How much do people care about Florida Tiki and its past, present and future? That’s what I hoped to find out at Orlando’s Tiki-a-Go-Go in late March, when I was scheduled to host a multimedia presentation along with dozens of other distinguished experts in their fields. I hoped that a broad, sweeping approach to the topic would resonate with attendees of the third annual weekender, which attracts Tikiphiles from not just the Sunshine State but all over the country. Event preview:Tiki-a-Go-Go 2026 seminar to explore the past, present and future of Florida Tiki
Boy, was I right. It turns out people care a lot about Florida Tiki. The seminar, titled “Florida Tiki: The Good, the Bad and the Future of Polynesian Pop in the Sunshine State,” attracted an overflow crowd to the 100-seat presentation room at the Caribe Royale Resort at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 29.
A view from the stage before The Atomic Grog’s Florida Tiki seminar at Tiki-a-Go-Go on March 29. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)
It was the final event at the resort after three days of more than 30 symposiums and classes, dozens of guest cocktail bars and bartenders, live music (Los Straitjackets, The Neanderthals, et al.), artists and vendors, room parties, and more. But many apparently saved their energy for Sunday, and I’m flattered and honored at the turnout, which included people standing in the rear and spilling into the hallway.
I had done presentations on the final day of events before, so I knew that guest travel plans can limit potential attendees. Also, I was bumping right up against my friends Tommy and Kari Allsmiller’s Magical Tiki Meet Up at Walt Disney World that afternoon. We later caught up with everyone at the Polynesian Village Resort, and it appears that event’s turnout was just as strong, boosted by enthusiastic Tiki and Disney fans from California.
Hurricane Hayward after his Florida Tiki presentation at Tiki-a-Go-Go on March 29. (Atomic Grog photo)
As it happens, I was probably better off in that late time slot than sandwiched into the middle of the event alongside such luminaries as Shag, Sven Kirsten and Tim “Swanky” Glazner, who all filled the larger 200-seat rooms to capacity. Kudos to the event organizers for not only bringing together such an elite lineup, but deftly putting together a schedule that allowed everyone numerous entertaining and educational opportunities alongside the stellar drinks, music, and marketplace. Social media recap:Photos and video from Tiki-a-Go-Go
First edition of Florida Tiki encyclopedia released
My research on Florida Tiki history led me down a rabbit hole that revealed more than 150 locations from the 1930s to today. Knowing that I couldn’t possibly mention them all in the presentation, I decided to compile and print a special handbook (designed by Mrs. Hurricane, aka Susan Hayward) that lists them all. The result is the first edition of Florida Tiki: The Encyclopedia of Polynesian Pop in the Sunshine State, an 8 1/2-by-11 booklet featuring a color cover and 24 total pages.
The front and back cover pages of the new Florida Tiki encyclopedia, produced by The Atomic Grog.
Thanks to researcher and writer “Tiki Tom” Duncan helping me flesh out more information than was available online, we dug up a dozen previously unknown venues. Tom and Tim “Swanky” Glazner also provided vintage images that were used in both the booklet and presentation.
The booklet breaks Florida Tiki down into three separate time periods: The Golden Era (1930s-1970s), the Dark Days and Early Revival (1980-2009), and the Current Era (2010 through today). Within each era are listings arranged chronologically within many different categories, including theme parks, roadside attractions, motels and resorts, apartments and condos, restaurants, bars, and retail locations. This running order gives you a good idea of how Florida Tiki evolved over time.
In addition, most listings include information on opening and closing dates, a short description and (in the case of many of the closed venues) details on what became of the site over time. Check out some sample pages below.
The Florida Tiki encyclopedia includes listings of locations from the original golden era through today.
Expecting a little more than 50 people to attend, we printed 60 copies for Tiki-a-Go-Go. (Mahalo to the Mai-Kai for sponsoring the first printing.) Many of the couples in attendance graciously agreed to share one copy, but we still didn’t have enough to go around. Because of this – and the overwhelming interest – we did a second printing of the first edition and sold them online.
In a state built on tourism, there’s a remarkably broad history of Tiki culture spread across Florida’s history books. From spectacular resorts to roadside dives, the legacy is rich with diversity.
The 21st century revival brought a creative new wave of authentic Tiki that Floridians continue to ride today, from events to new bars and restaurants. Are we in the midst of a new golden era of Polynesian Pop, or is the best yet to come?
Tiki Gardens, a 12-acre tropical wonderland in Indian Rocks Beach, was a Florida’s flagship Tiki attraction for nearly 25 years.
The Florida Tiki seminar will take place at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, the final event of a whirlwind weekend that will conclude later that day with the annual Magical Tiki Meet Up at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and Polynesian Village Resort.
Hayward has documented 150 Tiki locations, from the 1930s to today (including two that will be part of Sunday’s meet-up). This includes resorts and roadside attractions, bars and restaurants, hotels and resorts, apartments and condos, retail outlets, and more. The seminar will break these down not only by category, but also by eras covering nearly 90 years of history.
A 24-page booklet featuring a comprehensive list of every Tiki venue in Florida history will be distributed during the Tiki-a-Go-Go seminar on March 29.
Guests attending the seminar will get several special treats, including 1961 home video footage of several vintage locations that has never been seen before (thanks to Tim “Swanky” Glazner). The presentation will include new images and information on historic venues, plus the latest updates on future projects in the works.
As an added bonus, the first 50 attendees will receive a 24-page booklet that documents all of the past and current Tiki sites. This professionally designed encyclopedia is full of photos, descriptions and details on each location’s lifespan. Thanks to Glazner and researcher/writer “Tiki Tom” Duncan for their assistance, plus Susan Hayward (Mrs. Hurricane) for the design.
There will also be a raffle to win new glassware created by Christie “Tiki Kiliki” White (The Tapa Room / Magic City Tiki Weekend) featuring logos of vintage Florida venues. Before you head off to the Magical Tiki Meet Up, be sure to stop by for an enlightening look at the state’s under-appreciated Polynesian Pop history.
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.
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)
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.
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)
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.
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.
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)
In Searching for Don the Beachcomber, Glazner 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)
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.
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.
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
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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.
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.
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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)
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Jan. 31-Feb. 2 – Miami Rum Congress at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
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.
Polynesian Pop enthusiasts from around the world flocked to the Sunshine State for three days of retro-themed festivities, along with a healthy dose of educational entertainment, when the second annual Tiki-a-Go-Go took flight in Orlando. The event featured a non-stop array of bands and performers, symposium presenters, bartenders and brands, plus lots more.
April 4-6 – Tiki-a-Go-Go at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando. Featuring 30+ symposiums and classes (Sven Kirsten, Tim “Swanky” Glazner, Garret Richard, Spike Marble, David “Mcbiff” McNeley, Matt Pietrek, Jonpaul Balak, Tiki Tom-Tom, Margo “Rocket Betty” Scott, Dave “Basement Kahuna” Wolfe, David “Dr. Skipper” Marley, How Bowers, Jim Bacchi, Tommy Tam, et al.), guest cocktail bars and bartenders, live music (Tikiyaki Orchestra and Tikiyaki 5-0, The Intoxicators, The Disasternauts, Les Greene and the Swayzees, more), supper club and burlesque, artists and vendors, plus more. Bonus event:Magical Tiki Meet Up on April 6 at the Magic Kingdom and Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World.
* Tiki-a-Go-Go on social media: Instagram | Facebook page and group Atomic Grog preview: Tiki-a-Go-Go enhances immersive Tiki weekender for a new generation
Following is a selection of photos, video and live reports from attendees posted on social media during and after the revelry at the Caribe Royal Resort as well as Sunday’s Magical Tiki Meet Up at Disney World. We’ll continue to update with more recaps and special video coverage. RELATED:Mai-Kai joins top Florida bars at Tiki-a-Go-Go
It’s a great time to be immersed in the modern Tiki lifestyle, which has grown from its humble revival a quarter century ago into a full-blown subculture that shows no signs of slowing down. Fueled a cavalcade of new artists, musicians, bartenders and home enthusiasts, the scene is attracting a new generation of fans and followers.
• Live coverage: Photos and video from Tiki-a-Go-Go in OrlandoNEW
The Disasternauts headline the Saturday night event at the first Tiki-a-Go-Go in April 2024. (Sveinn Photography)
Nowhere is this more apparent than Florida, home to a blossoming new event that perfectly exemplifies the modern Tiki era, circa 2025. Launched last year to great fanfare, Tiki-a-Go-Go returns to Orlando on April 4-6 for a whirlwind weekend celebrating the past, present and future of the lifestyle and its many subgenres. SEE BELOW:Tiki-a-Go-Go daily schedule | 10 questions with the co-founders
Do you want to learn about Tiki, Florida and Disney history? Check. Craving delicious cocktails crafted by top Tiki bartenders? Check. Eager to browse and buy from a smorgasbord of vendors? Check. Need tips on how to build a home bar or make cocktails? Check. Does your perfect evening involve live surf and exotica music, a retro supper club and classy burlesque? Check, check and check.
Tiki-a-Go-Go also offers interactive activities for everyone, from a hands-on “drink and paint” class with artist Mcbiff to vintage hair styling. Presentation topics range from tattoo art, to aloha wear, to Tiki pioneer Don the Beachcomber. The top tier passes are already sold out, so it’s probably a good idea to reserve your hotel room and buy your tickets now. You don’t want to miss one of Tiki’s hottest up-and-coming events. .
April 4-6 – Tiki-a-Go-Go at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando. Featuring 30+ symposiums and classes (Sven Kirsten, Tim “Swanky” Glazner, Garret Richard, Spike Marble, David “Mcbiff” McNeley, Matt Pietrek, Jonpaul Balak, Tiki Tom-Tom, Margo “Rocket Betty” Scott, Dave “Basement Kahuna” Wolfe, David “Dr. Skipper” Marley, How Bowers, Jim Bacchi, Tommy Tam, et al.), guest cocktail bars and bartenders, live music (Tikiyaki Orchestra and Tikiyaki 5-0, The Intoxicators, The Disasternauts, Les Greene and the Swayzees, more), supper club and burlesque, artists and vendors, plus more. Bonus event:Magical Tiki Meet Up on April 6 at the Magic Kingdom and Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World.
* Tiki-a-Go-Go on social media: Instagram | Facebook page and group
• Atomic Grog coverage: 2024 photos, video on social media
Tiki-a-Go-Go is the brainchild of four longtime scene supporters and attendees of many events across the country. Jenna & Jose Villasana from Orlando joined forces with Mary & Jason Wescoat from Venice to create a Florida-centric weekender that honors the state’s roadside attractions and theme park history while also diving deep into Tiki history as well as contemporary topics not often covered elsewhere. They also linked their event to the established Magical Tiki Meet Up for a final day of fun at Disney World.
The event’s host hotel, the Caribe Royale Resort, is strategically located near Disney property and offers a tropical-themed vibe that complements the vast convention space. It’s a sprawling resort, so Tiki-a-Go-Go must share the facilities, but the Florida resort feel fits the event to a tee.
A view of the main pool at Orlando’s Caribe Royale Resort during the first Tiki-a-Go-Go. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward, April 2024)
The first gathering was an unqualified success, featuring such notables as Sven Kirsten, Tim “Swanky” Glazner, Spike Marble, and Tiki Tom-Tom. These experts all return in 2025, along with an expansive lineup of presenters, musicians, mixologists, and much more. It can be an over-used term, but this year’s lineup is truly eclectic.
Annual retrospectives always include some bittersweet news alongside the happy achievements, and 2024 was no different. We sadly said farewell to some legends as well as a few beloved watering holes. But there was much to celebrate as new Tiki establishments opened and events were launched. The good certainly overshadowed the bad at the top of the list. Three major storylines dominated the year in Tiki, and we’re happy to report that 2025 promises to be even better for three iconic names that are poised for their biggest years in recent history. Related:The Year in Tiki 2024: A look back at the top events in photos, video Bonus cocktail recipe:The Dirty Banana by Mike “Jetsetter” Jones
1. (TIE) CLASSIC TIKI REBORN: The Mai-Kai reopens after $20M restoration, Don the Beachcomber brand resurrected in Florida
It was impossible to choose one of these two highly significant events as the top story of the year, so we’re declaring it a tie. The importance of both cannot be understated. When all is said and done, this may qualify as the top story of the decade. Imagine a future without the Mai-Kai, and Don the Beachcomber just a figure in books and movies.
In mid-2021, we were still mired in the pandemic, the Mai-Kai had been closed for nearly a year and had yet to find new owners, and we had no clue that the historic Don the Beachcomber name had been acquired by a little-known restaurant group from Tampa.
By September of that year, the Mai-Kai was sold two a new ownership group, becoming the No. 2 story of the year. In 2022, the historic South Florida restaurant was in the midst of a multi-year, multimillion-dollar reimagination that grabbed the No. 5 slot. By 2023, Don the Beachcomber grabbed headlines (and the No. 2 top story) with an ambitious announcement of a revival of the brand by 23 Restaurant Services. The massive Mai-Kai renovation efforts, which we documented in great detail, was No. 4.
Don the Beachcomber in Madeira Beach was the first location to open as part of a planned national rollout of the iconic brand. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward)
Which brings us to 2024, when both stories deservedly bolted to the top slot. Don the Beachcomber made news first, opening its first new restaurant Feb. 23 in Madeira Beach on Florida’s southern Gulf Coast. The full-service restaurant, located on the ground floor of the Cambria Hotel just blocks from the beach, was designed by Daniel “Tiki Diablo” Gallardo and a crew of artists and craftspeople. The cocktails are in the highly capable hands of beverage director Marie King.
• Previous coverage:Don the Beachcomber grand opening in Florida is a smashing success
In April, the team behind the ambitious brand re-launch took the stage at Tiki-a-Go-Go in Orlando to offer a sneak preview of new locations planned for Florida, plus a new “brand within a brand” called the Gantt Reserve Collection from Don the Beachcomber. These smaller, speakeasy-style venues will allow the company to more swiftly expand. While the next large restaurant – a flagship location just north of Disney World in Central Florida – isn’t expected until at least 2025, the company was able to turn the key on its first cocktail-centric bar just three months later.
• Previous coverage:Don the Beachcomber announces new bar concept, upcoming locations in Florida
Morgan’s Cove in Tampa is the first Gantt Reserve Collection bar from Don the Beachcomber. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward)
Morgan’s Cove, featuring a whimsical seafaring design executed perfectly by Gallardo and his team, swung open its secret door on July 18 on downtown Tampa’s Morgan Street. The city’s long history of pirate lore makes the theme a perfect fit. King rose to the challenge with a menu of elevated classic cocktails and unique takes on Donn Beach’s vision.
• Previous coverage:Don the Beachcomber launches Morgan’s Cove speakeasy in Tampa
All that momentum came to a crashing halt in September. Hurricane Helene slammed the Gulf Coast, causing extensive damage to many homes and businesses, including Don the Beachcomber in Madeira Beach. The restaurant unfortunately fell victim to a perfect storm of unfortunate circumcstances. It was announced in January that it would not be reopening, but would be transformed into the sister concept, Tiki Docks.
That doesn’t mean the Don the Beachcomber brand is slowing its expansion. It’s just a temporary step back. Many new venues are coming soon, as we learned at Inuhele 2025:
Meanwhile on Florida’s southeast coast just north of Fort Lauderdale, work was progressing on the Mai-Kai, built in 1956 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2014. It closed in late October 2020 after a roof collapse took out the 1970s-era kitchen and revealed an aging structure in need of a lot of TLC. And, it turns out, even more money and time than projected. Luckily, the new ownership group led by historic preservationist Bill Fuller of Miami’s Barlington Group has deep pockets and even more patience.
Far from your typical restaurant restoration, this project demanded a high level of expertise. Creative director “Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller rose to the challenge, joined by a team of artists and longtime manager Kern Mattei. The excitement level started to build in June, when guests of The Hukilau received exclusive tours of some of the newly restored areas, including the Molokai Bar and showroom.
• Previous coverage:Inside the Molokai Bar and tour of the Mai-Kai restoration
The Mai-Kai showroom comes back to life during the grand reopening on Nov. 21. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)
With a fall reopening in sight, hiring began in August, including performers for a rebooted version of the Polynesian Islander Revue, the oldest continually-running authentic South Seas stage show in the United States (including Hawaii). In September, Cory Starr (formerly of Tiki Tatsu-Ya in Austin and Three Dots and a Dash in Chicago) was named beverage director, overseeing one of Tiki’s most storied bar programs.
• Previous coverage:Mai-Kai welcomes Cory Starr as new chief mixologist
Even the parking lot received a creative makeover. Designed by the architects at Orlando’s Perry-Becker Design, whose resume includes Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, the arrival experience became totally immersive with new waterfalls, lush foliage and a simulated volcanic caldera. The old porte-cochère was reimagined into the Bora Bora Bar with outdoor seating and another layer of story-telling for guests to enjoy.
The Mai-Kai’s outdoor Tiki garden reopened for the 68th anniversary on Dec. 28. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)
The Mai-Kai has been open every day since regular service began Nov. 26, including a 68th anniversary celebration on Dec. 28. The building and grounds look fantastic, but the $20 million project is far from complete. The expansive Tiki garden reopened for the anniversary, and several rear dining rooms are still being renovated. Allsmiller has more tricks up his sleeve as his work continues in 2025, but don’t hesitate to make a pilgrimage to Tiki’s mecca, a Polynesian paradise that defied the odds and returned bigger and better than ever in 2024.
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.
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2. THE DONN OF TIKI: Fans flock to premieres, boost film’s profile
The godfather of Tiki, Don the Beachcomber (aka Donn Beach), finally got his due in 2024 with the long-awaited public debut of The Donn of Tiki on the film festival circuit in April. By the end of the year, it had made the rounds at more than a half-dozen events and garnered numerous awards. In September, Kickstarter contributors were able to screen the movie at home.
