The Hukilau 2026 honors a legend, welcomes new faces to 24th annual Tiki weekender in South Florida

Posted April 13, last updated June 4

Since joining forces with the Mai-Kai in 2003 and becoming Florida’s original Tiki weekender, The Hukilau has overcome numerous changes and challenges. Host hotels have come and gone, and the historic Polynesian restaurant was unavailable for five years during a massive restoration project.

More Hukilau 2026 previews
NEW: Bands and guest bars, new dinner show, new food and cocktails, Charles Phoenix
• The Hukilau 2026 preview: Tiki weekender loaded with bands, bartenders and guest speakers

The Hukilau to feature special pop culture presentation

But like the Polynesian Pop revival that inspired it, The Hukilau has evolved and adapted, pointing to the future while still honoring the past. For the event’s 24th annual event June 3-7, organizers are looking forward to calm seas with a return to the Mai-Kai for the second straight year since its $20 million reimagination.

It will also be the sixth straight year The Hukilau is headquartered at the oceanfront Beachcomber Resort & Club in Pompano Beach, with its scenic oceanfront vistas unlike any other Tiki event. In announcing the countdown to this year’s reunion, organizer Richard Oneslager renewed his commitment to The Hukilau with a promise of “new bars and bands, the return of many longtime favorites, and of course, the world famous Mai-Kai.”

The Hukilau 2026 – June 3-7 at the Beachcomber Resort & Club in Pompano Beach and Mai-Kai restaurant in Oakland Park. Featuring live music, special guests, symposiums and classes, guest cocktail bars, pool parties, Tiki Treasures Bazaar, plus more.
• The Hukilau on social media: Instagram | Facebook page and group

The Mai-Kai showroom and Polynesian Islander Revue performance during The Hukilau 2025. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)

The 2026 gathering will be The Hukilau’s 19th full live event at the Mai-Kai, but just the second since 2020. The restaurant, built in 1956, is “the emotional anchor” of The Hukilau, said Oneslager, who invested a large sum of his own money to support the restoration efforts. The two entities “have been attached at the hip for 25 years,” he added.

Sadly, one of The Hukilau’s longtime contributing artists – and an unabashed admirer of the 69-year-old Polynesian palace – won’t be there to enjoy it. Danny “Tiki Diablo” Gallardo passed away in early February after a battle with cancer.
• Gone too soon: Danny ‘Tiki Diablo’ Gallardo left indelible mark on Polynesian Pop revival

Inspired by the Mai-Kai, his work (and personal appearances) were always a highlight of the event. As a tribute to the beloved California artist, The Hukilau and the Mai-Kai will host a special memorial gathering as part of the traditional main event on Friday, June 5. The evening will include a charity auction of some rare editions of Danny’s pendants made for The Hukilau, plus a photographic tribute that will be shown before the nightly dinner shows.

Danny "Tiki Diablo" Gallardo and wife Stephanie Mehr in their booth in the Tiki Treasures Bazaar at The Hukilau 2025. At right is a pendant that was the last art piece Gallardo created for The Hukilau. (Photos by Jeanne-Vidrine, Pia Dahlquist) — Danny “Tiki Diablo” Gallardo and wife Stephanie Mehr in their booth in the Tiki Treasures Bazaar at The Hukilau 2025. At right is a pendant that was the last art piece Gallardo created for The Hukilau. (Photos by Jeanne-Vidrine, Pia Dahlquist)

“You couldn’t think of a more important, special, revered place to have a memorial service for Danny,” Oneslager said. More details on this portion of the event will be announced soon. The evening will include multiple performances of the Mai-Kai’s acclaimed Polynesian Islander Revue, the oldest continually-running authentic South Seas stage show in the United States (including Hawaii). Passholders will be able to make reservations for the tribute and the dinner shows that night directly through the Mai-Kai.

On top of the total immersion of the Mai-Kai, The Hukilau’s villagers (as longtime guests are known) will have the tropical paradise at the Beachcomber all to themselves all weekend. The small boutique hotel is blocked out entirely for the event, offering guests multiple pools and restaurants, vast beaches and other amenities. Rooms start at just $255 (plus fees) per night. Reservations must be made by phone at (954) 941-7830 after purchasing an event pass.
Book a room: More info on the Beachcomber

With a $199 Palm Pass, you can attend Saturday and Sunday, enjoying most of the unlimited offerings at the resort, plus the Mai-Kai finale. The top-tier Aloha ($489) and South Seas ($659) passes provide the most extensive benefits, including up to three nights at the Mai-Kai, three days and nights of pool parties at the Beachcomber featuring live music and unlimited cocktails, three days of speaker symposiums, three nights of bungalow parties (and more free cocktails), Saturday’s Tiki Treasures Bazaar, plus more.
Become a villager: Details on the passes, link to purchase

Included in the South Seas pass are a Saturday night oceanfront dinner and show (with cocktails), plus a Sunday morning beachfront brunch. For a small fee, all passholders can arrive early on Wednesday and join the two-day “Build Your Own Bar Lecture Series” taught by some of the top names in the business.

“We like to think of ourselves as an event that specializes in Polynesian escapism and immersion,” Oneslager said. “You don’t just look at pictures, you can actually put your feet in the sand, your toes in the ocean. It’s a true tropical escape.” As promised, this year’s escape will include many new participants.

Since moving to the Beachcomber in 2021, The Hukilau has attracted dozens of bars and bartenders from around the world to host pop-up bars across the property, from poolside kiosks during the day to elaborate bungalow parties at night. The 2026 lineup will feature 20 bar teams, including 11 participating for the first time.

Devon "Kitty" Lopez from Clearwater Beach's Bar Tiki serves a welcome cocktail at the Beachcomber Resort during The Hukilau 2025. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward) — Devon “Kitty” Lopez from Clearwater Beach’s Bar Tiki serves a welcome cocktail at the Beachcomber Resort during The Hukilau 2025. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)

Returning favorites are Aku Aku (Orlando), Bar Tiki (Clearwater Beach), Kahala Koa (Arlington Heights, Ill.), Kaona Room (Miami), Odd Birds (St. Augustine), Tiki Tiki Bang Bang (Cincinnati, Ohio), Tiki Tatsu-Ya (Austin, Texas), Tiki Underground (Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio), and VenTiki (Ventura, Calif.).

New this year are Adrift (Denver), Black Jack’s Rum Bar & Grille (Davie and Fort Lauderdale), Boca Tiki Island Lounge (Boca Raton), Campfire (San Diego), Hula Kai (Fort Lauderdale), Joyface (New York City), Murray’s Tavern (Austin, Texas), Oyster Club (Mystic, Conn.), Palm Valley Cocktails (Columbus, Ohio), The Port of Call (Mystic, Conn.), and Tropic Thunder (Phoenix). Bartenders and managers from a half dozen of these new bars make up the revamped back-of-house bar team. Check the link below for more info.
Guest bars: Official lineup and links

The live musical lineup also features a mix of new and old with three longtime favorites (The Intoxicators, The Disasternauts, The Mermers) joined by three new faces: Black Valley Moon, The Patina Turners, and The Kreepy Tikis. The Mai-Kai will also host some of its favorite bands: Skinny Jimmy Stingray, Slip and the Spinouts, and Jackie Colada.
Featured bands: Photos, links, more on this year’s lineup

The Intoxicators perform on the poolside stage at The Hukilau 2024. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)

The educational opportunities cover a range of topics. The Build Your Own Bar panels are the most extensive, including six different topics covered by industry professionals. The follow-up to last year’s inaugural conference will be taught by Rodney Ray of HeadHunter Props and Fabrication, Billy Crud, Frank “Tiki Rancher” Simotics, Ignacio “Notch” Gonzalez, Bill “The Doktor” Lynn, Devon “Kitty” Lopez, Richard Barnes, and Ethan Barnes.
BYOB panels: What the series will cover, featured presenters

On Friday and Saturday, look for new symposiums on wide-ranging topics including the Mutiny on the Bounty films, Papua New Guinea and Oceanic art, and South Florida’s Art Deco and mid-century architecture. Two of The Hukilau’s longtime presenters, MeduSirena Marina the Fire Eating Mermaid and Tim “Swanky” Glazner, will both return with new takes on their unique specialties.

Tim "Swanky" Glazner, author of the definitive history book on the Mai-Kai, prepares for his presentation at The Hukilau 2025. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward) — Tim “Swanky” Glazner, author of the definitive history book on the Mai-Kai, prepares for his presentation at The Hukilau 2025. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)

Marina will discuss her life and times as a performer, from the Mai-Kai and beyond, while also showing a new documentary film and hosting an interactive Q&A session. Glazner, author of the just-released biography Searching for Don the Beachcomber, will explore the life and times of the godfather of Tiki culture while also introducing his exclusive new cocktail syrups.

Rum and cocktail enthusiasts will be treated to a “$1,000 Rum Tasting” hosted by Joe Horstkamp and Myssi Davis (aka Rum Traveler) and the “Story of the Cocktail” with Bar Tiki’s Devon “Kitty” Lopez and Permanent Vacation’s Dizz Fernandez. Author Tiki Lindy will return to explore updated takes on foundational Tiki drinks. Globe-trotting mixologist Daniele Dalla Pola (Kaona Room) will also host a special presentation.
Speakers and symposiums: Latest descriptions and bios

Just announced on April 24, the Mai-Kai will host a special presentation on Sunday (June 7) starring mid-century pop culture expert Charles Phoenix. The Southern California entertainer is known for his lively slideshows that celebrate classic Americana. It will be fun to see what Phoenix has in store for The Hukilau this year. This will be a ticketed event with South Seas passholders getting priorty seating. CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS

South Florida artist Todd Ashbaugh, aka Captain Cowfish, in his booth at The Hukilau 2025. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)

It would not be a Tiki weekender without an extensive vendor marketplace. The Hukilau has announced 30 artists, collectors and retailers who will participate in its signature Tiki Treasures Bazaar on Saturday, including 14 event newcomers (** noted below).

Abby Laughlin ** – Author of the A Moment in Time table book on mid-century Fort Lauderale architecture.
Adventure Room ** – Original Tiki art, mid-century and vintage.
Author Richard Wickliffe ** – Tiki Drinks: A Beginner’s Guide to Rum, Ritual and Relaxation and Florida-inspired writing.
Big Mike’s Tiki Gods – Original art, masks, collectibles.
Captain Cowfish – Tiki décor, signs and necklaces by artist Todd Ashbaugh.
Chris Warner ** – Original art, prints, and custom work.

Molokai Bar server Rachel urges you to pick up author Richard Wickliffe's new book, 'Tiki Drinks,' which features several recipes inspired by the Mai-Kai. (Provided by Richard Wickliffe) — Molokai Bar server Rachel urges you to pick up author Richard Wickliffe’s new book, ‘Tiki Drinks,’ which features several recipes inspired by the Mai-Kai. (Provided by Richard Wickliffe)

Dead Serious Customs – Accessories, purses, jewelry, hats.
Eekum Bookum – Custom Tiki mugs by artist John Mulder.
Headhunter Props – Cuystom Tiki builds, props and fabrication from Rodney Ray.
It’s Tikitastic ** – Hair flowers and fascinators.
Lorelei’s Vintage ** – 1950s aloha wear.
Luru Studios ** – Velvet portrait paintings.
MadVintage – Vintage clothing and Tiki accessories.
Miss Merry Mermaid** – Funky wearable and lifestyle items.

Florida artist Lazaro Ninou shows off his carvings at The Hukilau 2025. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)

Miss Tiki Triathlete ** – Tiki lamp purses.
Nice Work by Laz – Tiki carvings and sculptures by Lazaro Ninou.
Nimi Tiki – Tiki mugs and swizzle sticks from artist Nicholas Michelsen.
Ohio Tiki Nuts – Tiki mugs, décor and collectibles.
Polynesian Punk Art ** – Original art, prints, stickers, and Tiki-related merchandise.
Rarabird the PrimativaDiva – Hairflowers, headbands, hatfobs, jewelry, paintings, prints.
Sean Collins ** – Witco furniture, vintage barware, Tiki mugs, old Florida memorabilia.
Sea The Vibe ** – Aura photography and bamboo mood-enhancing glasses.

Patrick Vassar, aka The Green Tiki and Monkey Skull, mans his booth at The Hukilau 2025. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)

Steven Bulinski ** – Sculptures, wall art, lamps and purses.
The Green Tiki / Monkey Skull – Paintings, carvings and mugs from Florida artist Patrick Vassar.
The Modern Historic – Vintage clothing and housewares.
Tikiphile – Ceramics, mugs, barware.
Tiki Rancher – Custom bar builds, carved tikis and synthetic bamboo/thatch from designer Frank Simotics.
Tiki Visions – Restored Tiki décor and lamps from Karen Beckman and Glenn Kinser.
Tim “Swanky” Glazner – Biography of Don the Beachcomber, custom mugs, syrups.
Trunkers – Coastal apparel and accessories.

John Mulder of Eekum Bookum will once again create The Hukilau’s event mug, released first to multi-day passholders. His past mugs have included iconic images of the Mai-Kai you can’t get anywhere else.

Supporting these artists and crafts people has always been a key focus of The Hukilau. This year’s event will continue those efforts, highlighted by the very special tribute to Tiki Diablo. Don’t miss out. Get your tickets now.

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MORE ON THE HUKILAU 2026

The Hukilau 2026 at the Mai-Kai: Updated stage show, special menus, cocktail ratings NEW
The Mai-Kai is rolling out the red carpet for The Hukilau this week as hundreds of revelers roll into South Florida for the 24th annual weekender that celebrates vintage and modern Tiki culture.
FULL PREVIEW: Bands and guest bars, new dinner show, new food and cocktails, Charles Phoenix
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The Hukilau 2026 preview: Tiki weekender loaded with bands, bartenders and guest speakers NEW
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EVENT PREVIEW: Deep dive into 24th Tiki weekender in South Florida
Direct links: Sneak preview of the official event mug by Eeekum Bookum
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Preview: The Hukilau to feature special pop culture presentation

THE HUKILAU 2025 COVERAGE

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Photos, video: Mai-Kai unveils two large tiki carvings during The Hukilau 2025
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• The Hukilau returns to the Mai-Kai for five days of Tiki festivities
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