The Hukilau 2021 must be cancelled, or at any point you would prefer to hang back, we are offering full refunds for all passes and tickets, including service fees.” Have questions? Check out the online FAQ at TheHukilau.com or email organizer Richard Oneslager.
Ticket options range from all-inclusive passes to à la carte events. Here are the highlights:
Beachcomber Pass ($269): Villagers buying the entry-level pass receive admission to Friday and Saturday’s Rum Island Pool Parties, Saturday’s Tiki Treasures Bazaar, plus a “Bungalow Party Pass” at the Beachcomber. The pool parties and bungalows will feature complimentary drinks from top Tiki bars and bartenders from around the country, plus live entertainment and sponsor booths. Also included is Saturday’s Save Paradise Party at The Mai-Kai, which will feature a private seating in the outdoor porte-cochère and access to buy authentic Mai-Kai cocktails along with a special announcement on the future of the historic restaurant. Entertainment will be provided by Polynesian Islander Revue performers. Passholders can also add a rum tasting pass ($25) and symposiums ($10 each) à la carte. (Symposium tickets sold on a space-available basis.)
Aloha Pass ($299): This mid-level pass includes all of the Beachcomber perks, plus admission to Thursday’s kickoff party featuring live music and cocktails. Beachcomber passholders also receive a complimentary rum tasting pass and access to all symposiums, plus free transportation to The Mai-Kai. Both Beachcomber and Aloha passholders can also buy à la carte tickets to Friday’s luau on the beach ($49 cocktails only, $129 food and drinks) and Sunday’s Tiki brunch ($49).
South Seas Pass ($599): Villagers at the top tier receive all of the same benefits that the other passholders receive, with the cost of the Friday luau (cocktails and dinner) and Sunday brunch included in the pass. They will also get early admission to the luau and bazaar, plus priority seating at symposiums. South Seas villagers will also be treated to a small custom Tiki created by Tiki Tony, plus a special reception at Saturday’s Mai-Kai party.
A few changes were made since the original announcement in July. Most notably, the Tiki Treasures Bazaar was moved from The Mai-Kai to the resort. It will still be open to the public and will take place from 1 to 7 p.m. South Seas passholders get early entry at noon. The Mai-Kai cocktail party will run from 4 to 8 p.m., with seatings at 4 and 6 p.m. Transportation will be provided.
Hotel reservations are not required, but out-of-towners will want to snag a room at the Beachcomber before they sell out. Please note that the hotel is taking phone reservations only for The Hukilau since the event has reserved the entire hotel. Call 954-941-7830 for bookings. If/when the Beachcomber fills up, The Hukilau has said it will have special rates available at several nearby beachfront properties.
NEW: Symposiums, special events announced
The Hukilau has announced the initial lineup of symposiums, which cover a wide range of topics from spirits to bar theming to tattooing:
Florida/East Coast Tiki vs Tropical – Learn about the Sunshine State’s unique Tiki style along with the rum-runners and islands that influenced its evolution from Florida’s own Luau Lads. The Jacksonville-based duo are bartenders and consultants who practice their craft at events and through their branded products. Scheduled for Friday at 11:30 a.m.
Typhoon Tommy’s Guide to Tiki and Oceanic Themeing – Join former Disney and Universal theme park designer Tom Allsmiller as he discusses how to take your home bar to the next level. Tommy – who created such acclaimed environments as Suffering Bastard in Sanford, Fla., and Mananui in Kissimmee, Fla. – will go over details that can add style, aging, and immersive elements to your room. Scheduled for Friday at 2:30 p.m.
There’s No Rum in it?: A Primer on the Unsung Spirits of Tiki – Tiki Lindy gives you a taste of some under-appreciated cocktail ingredients, including gin, whiskey, brandy. You’ll learn about the the history, use and modern incarnations of Tiki drink recipes featuring spirits other than rum. Tiki Lindy is a California-based bartender and consultant, and author of Tiki Lindy’s Field Guide to Pupus, Tidbits & Exotic Provisions. Scheduled for Friday at 4 p.m.
Tiki & Tattoo Presented by Kozan Tattoo – South Florida artist Jeff Kozan of Vatican Tattoo will take guests on an exploration of tattooing’s direct and indirect links to Polynesia and Tiki pop culture. Kozan is also an accomplished Tiki carver and lowbrow artist whose work has been shown at The Mai-Kai Tiki Marketplace. Scheduled for Friday at 5:30 p.m.
Marina the Fire Eating Mermaid: The longtime aquatic performer and regular at The Hukilau will return in 2021 with several appearances, both at the Beachcomber and in her native habitat at The Wreck Bar at the B Ocean Resort on Fort Lauderdale Beach. Marina will perform a special Taiko drumming show with an ensemble including husband Roy Anderson at the Beachcomber at 5:15 p.m. Friday. You can also catch her doing her regular MeduSirena AquaBurlesque Swimshows at the B Ocean on Friday (8:30 p.m.) and Saturday (8:30 and 11 p.m.). On Sunday, Marina will be joined by Pilikia, one of her AquatiCats from The Wreck Bar, in the pool for photo ops and a meet-and-greet during the poolside brunch.
Dan Cunningham’s Blue Hawaii Show: As seen on stage at The Mai-Kai, this spot-on peformance of Elvis during his heyday in Hawaii will cap off Thursday night’s festivities (7 to 9 p.m.).
Stay tuned for more details on rum sponsors, guest bartenders and more. Also in the works: A Halloween-themed after-party on Sunday at “Death or Gory” in Delray Beach. Sign up for the email list at TheHukilau.com to get future updates, which will also be posted on Facebook.
The Hukilau: Related coverage
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The Hukilau: Recent coverage
* Photos: Remembering Dawn Wells at The Hukilau 2015
* The Hukilau 2020: Virtual events honor 19th annual Tiki weekender, help those in need
The Hukilau: Past event coverage
Photos: 10 highlights from The Hukilau 2019 in Fort Lauderdale
* 2019: Photos and video from social media
* 2018 social media recap | More highlights
* 2017 daily recaps, news, photos and video | More highlights
* More recaps: 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2002-2008
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