Polynesian Pop and Tiki culture have a long association with dark imagery: Cocktails served in skull mugs, black velvet and other artwork evoking mysterious landscapes, flaming torches and exotic drums lurking in the background of mysterious bars. The first iconic Tiki drink was the Zombie, threatening to turn its imbibers into the living dead.
In modern times, the Tiki landscape has greatly expanded to include theming inspired by classic horror movies, lowbrow and rockabilly culture, a new wave of deadly drinks, and social groups united around dark themes such as “Goth Tiki.” The first Tiki weekender to fully embrace everything dark and campy is poised to host its second gathering deep in the lair of themed Halloween entertainment: Orlando, Florida.
Monster Moku will celebrate what it calls “the Darker Side of Tiki in a Tropical Scaradise” for three days and nights at the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Theme Park Resort, not far from SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream and Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights. It’s structured like other Polynesian Pop events with live music, seminars, a vendor marketplace, pool parties, and guest pop-up bars.
One major difference is the inclusion of 10 tattoo artists, who will enhance the edgy atmosphere. Guests are also encouraged to dress up and participate in a creative costume contest. With its horror-themed design and decor, Monster Moku is an event with a distinct image and attitude, setting it apart from the many weekenders on the modern Tiki calendar.
About Monster Moku
The focus of this fledgling event is no surprise when you consider it’s the brainchild of HeadHunter Ray, aka Rodney Ray of HeadHunter Props and Fabrication. The Central Florida artist and designer has made his mark in both the theme park and Tiki worlds.
Ray’s work can be enjoyed in the dark Tiki speakeasy Permanent Vacation in Maitland. He’s a key organizer of The Hukilau in South Florida, where his immersive room party transformations (see photo) and Build Your Own Tiki Bar Conference are highlights.
For Monster Moku, Ray is scaring up a wide assortment of entertainment and activities, including a Dive-In Monster Movie, Polynesian Fire show, and VooDoo Vendor Venue, plus perks including free food for VIP passholders. Guests will also encounter a highly themed environment full of monstrous props from the organizer’s collection.
To get a taste of what’s in store and meet some of the participants, check out the Monster Moku pop-up event on Monday, Aug. 31, at Aku Aku in Orlando featuring guest bartender Devon “Kitty” Lopez of Bar Tiki.
Monster Moku at a glance
TICKETS: If you just want to dip your toes into the swamp, you can buy a single-day Saturday pass for $120 that includes access to lectures and panels, the vendor marketplace, bands and entertainment, pool bars, cocktail parties and spirits tastings, a classic car show, and Polynesian show. Event merchandise will be available for purchase, along with a luau dinner and Sunday’s brunch.
For the full experience, you’ll want a three-day pass, available at three different levels. For $175, Islanders have access to all of the above plus some special features (costume contest, Dive-In) and discounts. The Zombie ticket ($275) adds some free merchandise and more discounts, plus a vendor preview cocktail reception. Those seeking total immersion can spring for a HeadHunter pass ($500), which includes VIP access to events, free merchandise and gift bag, both the dinner and brunch (a $200 value), plus a VIP bungalow with free food and drinks. The website touts that top-tier passholders will eat and drink free all weekend.
ROOMS: The link above will also give guests access to a special Monster Moku rate at the DoubleTree Orlando ($133 per night). This includes free parking and no resort fees.
Monster Moku highlights
LIVE MUSIC: Confirmed for the Coffin Pool main stage are five of Florida’s hardest rocking surf and garage bands with a dark and dangerous vibe: The Disasternauts (parts unknown), The Kreepy Tikis (Jacksonville), The Intoxicators (Tallahassee), The Mermers (Gainesville), and The Patina Turners (Fort Myers).
BARS: All passholders can enjoy free cocktails at the daily pool parties, served by some notable Tiki bartenders from around the country: Aku Aku (Orlando), Bar Tiki (Clearwater Beach), The Overlook Lodge (Cincinnati), Tiki Tiki Bang Bang (Cincinnati), and Tiki Underground (Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio). Free drinks will also be available at the VooDoo Vendor Venue Cocktail Party (Zombie and HeadHunter passes) and VIP Bungalow Bars for top-tier passholders.
VENDORS: Shop until you drop from at least 18 booths offering spooky Tiki art, apparel, jewelry, mugs, and more. Participates include Aloha Atomic, Always Pretty, Big Mike’s Tikis, Black Lagoon Brooklyn, First Man Jewelry, the Greater Florida Lego Users Group, The Green Tiki, HallowQueen Designs, Limitless Broadcasting, Mad About Plaid, Mimi’s Baubles, Pnkys SFX, Steve Bulinski, The Tattooed Society, Thematic Arts, TikiTastic, Untamed Gifts, and Warner Art. The vendor hall will also host live on-stage demos, themed photo-ops, and complimentary cocktails.
More Monster Moku online
• Official website | Instagram | Facebook page
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