Following years of tumultuous news, it was somewhat of a relief to enjoy a year free from extreme upheaval or drama. Sure, 2025 was also devoid of blockbuster good news, but there’s something to be said for a calm normalcy, especially when it comes to Tiki. That’s not to say that nothing happened last year. There were plenty of headlines and stories that evolved over time. But unlike past years, no one or two stories rose above the rest.
If there were any common themes, the first would be a continued reverence for the past, a foundational element for the modern Tiki scene. The other that seems to be evolving is Tiki culture’s slow growth into new territory and addition of new fans. Whether it’s through film, new bars and events, or the continued influence of the torch-bearers, this natural evolution can’t be denied.
The Year in Tiki 2025: Recap the top events in photos, video
Rather than rank these stories by importance, like past years, we present the top seven stories in no particular order. All are significant and deserve equal recognition.
Bonus cocktail recipe: A tribute to the Mai-Kai’s Christmas Barrel
ALOHA NEW TIKI BARS: Openings continue in 2025
The proliferation of new Tiki and Tiki-adjacent bars every year should no longer be a big surprise. We’ve been documenting this trend in our top news stories every year since 2020, even in the grip of the COVID pandemic. That in and of itself makes it a big story in 2025, reflecting what should be recognized as a legitimate and permanent feature of the modern bar and restaurant industry, not just a trend or “craze.” What’s crazy is Tiki bars are often still not recognized on the same level as other craft cocktail bars. What’s clear, happily, is there appears to be no end in sight to the growth of new bars and restaurants.
We likely missed a few, but here’s a list of many new establishments that threw open their doors in 2025, roughly in order of appearance: Monster Beach Brewery & Tiki Bar (Fredonia, N.Y.), The Lobby Tiki Bar & Grill (Oceanside, Calif.), Jaded Dragon (Bristol, UK), La Tiki Paisa (Dallas), Vern’s Tiki Bar (Minneapolis), Easy Sailor (Rochester, N.Y.), Roka Hula (Delray Beach, Fla.), 10th Island Tiki Bar & Grill (Cincinnati), Maya SpeakTiki (Winter Garden, Fla.), Hawthorne’s Hideout (Sacramento, Calif.), Endless Bummer (Houston), The Road to Nowhere (Houston), The Lucky Tiki 2 (Highland Park / Los Angeles, Calif.), Tiki Kai (Hermosa Beach, Calif.), and Dirty Birds Tiki Bar & Grill (Cocoa Beach, Fla.).
If we missed any, please let us know and we’ll add them to the list. In 2026, be sure to support all local Tiki bars, new and established. The MyTiki.Life website offers a robust database of commercial bars.
IN MEMORIUM: Remembering those we lost.
Unlike some past years, the losses suffered in 2025 were not as frequent or earth-shattering. But no matter how large or small, they do need to be recognized and remembered.
In April, Kapu Bar closed after two years in Petaluma, Calif. One online report says the building owner sold the property and the bar owners may relocate. … In May, The Sorrow Drowner in Wilmington, N.C., closed after three years of presenting a unique “Tiki-noir” bar experience in an immersive space decorated by “Trader Brandon” Kleyla, who also worked on Disney’s Enchanted Tiki bars on both coasts. The owners are reportedly planning a move to the west coast, so stay tuned. … Marama Room, closed abruptly at the end of May after opening in April in Huntington Beach, Calif. An Instagram post said the owners were “fervently working with potential investors and inquiring about new locations in the Huntington Beach/Orange County area.”
In July, Swizzle closed its Greenville Avenue location in Dallas after five years, but owners Marty Reyes and Jen Ann Tonic are keeping the brand alive with pop-ups and catering events. … The tropical bar and restaurant Laki Kane closed its Upper Street Islington location in London after seven years of operation to move into a “new chapter.” The venue went out with a bang, featuring a month of farewell events leading up to the Sept. 1 closing. The Laki Kane proprietors announced that this may be goodbye for now, but their “story isn’t over”. A small, temporary Laki Kane lounge opened in October in the Covent Garden restaurant in London and continues to operate in early 2026.
On Dec. 1, the Mai-Kai family lost one of its performing legends when Pasefika Iosia passed away in Port St. Lucie, Fla., at age 87. The native of Samoa, who spent more than three decades as a fire knife dancer and musician starting in 1970, was remembered at a memorial gathering at the South Florida restaurant Dec. 14. The Mai-Kai paid tribute in an official social media post: “His talent and charisma on stage were unforgettable, and off stage he brought people together through friendship, sports, and laughter. Pasefika wasn’t just a performer – he was family. Thank you, Pasefika, for the joy, spirit, and memories you shared. You will always be in our hearts.”
TIKI ON FILM: The Donn of Tiki hits the road, Cabali and the Tiki Mug Obsession debuts
No stranger to the top stories of the year, The Donn of Tiki was released to great fanfare at film festivals beginning in April 2024 and was one of the top stories in both 2023 and 2024. A general worldwide release has remained elusive, but that didn’t stop the movie’s creators, directors Alex Lamb and Max Well of Surf Monkey Films, from taking their show on the road. They built on the support the Tiki community brought to film fest screenings, many of which sold out. Throughout 2025, The Donn of Tiki was featured in multiple markets across the country, some including multi-day runs at indie cinemas, plus parties and meet-and-greets for local Tikiphiles.
The strategy worked, keeping the award-winning film in the spotlight all year and hopefully setting the stage for a profitable online and/or streaming release. A nice byproduct of all this is the extended and expanded reach of the story of Donn Beach, the pioneer of Tiki culture and creator of the Don the Beachcomber bar and restaurant in the 1930s. The more the general public becomes educated about Tiki’s rich history, the better. Beach’s life story will become even more clear in 2026, when author Tim “Swanky” Glazner releases his long-awaited book, Searching for Don the Beachcomber (Korero Press). The book is due in the spring, but look for a special Kickstarter starting Jan. 12 that will offer an early special edition for fans.
PREVIEW: Countdown to Don the Beachcomber biography begins with fundraiser, early special edition
The Donn of Tiki: Official website | Instagram | Facebook
Searching for Don the Beachcomber: Official website | Instagram | Facebook
More on The Atomic Grog: Don the Beachcomber cocktail recipes
Meanwhile, another independent feature-length documentary that has also been much anticipated and in production for many years made a splash at its initial film festival. Cabali and the Tiki Mug Obsession, which documents the journey of collector Doug “Fini” Finical and features a who’s who of modern artists, made its debut Oct. 19-22 at the Newport Beach Film Festival in Southern California. Several screenings sold out, and after-parties were held at the Royal Hawaiian in Laguna Beach.
You can visit Fini at Cabali, his Tiki speakeasy near Tucson, Ariz., and keep an eye out for the film at future events, including the Vero Beach Film Festival in Florida in April.
Cabali and the Tiki Mug Obsession: Official website | Instagram | Facebook
TIKI OASIS TURNS 25: Influential event marks a quarter century
There were multiple touchstones in the early 2000s that kickstarted the revival of Polynesian Pop culture. But none remains as vital and important as Tiki Oasis, the annual gathering of the tribe launched modestly by Otto and Baby Doe von Stroheim in the summer of 2001. Taking over the entire Town and Country Resort in San Diego, Tiki Oasis now draws thousands of attendees and VIP participants to what has long been the standard by which all other events are judged. The 25th anniversary event was a flawless celebration of everything that Tiki represents today, and we were happy to attend and be a part of it.
Click on the links below for the full story (plus photos and video) from ground zero. The importance of Tiki Oasis as a tentpole in the Tiki revival cannot be understated and should not be taken for granted. If you’ve never been, or haven’t enjoyed the festivities in a while, mark your calendar for Aug. 5-9, when the 26th annual event returns to entertain, educate and keep the flame of the original Tiki revival burning.
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.
Preview: Tiki Oasis celebrates a quarter century as subculture’s preeminent event
TIKI SPANS THE GLOBE: Busy year includes new events in Italy, Fiji, Mexico
Since we started documenting events back in 2015, we’ve seen a great expansion of the annual calendar in different directions. COVID was a major disruptor, but U.S. events bounced back quickly. Now, slowly but surely, we’re seeing Tiki infiltrating new territories around the globe. This was clearly evident in 2025, when new events launched in Livorno, Italy (Tikitaly in May); Mexico City (Mexotika La Isla De Los Muertos in November); and Nadi, Fiji (Fiji Rum & Tiki Festival in November). New events also continued to spring up across the United States, from Portland, Ore. (PDXotica in August); to Orlando, Fla. (Monster Moku in September); to Ventura Beach, Calif. (The Big Tiki Woo-Woo in October). Several have already announced dates for 2026, so keep an eye on the ever-expanding calendar. A Tiki event might be coming to your town soon.
More Atomic Grog coverage
• Mai-Kai goes international at new Tiki event in Italy
The Year in Tiki 2025: A look back at the top events in photos, video
The Tiki Times: Latest upcoming live and virtual events
BEACHBUM BERRY GETS SOCIAL: Summer pop-up at Omni hotels
Previous coverage: Beachbum Berry joins forces with Omni hotels for Tiki Social pop-up
During the original great wave of Polynesian restaurants in the mid-20th century, there was one great facilitator that’s absent from today’s growing Tiki scene. Nearly every big name – from Trader Vic’s to Don the Beachcomber to Stephen Crane’s Kon-Tiki Ports – expanded across the country via a major hotel chain. Most notably, Vic joined forces with Hilton and Crane partnered with Sheraton. Aside from the remaining Trader Vic’s locations, such associations are a relic of the 20th century. That changed last summer, when the most influential name in the Tiki cocktail revival hooked up with the Omni hotel chain for a new concept, Tiki Social. The tropical pop-up bar – created in collaboration with New Orleans author, historian and bar owner Jeff “Beachbum” Berry – ran from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day at 11 hotel properties across the country.
The deal placed Tiki Social pop-ups in Omni Hotels & Resorts locations in Texas, California, Florida, Georgia, New York and Minnesota. The menu featured six cocktails and two mocktails created in collaboration with the author of such classic books as Potions of the Caribbean and Sippin’ Safari. “The Bum” also kept busy all year with event appearances and his duties at Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29, the award-winning establishment in the French Quarter. And we can’t forget Sippin’ Santa, the Christmas pop-up that Berry oversees in collaboration with the team behind the ever-expanding Miracle holiday pop-up bars. The list of Sippin’ Santa locations grew to more than 60 in 26 states, plus Canada, Japan, and Panama. We look forward to more collaborations and pop-ups that spread quality Tiki cocktails into new frontiers.
MAI-KAI REACHES NEW HEIGHTS: First full year after reopening celebrated with special events, signature rum
What a difference a few years make. The historic Mai-Kai in South Florida, which was closed from late 2020 through late 2024, remains one of the year’s top stories … but for very different reasons. The 2024 reopening was special and spectacular, but the entire year of 2025 proved to be pivotal in the Polynesian palace’s return to glory. The 26,000-square-foot restaurant was open 364 days, closing only for a one-day staff retreat in August. It took a few months to work out the kinks, but once the Mai-Kai was cranking on all cylinders, it was beautiful to behold. Enhancements to the $20 million restoration project continued all year, with Phase 2 already underway. Look for a new event center to open in the old back-of-house space by the middle of the year.
Behind the scenes, a new chef (Justin Sherrer) came on board in March, beverage director Cory Starr took over general manager duties in May, and the Polynesian Islander Revue changed leadership in August, putting it on track for a spectacular 69th anniversary party that included dozens of alumni performers from throughout the restaurant’s history. The oldest continually-running authentic South Seas stage show in the United States remains the centerpiece, but there are so many more reasons to visit the Mai-Kai now.
Late 2025 brought month-long Halloween and Christmas celebrations that were no mere overlays. The entire 2.7-acre grounds and two bars were transformed into even more immersive spaces, featuring extensive cocktail menus that took themed tropical drinks to a new level. Below, you’ll find our tribute to one of these, the Christmas version of the Barrel O’ Rum. There were many other highlights this past year, which we documented in our ongoing news coverage as well as our deep dive into the bar and cocktail program. Following are links to some of the more notable news of the year.
Memorable 2025 stories at the Mai-Kai
• Legends return for 69th anniversary celebration
• Holiday treats include 12 drinks of Christmas, new Rum Barrel mug, festive decor, non-stop events
• Photo and video recap: Hulaween party returns from the dead
• Mai-Kai reveals new rum, Sven Kirsten mug at Tiki Oasis
• Tikiphiles, Panthers fans flock to the Mai-Kai for special events
• Mai-Kai unveils two large tiki carvings during The Hukilau
• The Hukilau brings special events, guest bartenders
• Mai-Kai opens new passageway between Tiki gardens
• Mcbiff introduces ‘Mystery at the Mai-Kai’ print, merchandise
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
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.
EXCLUSIVE: Mai-Kai Restoration & Reopening Guide
Check out all past news, photos, video and deep details on the refurbishment and resurrection of the Polynesian palace.
Official sites and social media
• MaiKai.com | Facebook page | Instagram
Facebook group: Friends of the Mai-Kai
BONUS COCKTAIL RECIPE
The Barrel O’ Rum has become synonymous with the Mai-Kai, a sight as familiar as the restaurant’s signature A-frame and performances of the Polynesian Islander Revue. The classic version, which we cover in great detail in our Mai-Kai Cocktail Guide, is hard to beat. It’s been on the menu since 1956 and is a great example of the genius of original bar manager Mariano Licudine, who took his decades of knowledge working at Don the Beachcomber and applied it to everything he touched at the Mai-Kai.
Alternate versions have often been featured, but none came close to surpassing the simple excellence of the original. Until now. One of the Twelve Drinks of Christmas featured at the Mai-Kai throughout December 2025 wowed just about everyone who tasted it. It’s no longer available, but we hope it returns in 2026 when the holiday season rolls around again.
If you were lucky enough to pick up one of the limited-edition Christmas Rum Barrel mugs, created by John Mulder and Eekum Bookum, here’s your chance to put it to good use. If not, a regular Mai-Kai Rum Barrel mug works fine since they hold the same amount of liquid. The Florida artist said he was honored to create a Rum Barrel as his first official commissioned mug for the Mai-Kai.
More on the mug release: Photos, video, interview with artist John Mulder
The Christmas Barrel cocktail was crafted by beverage director Cory Starr and bar manager Michael DeMahy, who gave us a lot of insights about how they created all the special drinks. [See story] We stand by our rating of 4.3, placing it at the top of the holiday menu and even higher than the classic Barrel.
The real trick was creating a tribute recipe that’s up to the same high standards of both Licudine and the current mixologists. I hope we came close …
Tribute to the Christmas Barrel at the Mai-Kai
By Hurricane Hayward, The Atomic Grog (December 2025)
• 1 ounce lime juice
• 1 ounce orange juice
• 1 ounce pineapple juice
• 1/2 ounce honey mix
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• 1/4 ounce spiced chai syrup
• 3/4 ounce club soda
• 1 1/2 ounces lightly aged and filtered (aka white) Spanish-style rum
• 1 ounce lightly aged (aka gold or dark) Spanish-style rum
• 1 ounce Mai-Kai Rum No. 1 (sub dark Jamaican rum)
• 1/2 ounce 151-proof Demerara rum
• 1/2 teaspoon Don’s Spices #2
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 3 drops Pernod (or absinthe)
Flash blend with 1 heaping cup of crushed ice for 5-8 seconds. Pour into a Rum Barrel mug or snifter (20 to 22 ounces) pre-loaded with 2 cups of crushed ice, adding more ice if necessary. Garnish with three cranberries and a healthy crop of mint dusted with powdered sugar.
Tasting notes: Rich, rummy and spicy. Less tart and citrusy, this is a delicious variation of the classic Rum Barrel with bold seasonal flavors that comes very close to the Christmas Barrel served at the Mai-Kai during the 2025 holidays.
INGREDIENT NOTES
We took our most recent Rum Barrel tribute recipe, which we haven’t published yet, and substituted all of the ingredients that DeMahy mentioned or we tasted in the drink. It’s actually the first Rum Barrel to feature Mai-Kai Rum No. 1 since Starr and DeMahy are being strategic in rolling out the new 100-proof blend. It works great here, and you can taste it in a few of the classic cocktails. Click here to see the list as of December. If you haven’t been to the Mai-Kai yet to pick up a bottle, you can substitute a quality dark Jamaican rum (Coruba, et al.) or use our suggested combination that simulates the old Mai-Kai in-house blend (aka Kohala Bay replacement). As a more accurate sub for Rum No. 1, we recommend Planteray’s Mister Fogg due to its similar proof and bold blend of dark rums, some of which are from the same distilleries (WIRD and Long Pond) as the Mai-Kai rum. No need to get fancy with the white and gold/dark rums. The Mai-Kai uses its own in-house blends, but all you need is solid 80-proof mixing rums in each category. As for the 151, a Demerara is essential, which means Hamilton, Lemon Hart or Diamond Reserve Dark. The small amount goes a long way, works great with the Mai-Kai rum and makes this rum blend even more dangerous than the standard Barrel.
Pineapple replaces grapefruit in this holiday version, its sweetness helping temper the added spices. For all the juices, fresh-squeezed is recommenced, if not essential (especially the lime). DeMahy’s house-made spiced chai syrup is the secret weapon in this cocktail, giving it a distinctive flavor but not overwhelming anything else. Making our own syrup was daunting, so we picked up a bottle of Torani Chai Tea Spice Syrup online and figured out the best way to blend it with other syrups (2:1 honey and 2:1 simple) to emulate what we were tasting in the Christmas Barrel. We can’t guarantee the same results with a different syrup.
DeMahy noted that the drink contains vanilla, so we recommend using the classic Don’s Spices #2, an equal blend of vanilla syrup and allspice liqueur. The allspice, bitters and Pernod combo is a Don the Beachcomber core flavor that the Mai-Kai still uses to great effect. And don’t forget the club soda. It adds just a bit of fizz and keeps the drink from becoming overwhelmingly dense. Blend with plenty of crushed ice in a top-down mixer or blender, and enjoy at any time of year!
Okole maluna!
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY!
RELATED TRIBUTE RECIPE: Pineapple of Perdition from the Mai-Kai’s 2025 Hulaween menu.
Mai-Kai Christmas cocktails, 2025
Analysis and ratings of all 13 special drinks, plus insights from bar manager Michael DeMahy
Okole Maluna Society: The Mai-Kai Cocktail Guide
Hurricane Hayward reviews and rates current and past tropical drinks, reveals ancestor and tribute recipes.
PAST ANNUAL RECAPS
Iconic restaurants revived: Don the Beachcomber, Mai-Kai, Trader Vic’s are top Tiki stories of 2024
Top 10 stories of 2023: Tiki resurgence and appreciation breathes life into year marked by loss
Top 10 Tiki stories of 2022 include legends lost, hope for the future
The Mai-Kai sale, Oceanic Arts closing among top Tiki stories of 2021
Year in the rearview: The Top 9 Tiki stories of 2020
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