Polynesian Pop devotees traveled from near and far for the East Coast’s longest running Tiki weekender, The Hukilau, held June 3-7 at the oceanfront Beachcomber Resort and historic Mai-Kai restaurant. Featuring five days of nonstop entertainment, education, cocktails and camaraderie, the 24th annual event left attendees – known as villagers – hung over but happy. This recap captures the action as it happened.
The Hukilau flashback: Social media highlights
• Jump below: Photo & video recaps | Pool parties & bands | Mai-Kai events | Friday’s luau | Tiki Treasures Bazaar | Daily highlights
We hope this curated compilation of photos and video will bring back some memories, and also give newbies some idea of what the event is all about. There’s also a Spotify playlist featuring many of the bands. For a taste of a few of the delicious cocktails served by some of the 20 guest bars, keep an eye out for our next story.
Tiki mug collectors will want to jump on a special limited edtion of the official event mug, which was released two weeks after the event (see below). The 2026 mug pays tribute to The Hukilau logo Tiki and is designed and produced by John Mulder at the Eeekum Bookum studio in St. Petersburg, Fla. Follow this link to pre-order this new version featuring a matte tan and soft blue exterior with a gloss blue interior glaze.
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, 20 guest cocktail bars, pool parties, Tiki Treasures Bazaar, plus more.
• The Hukilau on social media: Instagram | Facebook page and group
In addition to the social media posts highlighted below, we’ve compiled our annual playlist of the performing bands for your streaming pleasure on Spotify. Six of the nine bands are featured, a total of 16 songs and 41 minutes. Click here to launch Spotify or use the player below to listen to songs by The Kreepy Tikis, The Mermers, The Patina Turners, Black Valley Moon, Slip and the Spinouts, and The Intoxicators.
• Past Hukilau playlists: 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2019 | 2018
• Past Hukilau band videos: 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022
PHOTO & VIDEO RECAPS
POOL PARTIES & BANDS
BARS & BARTENDERS
MAI-KAI EVENTS
FRIDAY’S LUAU
TIKI TREASURES BAZAAR & VENDORS
THURSDAY HIGHLIGHTS
FRIDAY HIGHLIGHTS
SATURDAY HIGHLIGHTS
MORE UPCOMING EVENTS
UPDATES: The Tiki Times: Exclusive events guide
Check the calendar for all of the major happenings around the world, from Tiki weekenders to rum festivals to marketplaces and music fests.
HUKILAU 2026 PREVIEWS
The Hukilau 2026 at the Mai-Kai: Updated stage show, special menus, cocktail ratings
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
Direct links: Special cocktail menu to include four retired classic
• Updated Atomic Grog cocktail rankings, history
The Hukilau 2026 preview: Tiki weekender loaded with bands, bartenders and guest speakers
Villagers can look forward to live music and entertainment, seminars and classes, 20 guest bars, plus five days relaxing at the Beachcomber Resort and Mai-Kai restaurant during the June 3-7 event.
Direct links: Sneak preview of the official event mug by Eeekum Bookum
• Bands and entertainment | Symposiums and workshops | Bars and cocktails
Mai-Kai updates: The Hukilau welcomes Charles Phoenix, past event recaps, appetizer ratings
The East Coast’s longest-running Polynesian Pop event returns June 3-7 with an expansive schedule that includes three days and nights at the Mai-Kai, including a special presentation by “the King of Retro.”
Preview: The Hukilau to feature special pop culture presentation
The Hukilau 2026 honors a legend, welcomes new faces to 24th annual Tiki weekender in South Florida
The state’s original Polynesian Pop event returns June 3-7 for an immersive experience at the oceanfront Beachcomber Resort and historic Mai-Kai, which will host a tribute to the late artist Danny “Tiki Diablo” Gallardo.
EVENT PREVIEW: New bands, guest bar teams, Tiki Treasures Bazaar vendors
FULL MAI-KAI COVERAGE
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.
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.
HUKILAU PAST COVERAGE
2025
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 in South Florida.
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.
• The Hukilau returns to the Mai-Kai for five days of Tiki festivities
• Mai-Kai welcomes The Hukilau guest bartenders with exclusive dinner
• Beverage director reunites with old friends at The Hukilau finale
2024
The Hukilau highlights: Photos and memories from 2024 Tiki weekender
Check out The Atomic Grog’s deep dive into all the fun at the Beachcomber Resort and sneak peek at the Mai-Kai, including our favorite moments from throughout the four-day Tiki weekender.
• Live coverage, photos and video from social media
• Inside the Molokai Bar and tour of the Mai-Kai restoration
2023
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.
• The Hukilau 2023 live coverage, photos and video from social media
2022
The Hukilau 2022: Daily recap, photos and video
The 20th 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
PREVIOUS YEARS
• 2021: Daily recap, photos and video | Zombie party is final challenge | Full coverage
• 2020: Virtual events honor The Hukilau, help those in need
• 2019: 10 highlights and photos | Social media recap | Full coverage
• 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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