Category: Culture

Posted on

Tiki-a-Go-Go 2026: The five best things at the action-packed Orlando event

Tiki-a-Go-Go 2026: Five things we're looking forward to at action-packed Orlando event

Updated April 19

Just three years old, an infant in terms of Tiki revival weekenders, Orlando’s Tiki-a-Go-Go has already grown into one of the premiere events on the annual calendar. This year’s gathering, happening March 27-29 at the Caribe Royale Resort, is loaded with some of the biggest names in the scene and chock full of activities for guests.

Photos and video from Tiki-a-Go-Go in Orlando
• SEE BELOW: Recap, photos and video from Tiki-a-Go-Go 2026

Not surprisingly, tickets sold out way in advance. We’ll be there to share a special presentation on the past, present and future of Tiki in the Sunshine State (Sunday at 11:30 a.m.). If you missed out on tickets, you can still meet up with the gathered masses at Sunday’s Magical Tiki Meet Up and Monday’s after-party at the Mai-Kai.
PREVIEW: Tiki-a-Go-Go 2026 seminar to explore the past, present and future of Florida Tiki

Shag with his latest print, "The Happiest Place," released March 21. The California artist designed special glassware and the event poster for Tiki-a-Go-Go 2026. (The Shag Store)
Shag with his latest print, “The Happiest Place,” released March 21. The California artist designed special glassware and the event poster for Tiki-a-Go-Go 2026. (The Shag Store)

Launched in 2024 by two Florida couples with a passion for Tiki and retro Florida, Tiki-a-Go-Go has blossomed in a state that’s proving to be fertile ground for the subculture’s continued evolution. The event also attracts fans from around the country (and world), drawn to Central Florida’s robust and welcoming tourist market.

While the event has yet to encounter growing pains that have challenged other events (venue changes, pandemics, etc.), we see no signs of its popularity slowing down anytime soon. It can be daunting for newbies to negotiate the schedule’s vast array of activities, so we’ve tried to highlight some of the things we’re looking forward to below.
SEE BELOW: Our Top 5 highlights | Basic daily schedule

Tiki-a-Go-Go 2026 event artwork by Shag.
Tiki-a-Go-Go 2026 event artwork by Shag.

March 27-29 – Tiki-a-Go-Go at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando. Featuring symposiums and classes (Shag, Kevin Kidney & Jody Daily, Sven Kirsten, Tiki Tony Murphy, Spike Marble, Garret Richard, Marie King, Tim “Swanky” Glazner, Henrik & Denise Van Ryzin, “Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller, Scott “Flounder” Scheidly, et al.), guest cocktail bars and bartenders, live music (Los Straitjackets, The Neanderthals, The Sound Minds, The Swingin’ Palms, Skinny Jimmy Stingray), supper club, burlesque, artists and vendors, and more.
• Bonus event: Magical Tiki Meet Up on March 29 at the Magic Kingdom and Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World.
• Tiki-a-Go-Go on social media: Instagram | YouTube | Facebook page and group

Last year’s event built on the success of the first, welcoming many top experts in their respective fields, plus some longtime favorite performers (Tikiyaki Orchestra, The Intoxicators, et al.). Guest bars and room parties kicked the nightly parties into high gear, and sponsors were abundant. The Caribe Royale is a large resort with vast convention space and a tropical environment dotted with pools and palm trees, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Not mentioned above or below is one other major strength of Tiki-a-Go-Go worth touting. The number of rum and spirits companies, bars and related industry participants is impressive, totaling around 40 sponsors. They range from Angostura to Tanduay, from Bar Tiki to The Honu, all contributing great products and aloha. More sponsors usually means more free samples and benefits for guests, which is always a good thing as event tickets don’t come cheap.

Tiki-a-Go-Go 2026: Top 5 things we don’t want to miss

In no particular order, here are five things we’re looking forward to during the whirlwind weekend.

Seminars

A focus on educational seminars on a wide range of topics is a foundational element of Tiki-a-Go-Go. The event space at the Caribe Royale allows for an extensive schedule. This includes topics as diverse as Asian Influences on Tiki Fashion (with Margo Scott) and Vintage Florida from DogLand to Skunk Apes (with Cathy Salustri), plus many deep dives into Tiki and Disney culture by notable experts.

Mixologist Dizz Fernandez makes cocktails for eager guests at Tiki-a-Go-Go 2024. This year he'll join fellow Trader Sam's skipper Kelly Merrell for a seminar on their respective enchanted Tiki bars. (Official photo)
Mixologist Dizz Fernandez makes cocktails for eager guests at Tiki-a-Go-Go 2024. This year he’ll join fellow Trader Sam’s skipper Kelly Merrell for a seminar on their respective enchanted Tiki bars. (Official photo)

The schedule includes 33 seminars and 14 classes and activities, most around an hour long, packed into 15 hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It’s impossible to attend them all, of course, but if you plan your day wisely you can catch some fascinating presentations about topics you enjoy.

Continue reading “Tiki-a-Go-Go 2026: The five best things at the action-packed Orlando event”

Posted on

Mai-Kai kicks off 2026 with new food and drink menus, special events

Mai-Kai kicks off 2026 with new food and drink menus, special events

Posted March 5, updated April 28, 2026

You could forgive the owners, management and staff of the Mai-Kai for taking a deep breath and resting on their laurels in early 2026 after a spectacular 2025, the first full year back in business after a four-year hiatus and $20 million restoration of the historic South Florida restaurant. Luckily for fans of the 69-year-old Polynesian palace, that’s not the case. Not by a long shot.

More than a year after reopening, the Mai-Kai's lush landscaping is thriving. The signature cannibal carvings bid guests farewell. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward, February 2026)
More than a year after reopening, the Mai-Kai’s lush landscaping is thriving. The signature cannibal carvings bid guests farewell. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward, February 2026)

Business is booming as the Mai-Kai remains laser-focused on improving the cocktails, food and entire guest experience. Last year ended with a bang, culminating with a memorable anniversary celebration featuring more than 20 past on-stage performers from the Mai-Kai Islanders. This came on the heels of an elaborate themed overlay and creative cocktail menu for the Christmas holidays.
• 2025 Mai-Kai recaps: Exclusive ongoing coverage | Bar and cocktail news

The new year brought a new selection of modern tropical drinks, plus some creative takes on old classics. Also in January, the Mai-Kai launched a weekly schedule of themed specials, including In the Biz Mondays, Tiki Tuesdays, Wahine Wednesdays, and Karaoke Night on Thursdays. Live bands continue to entertain Molokai Bar guests on Fridays, and more activities for kids are part of the early Sunday festivities (along with a monthly meet-up for classic car owners.)

Skinny Jimmy Stingray and his band perform in the Molokai on Feb. 27. They return to rock the bar on March 20. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward)
Skinny Jimmy Stingray and his band perform in the Molokai on Feb. 27. They return to rock the bar on March 20. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward)

Jump to the latest news below
• Cocktail menu: Modern tropics added, classics enhanced | New drink ratings
• Food menu: Breaking down the latest updates
• Preview, recap: Weekly and special events

A new food menu was introduced in February, updated with a half-dozen new dishes from chef Justin Sherrer. The Mai-Kai hosted several high-profile events, starting with a Miami Rum Congress pre-party featuring multiple rum brands and special tastings. During the nationally acclaimed South Beach Wine & Food Festival, Sherrer participated in Miami while general manager and beverage director Cory Starr hosted a sold-out Tiki cocktail master class in the Bora Bora Bar.

Bartender Justin Rivera leads guests in creating cocktails during a master class hosted by the Mai-Kai as part of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival on Feb. 21. Students created their own garnish. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward)
Bartender Justin Rivera leads guests in creating cocktails during a master class hosted by the Mai-Kai as part of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival on Feb. 21. Students created their own garnish. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward)

This story will cover all of the above while also offering a preview of upcoming events, plus more. Stay tuned for stories on other major projects around the Mai-Kai property, including the restoration of a 60-year-old tiki icon and construction of a new event center and back-of-house facilities.

Continue reading “Mai-Kai kicks off 2026 with new food and drink menus, special events”

Posted on

Gone too soon: Danny ‘Tiki Diablo’ Gallardo left indelible mark on Polynesian Pop revival

Gone too soon: Danny 'Tiki Diablo' Gallardo left indelible mark on Polynesian Pop revival

Posted Feb. 18, last updated May 27

If life isn’t fair, then death is even less so. And if cancer is involved, it’s totally indiscriminate. That’s the only explanation for the devastating loss suffered by the Tiki community when artist extraordinaire Danny Gallardo passed away on Feb. 5 at age 54.

Tiki Diablo, with wife Stephanie Mehr, shows off his mugs in the Tiki Treasures Bazaar at The Hukilau 2016. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)
Tiki Diablo, with wife Stephanie Mehr, shows off his mugs in the Tiki Treasures Bazaar at The Hukilau 2016. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)

The Los Angeles-based carver, ceramicist, designer and builder known around the world as Tiki Diablo created a body of work that spans a quarter century and touched nearly everyone involved in the subculture born in his native Southern California. That explains the overwhelming outpouring of grief, shock and loving remembrances that flooded social media in the weeks following the sad announcement by Danny’s wife of 25 years, Stephanie Mehr.

“It was the greatest privilege of my life to be married to a badass man who wasn’t afraid of anyone or anything, and who could figure out just about everything,” she wrote. “He was my safe place, and I didn’t need anyone else, and neither did he.”

“His legacy will live on through Tiki Diablo,” Stephanie wrote. “With family beside me, we’ll continue what we started.” For updates, follow the Tiki Diablo pages on Instagram and Facebook. You can purchase mugs, pendants, shirts and more in the Tiki Diablo online store.

An obituary in the Santa Barbara Independent announced a mass in his honor to be celebrated on March 6 with a reception to follow. It was also published by the Santa Barbara News-Press, summing up his legacy nicely:

Though his passing leaves an immeasurable void, Daniel’s legacy lives on in the intricate beauty of his artwork, and in the countless lives he touched. He will be deeply missed. His spirit remains carved not only in wood, but in the hearts of all who loved him.

Tiki Diablo obituary

Danny was a man loaded not only with talent and integrity, but an unflinching positivity and kindness, a true friend to countless others and someone remembered for his giant heart and wicked sense of humor. Whether you knew him for decades or just met, his influence was the same. Good vibes, aloha spirit, and a willingness to go beyond the superficial to make a true difference.

When Tiki bars around the country were wracked by the COVID pandemic and facing an uncertain future, Danny lifted their spirits by creating special mugs and shipping them out, free of charge. The stories are endless, so we’ve tried to include as many as we can at the end of this story.
MORE BELOW: The mugs of Tiki Diablo | Friends, fans remember Danny Gallardo

California-based sculptor, carver and designer Danny Gallardo (aka Tiki Diablo) at The Hukilau 2019. (Photo by Robert Jimenez)
California-based sculptor, carver and designer Danny Gallardo (aka Tiki Diablo) at The Hukilau 2019. (Photo by Robert Jimenez)

He was one of the giants of the Tiki art world, but always humble. Even when his work entered the mainstream in 2015 and was featured as a special line of products available in 600 Home Depot stores, Danny didn’t toot his own horn. His work spoke for him, loud and clear, and sold out in a matter of weeks.

Danny began his career in the early 2000s in the early years of the Polynesian Pop revival, originally using the name Chiki Tiki. Once he established himself as Tiki Diablo, he quickly became known for his custom carvings, immersive bar interiors and distinctive mugs that pay reverence to authentic Polynesian art in a way no other artist was doing.

Continue reading “Gone too soon: Danny ‘Tiki Diablo’ Gallardo left indelible mark on Polynesian Pop revival”

Posted on

Countdown to Don the Beachcomber biography begins with fundraiser, early special edition

Countdown to Don the Beachcomber biography begins with fundraiser, early special edition

Updated Feb. 22

Much has been revealed in recent years about Donn Beach (aka Don the Beachcomber), considered to be the godfather of 20th century Tiki culture. But we still don’t have a complete picture of the life and times of the enigmatic bootlegger-turned-restaurateur, who opened the first faux Polynesian bar in the 1930s and influenced countless imitators. That’s all about to change.
Preview the book below: Images and sample pages | Video
Bonus cocktail recipe: Beachcomber’s Silver

The back and front covers of the upcoming book, Searching for Don the Beachcomber.
The back and front covers of the upcoming book, Searching for Don the Beachcomber.

Years in the making, the 208-page biography Searching for Don the Beachcomber will hit bookshelves in 2026, researched and written by Tiki historian Tim “Swanky” Glazner and published by London-based Korero Press. The hardcover book is due to be shipped April, and fans jumped at the chance to secure a special edition via a Kickstarter campaign that launched Jan. 20. More than $45,000 was raised in the first a week, smashing all goals. The total when the campaign ended was more than $60,000 (£45,230).

Early backers received several special rewards, including first-edition copies with an exclusive signed bookplate. A limited-edition mug by Eekum Bookum featuring Beach’s signature cannibal carvings sold out fast, and a second batch with a different glaze was added. The mug and book are now available for pre-order via the official website, along with 8×10 prints of Beach.

Glazner is co-founder of The Hukilau in the early 2000s and author of Mai-Kai: History and Mystery of the Iconic Tiki Restaurant (2016, Schiffer). It was during the research for that book that he starting uncovering fascinating facts and stories about the man who started life in 1907 as a Texan named Ernest Gantt and ended in 1989 in Honolulu as a lifelong supporter of authentic South Pacific culture.

Over those 82 years, Beach reinvented not only himself but America’s perception and appreciation of Pan-Pacific people. The book covers his entire life, including fascinating details and stories about his early years, which have remain shrouded in mystery. As it turns out, most of the tall tales and myths that have long surrounded Donn Beach were created and embellished by the man himself. But one thing is clear, Beach always lived up to his motto: “If you can’t get to paradise, I’ll bring it to you.”

Donn Beach in Hawaii, circa 1939 (left) and 1950. (Phoebe Beach archive)
Donn Beach in Hawaii, circa 1939 (left) and 1950. (Phoebe Beach archive)

In Searching for Don the Beachcomber, Glazer does his best to separate fact from fiction, but he also lets Beach’s rich archive of personal documents speak for themselves. The biography was made possible when Beach’s widow, Phoebe Beach, donated his personal papers, photos and other materials that she had been saving for the past 30+ years. Glazner has said they will end up in the collections of the Bishop Museum in Honolulu, which celebrates the history and culture of Hawaii and the Pacific.

Beach is best known today as the “Inventor of the Tiki Bar,” as the book’s subtitle states, a uniquely mainland American invention that he crafted in the shadow of 1930s Hollywood movie studios. But fate later brought the enterprising entrepreneur to the South Seas, where he spent most of the second half of his life, running namesake restaurants and spearheading projects that included the International Market Place in Waikiki. He was also a decorated veteran of World War II, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Army Air Force.

Don Beach's military career in World War II is detailed in Searching for Don the Beachcomber. He's pictured above in Italy in 1943. (Phoebe Beach archive)
Don Beach’s military career in World War II is detailed in Searching for Don the Beachcomber. He’s pictured above in Italy in 1943. (Phoebe Beach archive)

Throughout his lifetime, Beach ignored racial barriers by quietly hiring and promoting staff who were immigrants from many Pacific and southeast Asian countries, decades before civil rights legislation was a reality. Reading Searching for Don the Beachcomber will give you a much more in-depth picture of not only the creativity, but the integrity and vision of Donn Beach.

Glazner details many significant storylines, including Beach’s unusual relationship with his first wife, Sunny Sund, and their precarious association with organized crime. The book is also chock full of more than 200 rare images and documents from Beach’s archives, plus an appendix that includes many of the influential mixologist’s original recipes from the 1930s and ’40s.

Continue reading “Countdown to Don the Beachcomber biography begins with fundraiser, early special edition”

Posted on

Top stories of 2025: Tiki culture honors the past as it expands reach and influence

Top stories of 2025: Tiki culture honors the past as it expands reach and influence

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: A look back at the top events in photos, video
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.).

Dirty Birds Tiki Bar & Grill in Cocoa Beach features authentic design and Tiki decor by "Typhoon Tommy" Allsmiller (right) and Scott "Flounder" Scheidly, who did much of the work on the Mai-Kai restoration. (Photos by Rob Ripley, Andrew Turner / October, November 2025)
Dirty Birds Tiki Bar & Grill in Cocoa Beach features authentic design and Tiki decor by “Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller (right) and Scott “Flounder” Scheidly, who did much of the work on the Mai-Kai restoration. (Photos by Rob Ripley, Andrew Turner / October, November 2025)

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.”

Marty Reyes (left) and Jen Ann Tonic with their crew from Swizzle at The Hukilau in June 2024. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)
Marty Reyes (left) and Jen Ann Tonic with their crew from Swizzle at The Hukilau in June 2024. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)

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.

Continue reading “Top stories of 2025: Tiki culture honors the past as it expands reach and influence”

Posted on

The Tiki Times: Preview the 2026 calendar of events

The Tiki Times: Preview the 2026 calendar of events

The Tiki Times

Get ready for an action-packed year in the world of Tiki culture with this preview of the many returning events. Check back for updates on the many weekenders and one-off gatherings for fans of rum, lowbrow and mid-century modern art, surf and rockabilly music, Disney, and most anything of interest to the Tiki community.

The Tiki Times calendar
Updated all year with the latest happenings on the main calendar page, including online and ongoing events, plus recaps featuring photos and video.
• Online events, vlogs | Ongoing live events | Special events

The Year in Tiki 2025: A look back at the top events in photos, video
The Year in Tiki 2025: Recap the top events in photos, video
It was another banner year for Tiki and adjacent events in 2025 as the calendar continued to expand with new gatherings, large and small. Our full recap contains streaming video, plus social media photos and links to more coverage on many happenings around the world.

Social media: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Bluesky | Pinterest

***********************************************

NOTE: THIS LIST IS NO LONGER UPDATED. Go to the main Tiki Times page for further updates, plus recaps of all the major events.

2026 LIVE SPECIAL EVENTS

Note: Event dates are subject to change; check with the venue to confirm.

Updated Jan. 14, 2026

Jan. 18 – Slack Key Festival in Redondo Beach, Calif.

Jan. 23-25 – The Breezeway Getaway at the Caliente Tropics Resort in Palm Springs, Calif.
• Matt Marble of Spike’s Breezeway Cocktail Hour puts together a weekend of cocktails, surf rock and more (Coachella Valley Independent)

The Breezeway Getaway

Jan 23-25 – Inuhele: Atlanta’s Tiki Weekend in Georgia.

Inuhele: Atlanta's Tiki Weekend

Jan. 24 – Winter Surf Fest in Huntington Beach, Calif.

Feb. 5-8 – Nor’Easter Island Tropical Weekend in Sturbridge, Mass.

Nor'Easter Island Tropical Weekend

Feb. 6-8 – Magic City Tiki Weekend in Birmingham, Ala.

Feb. 6-8 – Miami Rum Congress at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Miami Rum Congress

Feb. 8 – Tiki Master Cocktail Competition in Miami Beach.

Tiki Master Cocktail Competition

Feb. 11-13 – Mondial du Rhum in Paris.

Feb. 20-21 – Floridania Fest – The Florida Memorabilia Show in Sarasota.

Feb. 12-22 – Modernism Week in Palm Springs, Calif.

Modernism Week

Feb. 21 – The Rum Curious Summit in San Diego.

Feb. 27-March 1 – Surf By Surf East Weekender in Austin.

Surf By Surf East Weekender

Feb. 28 – 92 Years of Paradise at Trader Vic’s in Munich, Germany.

March 1 – Adventureland Day at Disneyland in Anaheim.

March 1 – Adventureland Day at Disney World in Orlando.

March 8 – Mermaid’s Day at Disneyland.

March 6-8 – Mai Tai Mayhem in Richfield, Ohio.

Mai Tai Mayhem

March 7-15 – Rum Traveler Cruise, roundtrip from Bridgetown, Barbados.

March 21-22 – Arizona Aloha Festival in Tempe.

March 22 – Wiki Wiki One Day Vintage Collectibles & Hawaiiana Show in Honolulu.

March 27-29 – Louisiana Tiki Festival in Baton Rouge.

March 27-29 – Tiki-a-Go-Go in Orlando, Fla.

Tiki-a-Go-Go

March 28 – The Endless Surf Festival in Belgium.

The Endless Surf Festival

March 28 – Taste of Rum festival in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

March 29 – Magical Tiki Meet Up at Walt Disney World.

April 5-11 – Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, Hawaii.

April 9-11 – Hawaii Arts, Crafts & Food Festival in Hilo, Hawaii.

April 9-12 – Viva Las Vegas rockabilly weekend.

Viva Las Vegas

April 14-18 – Madeira Rum Festival in Funchal, Portugal.

April 16-19 – Arizona Tiki Oasis at the Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale.

Arizona Tiki Oasis

April 18-19 – Alamo Aloha Fiestaval in San Antonio.

April 18-20 – Rhum Fest Paris

April 25 – Chicago Rum Festival

Chicago Rum Festival

April 25 – Oslo Rum & Whisky Festival in Norway.

April 26 – TikiLand Day at Disneyland in Anaheim.

April 30-May 3 – Tiki Caliente at the Caliente Tropics Resort in Palm Springs, Calif.

Tiki Caliente

May 2 – Oceania Culture and Arts Festival in Bakersfield, Calif.

May 2-3 – Twangstock at Otto’s Shrunken Head in New York City.

May 6-11 – Mad Ron Week in Madrid.

May 7 – Spain Rum & Gin Expo in Madrid.

May 9 – Stockholm Rum Fest in Sweden.

May 9-10 – Hawaiian May Day Festival in Pleasanton, Calif.

May 16-17 – Heritage of Aloha Festival in Santa Fe Springs, Calif.

May 29-June 1 – Tikitaly in Livorno, Italy.

Tikitaly

June 4-7 – The Hukilau at the Beachcomber Resort & Club in Pompano Beach and Mai-Kai restaurant in Oakland Park, Fla.

June 6 – Bordeaux Rum Festival in France.

June 6 – New York Rum Festival & Conference in New York City.

June 12-13 – Rum Love Festival in Wroclaw, Poland.

June 18-20 – Oslo Tiki Weekend in Norway.

Oslo Tiki Weekend

June 18-21 – Bottoms Up – A Midcentury Barware Show in Lancaster, Ohio.

June 25-28 – Ohana: Luau at the Lake at The Tiki Resort, Lake George, N.Y.

July 4 – Manchester Rum Festival in the UK.

July 10-11 – Rum Show in London.

July 19-24 – Tales of the Cocktail and Spirted Awards in New Orleans.

July 23-26 – 4 Days of Aloha, a Hawaiian arts and culture festival in Vancouver, Wash.

Aug. 5-9 – Tiki Oasis in San Diego, Calif.

Aug. 12-16 – Key West Rum Festival in Florida.

Aug. 21-22 – Gin & Rum Festival in Glasgow, Scotland.

Aug. 28-30 – Rockaway Beach Surf Music Festival in New York City.

Aug. 29-30 – German Rum Festival in Berlin.

Sept. 8-10 and 13-15 – Tiki by the Sea in Wildwood, N.J.

Sept. 18-20 – Beachcomber Bash in Portland, Ore.

Sept. 19-20 – California Rum Festival & Congress in Emeryville, Calif.

California Rum Festival & Congress

Sept. 24-27 – Monster Moku in Orlando.

Oct. 2-4 – Son of the Big Tiki Woo-Woo in Ventura Beach, Calif.

Oct. 8-13 – Spike’s Breezeway Cocktail Cruise, departing from New York City.

Spike's Breezeway Cocktail Cruise

Oct. 17-18 – The UK RumFest in London.

Nov. 6-7 – Danish Rum and Whisky Festival in Denmark.

Nov. 14-15 – Miami Rum Renaissance Festival in Coral Gables.

Dec. 12-13 – Mele Kalikimaka Marketplace in Honolulu.

Make our calendar better
Feel free to share events via email or Facebook message (special events only, no regular band gigs or general bar promotions).

Posted on

Mai-Kai legends return to the stage for 69th anniversary celebration

Mai-Kai legends return to the stage for 69th anniversary celebration

Updated Jan. 14

The Mai-Kai is honoring its cultural legacy on its 69th anniversary, inviting more than 20 past performers from the Polynesian Islander Revue to participate in a two-day event Dec. 27-28 at the South Florida restaurant. The national historic landmark opened its doors Dec. 28, 1956, adding an authentic dinner show in the early 1960s.
Live coverage below: Photos, video of alumni anniversary weekend

The Mai-Kai's 69th anniversary weekend
• Saturday (Dec. 27) features alumni shows at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. with a meet-and-greet from 7 to 8.
• Sunday (Dec. 28) showcases a 69th anniversary show at 1, 4, and 7 p.m.

Alumni from across the decades gather at the Mai-Kai
FULL RECAP: Alumni from across the decades gather at the Mai-Kai

The stage show combines music (by the Mai-Kai Serenaders) and dance (by the Mai-Kai Islanders) into a flamboyant but culturally accurate tribute to the islands of the South Pacific, running up to three shows a night, seven days a week for the past six decades. After a four-year interruption when the Mai-Kai was closed for a $20 million restoration and reimagination, the revue remains the oldest continually-running authentic South Seas stage show in the United States (including Hawaii).

Since the Mai-Kai reopened in November 2024, the show has returned bigger and better than ever, featuring second and third-generation performers. The bond between the current and past has never been stronger, creating a familial atmosphere that opened the doors to this year’s unprecedented reunion.

Related stories
• Mai-Kai holiday treats include 12 drinks of Christmas, new Rum Barrel mug, festive decor, non-stop events
• Rum release, holiday cocktails and mug, anniversary events, more

Pasefika Iosia performs the fire knife dance at the Mai-Kai in 1975. He was also an accomplished musician and member of the house band (top left). (Mai-Kai photos)
Pasefika Iosia performs the fire knife dance at the Mai-Kai in 1975. He was also an accomplished musician and member of the house band (top left). (Mai-Kai photos)

The festivities will be dedicated to the memory of a legend who we recently lost. Pasefika Iosia, a native of Samoa who spent more than three decades as an entertainer at the Mai-Kai, passed away Dec. 1 in Port St. Lucie, Fla., at age 87. Many whose lives he touched gathered at the Mai-Kai on Dec. 14 to remember “Fika,” who started his career as dancer in 1970 and later performed in the band.

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.”

Among those who came to pay their respects was Mai-Kai matriarch Mireille Thornton, who was one of the original dancers before taking over as choreographer and cultural director for the next six decades. She married owner Bob Thornton, leading the family ownership group after his death in 1989 through the 2020 closing.

More Atomic Grog coverage
• Mai-Kai bar and cocktail news, reviews and exclusive insights
• Latest updates and exclusive news on the Mai-Kai

Mileto (center) takes a bow at the end of his final performance as a member of the Mai-Kai Islanders, led by Polynesian cultural director Lono (right). (Photo by Hurricane Hayward / Dec. 19, 2025)
Mileto (center) takes a bow at the end of his final performance as a member of the Mai-Kai Islanders, led by Polynesian cultural director Lono (right). (Photo by Hurricane Hayward / Dec. 19, 2025)

On Dec. 19, a new name was added to the list of alumni when Luiz Mileto ended a more than 25-year run as one of the Mai-Kai’s signature fire knife dancers. Mileto (aka Letz) received an on-stage tribute during his final show, garnering a flurry of leis from his fellow performers and a standing ovation from the hundreds of attendees in the audience. He has long been the Mai-Kai’s most recognizable male dancer, the elder statesman known for his good humor, but serious and skilled on-stage talents.

Continue reading “Mai-Kai legends return to the stage for 69th anniversary celebration”

Posted on

The Year in Tiki 2025: A look back at the top events in photos, video

The Year in Tiki 2025: A look back at the top events in photos, video

The Tiki Times

It was another banner year for Tiki and adjacent events in 2025 as the calendar continued to expand with new gatherings, large and small. Our full recap below contains streaming video, plus social media photos and links to more coverage on many happenings around the world, including Mai Tai Mayhem in Ohio, Tiki-a-Go-Go in Orlando, the Surfer Joe Summer Festival in Italy, Ohana: Luau at the Lake in New York, the Surf Guitar 101 Festival in California, Tiki in Waikiki, Monster Moku in Orlando, Circa Caliente in Palm Springs, and Tiki Fever in Sarasota. You can also find exclusive Atomic Grog coverage of multiple events at the Mai-Kai, plus others we attended including Inuhele in Atlanta, Miami Rum Congress, The Hukilau in South Florida, Tiki Oasis in San Diego, and the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival.

TOP STORIES OF 2025: Tiki culture honors the past as it expands reach and influence

The Tiki Times: Preview the 2026 calendar of events
The Tiki Times: Preview the 2026 calendar of events
Get ready for an action-packed year in the world of Tiki culture with this preview of the many returning events. Look ahead at the full calendar featuring official artwork and links to more info.

THE TIKI TIMES 2026: Latest upcoming live and virtual events
Social media: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Bluesky | Pinterest

THE TIKI TIMES: 2025 EVENTS RECAP

Jan. 18 – 90 Years of Paradise at Trader Vic’s Munich.

Jan. 18 – Rockabillaque Florida at the Seminole Casino Hotel in Immokalee.

Jan. 19 – Slack Key Festival in Redondo Beach, Calif.

Jan 24-26 – Inuhele: Atlanta’s Tiki Weekend

Paradise Reimagined: Deep Inside the Mai-Kai Restoration
Paradise Reimagined: Deep Inside the Mai-Kai Restoration
Attendees at Inuhele 2025 in Atlanta enjoyed an exclusive look at the reimagination and revival of the historic restaurant during a special multimedia presentation featuring photos, video and inside tips. Check out slideshow highlights, plus two walk-through videos with creative director “Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller.

Don the Beachcomber brand closes maiden venue, but navigates rough seas with dynamic expansion plans
Don the Beachcomber brand closes maiden venue, but navigates rough seas with dynamic expansion plans
Get the official scoop from creative director Justin Peterson and beverage director and Marie King, revealed during a presentation at Inuhele in Atlanta with author Tim “Swanky” Glazner.
Bonus cocktail recipe: Tribute to Marie King’s The Seminole Heights

Event preview: Inuhele, Atlanta grow together into a Tiki powerhouse
Inuhele, Atlanta grow together into a Tiki powerhouse
The sixth annual weekender returned Jan 24-26 with expert symposiums, artists and vendor marketplace, live music and entertainment, authentic luau, plus more.
• Take 5: Q&A with organizer Jonathan Chaffin
LIVE COVERAGE: Photos, video on social media

Jan. 26 – Winter Surf Fest in Long Beach, Calif.

Jan. 31-Feb. 2 – Miami Rum Congress at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Photos & video: Mai-Kai joins Miami Rum Congress festivities
Photos & video: Mai-Kai joins Miami Rum Congress festivities
The Mai-Kai was once again at ground zero of the rum world as brands, VIPs and enthusiasts flocked to South Florida. The restaurant hosted a special event and participated in several events in Miami Beach.

Feb. 7 – Tiki Luau in Oslo, Norway.

Tiki Luau

Feb. 12-14 – Mondial du Rhum in Paris.

Feb. 13-23 – Modernism Week in Palm Springs, Calif.

Modernism Week 2025

Feb 14-16 – Vintage Oasis hosted by the Greater Boston Vintage Society in Sturbridge, Mass.

March 1 – Texas Rum Festival in Dallas.

March 1-2 – Surf By Surf East Weekender in Austin.

Surf By Surf East Weekender

March 2 – Adventureland Day at Disneyland in Anaheim.

March 2 – Adventureland Day at Disney World in Orlando.

March 2 – Mermaid’s Day at Disneyland.

March 7-9 – Mai Tai Mayhem in Richfield, Ohio.

March 9 – Tropical Spirits Festival in Fort Lauderdale.
Recap, photos: Tropical Spirits Festival and after-party at Mai-Kai

Tropical Spirits Festival

Continue reading “The Year in Tiki 2025: A look back at the top events in photos, video”

Posted on

UPDATES: Mai-Kai holiday treats include 12 drinks of Christmas, new Rum Barrel mug, festive decor, non-stop events

Mai-Kai holiday treats include 12 drinks of Christmas, new Rum Barrel mug, festive decor, non-stop events

Updated Jan. 8, 2026

The Mai-Kai is embracing the season to be jolly like never before with a Christmas overlay featuring extensive decor, a limited-edition mug, and a new menu of 12 creative cocktails that celebrate spirits and flavors from around the world.
RELATED: Mai-Kai legends return to the stage for 69th anniversary celebration

The Mai-Kai's holiday lights and theming immerse guests from the beginning to the end of their journey to the Polynesian wonderland. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward, December 2025)
The Mai-Kai’s holiday lights and theming immerse guests from the beginning to the end of their journey to the Polynesian wonderland. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward, December 2025)

The minute you arrive at the historic South Florida restaurant, you’re swept away to a tropical winter wonderland, surrounded by giant wreaths and swaths of palm trees clad in holiday lights. Santa hats adorn the signature cannibal carvings under the banyan trees, and a large wreath hangs from the signature water feature, the bubbling caldera in the center of the vehicle roundabout.

The Bora Bora Bar and main entrance are awash with lights and festive touches, including the outdoor space’s own Christmas tree looming above the bartenders. Presents surround another tree high above the front doors under the restored porte-cochère.

More Atomic Grog coverage
• Latest updates and exclusive news on the Mai-Kai
• Mai-Kai bar and cocktail news, reviews and exclusive insights

Chelsea and Avery welcome you to the Molokai Mistletoe Lounge, where the servers clad in their holiday sarongs treat guests to the Twelve Drinks of Christmas. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward / Dec. 7, 2025)
Chelsea and Avery welcome you to the Molokai Mistletoe Lounge, where the servers clad in their holiday sarongs treat guests to the Twelve Drinks of Christmas. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward / Dec. 7, 2025)

Inside, the Molokai Bar is ground zero for the holiday cheer, nearly every available space covered in lights, ornaments, and lots of mistletoe. It’s over the top but tastefully done. The “Molokai Mistletoe Lounge” servers have joined the fun with their cheery new outfits. Just don’t try to catch one of the sarong-clad servers under a mistletoe … they move fast.
More below: Photos, video of the Mai-Kai’s holiday theming

Just as robust as the decorations, the events calendar started Dec. 1 with the launch of the new “Twelve Drinks of Christmas Around the World” menu. The new craft cocktails (plus a Christmas Mystery Bowl), take center stage on the main cocktail menu, available in both bars plus the dining rooms.

The good cheer extends to the late-night hours in both bars, which host special happy hours from 9 to 11 p.m. every Friday and Saturday throughout December. Like the regular happy hour, which runs seven days a week from 4 to 7 p.m., most signature cocktails (including the 12 Christmas drinks) are 50 percent off the regular price. There’s also a special late-night food menu. Check the reviews and photos below as we taste our way through the cocktails.
Christmas cocktail guide: Analysis, ratings, insights from bar manager Michael DeMahy UPDATED

The Mai-Kai's limited-edition Christmas Rum Barrel mug

Mai-Kai fans and collectors received an early Christmas treat on Wednesday, Dec. 3, when a limited Christmas Rum Barrel mug was released at a special event attended by Florida artist John Mulder. His merry holiday version of the Mai-Kai’s signature mug, limited to 250 numbered pieces, sold out by mid-December.

Continue reading “UPDATES: Mai-Kai holiday treats include 12 drinks of Christmas, new Rum Barrel mug, festive decor, non-stop events”

Posted on

Photo and video tour: The 16 most iconic photo spots at the Mai-Kai

Photo and video tour: The 16 most iconic photo spots at the Mai-Kai

Posted Oct. 5, 2025 / Updated April 28, 2026

You’ve seen them on social media. Grinning guests at South Florida’s historic Mai-Kai restaurant, posing in front of an array of distinctive icons and immersive features that immediately tell you where they are.

The Mai-Kai's volcanic caldera and indoor tiki garden are two of the many one-of-a-kind photo locations spotlighted by Hurricane Hayward. (Atomic Grog photos, April 2025)
The Mai-Kai’s volcanic caldera and indoor tiki garden are two of the many one-of-a-kind photo locations spotlighted by Hurricane Hayward. (Atomic Grog photos, April 2025)

Your first instinct is to be happy for them, to give them a “like” and even a “wish I was there with you!” comment. But it’s also hard to suppress the jealousy. You might wonder: “Why didn’t I think of that photo spot?”

We’re here to help you, as well as the many newbies who may be making their first visit and feel overwhelmed when confronted with the 2.7-acre property filled with dozens of scenic vistas. Take your time and enjoy the moment, of course. But you want to return home with some cool memories of your visit.

That’s why we’ve created this guide to getting those classic shots of you and your friends and family on your next trip to the Mai-Kai. These 16 locations are the ones that scream “Mai-Kai!” with no explanation needed. We could have added a dozen more exotic areas to photograph, both with and without smiling faces in your viewfinder. But we’re sure you’ll discover those on your own.
SEE THE TOP 16: Jump straight to the tour below

Watch the "Mai Kai Photo Safari" episode of Spike's Breezeway Cocktail Hour before, during or after checking out the detailed guide below. (Spike's Breezeway)
Watch the “Mai Kai Photo Safari” episode of Spike’s Breezeway Cocktail Hour before, during or after checking out the detailed guide below. (Spike’s Breezeway)

When we told Matt “Spike” Marble about our plans for this guide, he jumped at the chance to film an exclusive walk-through video of these 16 must-capture images during his visit this summer. We were joined by model Brittany on July 20 for what became the “Mai Kai Photo Safari” episode on his popular YouTube channel, Spike’s Breezeway Cocktail Hour.

You can stream the video below, or better yet click here to watch in a separate window or app before, during or after you take our photo tour below. This story will go into more detail and offer additional tips and photos, both historic and recent.

More from The Atomic Grog
• Latest news and exclusive coverage of the Mai-Kai reopening
• Mai-Kai bar and cocktail news, reviews and exclusive insights
• Mai-Kai Restoration & Reopening: Full story and photo archive

Our guide to the essential Mai-Kai photos, as documented on Spike's Breezeway Cocktail Hour with model Brittany, includes both classic and new locations. (Photos by Spike Marble, July 2025)
Our guide to the essential Mai-Kai photos, as documented on Spike’s Breezeway Cocktail Hour with model Brittany, includes both classic and new locations. (Photos by Spike Marble, July 2025)

Marble’s visit to the Mai-Kai yielded other videos that have drawn a big audience, including talks with general manager and beverage director Cory Starr and creative director “Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller. Here are the direct links to those episodes:
• The Polynesian Casa Bonita: Rescuing the Mai-Kai (with “Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller)
• Inside the Mai-Kai’s Cocktail Secrets (with Cory Starr)
• Saving the Lamps of the Mai Kai (with Scott “Flounder” Scheidly)
Keep an eye out for more coming soon, and bookmark the full playlist of all of Spike’s Mai-Kai videos.

A professional photographer, Marble also shot still images of the Mai-Kai during his week-long visit. Some of the more casual shots he posted on social media are included in this story. Click here to see more photos and coverage of Marble’s tour with Allsmiller, and look back at our original story on our video tour of the photo locations.

Plan your next visit
• Answers to frequently asked questions about the Mai-Kai
• Okole Maluna Society 2.0: All the Mai-Kai cocktails ranked
• Mai-Kai Cocktail Guide: Full archive of reviews, ratings, history more

Without further adieu, let’s get on with the tour … Continue reading “Photo and video tour: The 16 most iconic photo spots at the Mai-Kai”