Category: Florida Tiki

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Mai-Kai updates: The Hukilau welcomes Charles Phoenix, past event recaps, appetizer ratings

Mai-Kai updates: The Hukilau welcomes Charles Phoenix, past event recaps, appetizer ratings (April 2026)

Since reopening in late 2024 following a $20 million restoration and reimagination, the historic Mai-Kai restaurant has reestablished itself as the “mothership” of the Tiki revival, not only in Florida but for fans around the world. Guests new and old are flocking back to experience the magic of the last remaining mid-century Polynesian supper club, est. 1956.

The Hukilau and Charles Phoenix present Floridaland at the Mai-Kai on June 7

The Hukilau, the East Coast’s longest-running event celebrating Polynesian Pop culture, returns June 3-7 with an expansive schedule that includes three days and nights at the Mai-Kai as well as an immersive weekend at the oceanfront Beachcomber Resort in nearby Pompano Beach. The Mai-Kai will host the signature Friday night main event, plus a special presentation on Sunday with acclaimed pop culture humorist Charles Phoenix, called “the King of Retro” by the The New York Times.

Jump to the latest news below
Preview: The Hukilau to feature special pop culture presentation
Schedule: Mai-Kai’s entertainment lineup for May
Event recaps: Pirates, kids, cars and cocktails
Food ratings: Reviews of all the Mai-Kai’s apps

This story will preview the “Floridaland” slideshow on the Mai-Kai’s showroom stage on June 7, when Phoenix will roast and toast the Florida tourist experience in the ’50s and ’60s. It will also include the latest info on other happenings at the Mai-Kai during The Hukilau, including a special tribute to the late artist Danny “Tiki Diablo” Gallardo.

South Florida's Slip and the Spinouts play the Molokai Bar on May 22. They'll be joined during The Hukilau on June 5 by The Intoxicators from Tallahassee. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward and the Mai-Kai / July 2025)
South Florida’s Slip and the Spinouts play the Molokai Bar on May 22. They’ll be joined during The Hukilau on June 5 by The Intoxicators from Tallahassee. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward and the Mai-Kai / July 2025)

While attendees from near and far are expected for The Hukilau, locals will have many opportunities to enjoy a plethora of Mai-Kai events in the coming weeks. We’ll detail the full entertainment schedule, including live music in both the Molokai and Bora Bora bars.

The past few months have seen an eclectic array of events for guests of all ages. Below you’ll find a recap of many of these, including a “takeover” by two Florida bar teams in early March and the Mai-Kai’s participation at Orlando’s Tiki-a-Go-Go at the end of the month. This was followed immediately by an invasion by three guest bars from around the world and an assortment of visiting VIPs.

Finally, we’ll whet your appetite with ratings and reviews of all the Mai-Kai’s appetizers on the current menu, which was updated in February. Do we pooh-pooh the Pupu Platter? Read the full story to find out.

Previous updates
• Mai-Kai’s classic Tiki carving restored, reimagination continues
• Mai-Kai kicks off 2026 with new food and drink menus, special events

The Hukilau features pool parties and live bands including The Disasternauts at the oceanfront Beachcomber Resort in Pompano Beach. (Official photos)
The Hukilau features pool parties and live bands including The Disasternauts at the oceanfront Beachcomber Resort in Pompano Beach. (Official photos)

The Hukilau to feature special pop culture presentation at the Mai-Kai

The Mai-Kai has been closely associated with The Hukilau since 2003, when the fledgling Tiki weekender moved from Atlanta in its second year to be closer to the vintage restaurant. That kinship only grew over time, to the point that now the two are “joined at the hip,” as organizer Richard Oneslager said in our preview of this year’s event.
The Hukilau preview: New bands, guest bar teams, Tiki Treasures Bazaar vendors

The event features four full days of Tiki cocktails, pool parties, live music, vendors, symposiums, and a total takeover of the oceanfront Beachcomber Resort & Club in Pompano Beach, 12 miles northeast of the Mai-Kai. When combined with outings to the beloved restaurant, the event becomes a unique tropical escape for guests. These “villagers” can choose from a variety of passes ranging at $199 for two days to $649 for the elite South Seas pass. Rooms at the resort start at $255 (plus fees) per night. For slightly more, you can get an ocean view.

Charles Phoenix last appeared at Mai-Kai during The Hukilau in 2008, the event's sixth year in South Florida. (Photos: Tiki Central)
Charles Phoenix last appeared at Mai-Kai during The Hukilau in 2008, the event’s sixth year in South Florida. (Photos: Tiki Central)

Just announced for Sunday (June 7) is a special presentation by Charles Phoenix, a retro pop culture expert known for his high-energy shows featuring a treasure trove of authentic photos he has culled from the archives of mid-century tourists. Scheduled for noon on the Mai-Kai’s main stage, “Floridaland” is sure to be a wild and wacky trip back to the 1950s and ’60s.

Expect a hilarious tour through the best (and worst) roadside attractions, tourist traps, motels and hotels, plus more. It’s the perfect way to wrap up a fun-filled weekend at the Mai-Kai and the Beachcomber. Priority seating for this 90-minute show is available now for South Seas passholders for just $25. Tickets for other passholders (and the general public) are also available.

The last time Phoenix appeared at The Hukilau was 18 years ago, at the 2008 event, when he also did a presentation on the showroom stage at the Mai-Kai. In addition to “Floridaland,” the Sunday festivities will include live music and likely a few pop-up bars. Enjoy the jazz standards, bossa nova, and Latin sounds of Jackie Colada all day in the Molokai Bar.

The Mai-Kai's Polynesian Islander Revue will launch a new show during The Hukilau on June 5. (Marina Anderson / Mai-Kai photo)
The Mai-Kai’s Polynesian Islander Revue will launch a new show during The Hukilau on June 5. (Marina Anderson / Mai-Kai photo)

On Friday (June 5), the Mai-Kai will host The Hukilau’s villagers for multiple performances of the acclaimed Polynesian Islander Revue as well as live music in both bars. Seating for the first dinner show will include a tribute to artist Danny “Tiki Diablo” Gallardo, who tragically passed away in February. Gallardo was a major force in the Tiki revival with his distinctive carvings, mugs and bar designs over the past two decades.
• Obituary: Danny ‘Tiki Diablo’ Gallardo left indelible mark on Polynesian Pop revival

The Mai-Kai was a special place for Gallardo and his wife, Stephanie Mehr. He made the restaurant’s carvings and artwork the subject of many Tiki mugs over the years. They also tried to attend and sell their wares at The Hukilau whenever they could, including last year. Mehr will attend this year as guest of honor for the memorial event, which will also include a charity raffle of some of Gallardo’s last pendants he made for The Hukilau.

Continue reading “Mai-Kai updates: The Hukilau welcomes Charles Phoenix, past event recaps, appetizer ratings”

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Mai-Kai’s classic Tiki carving restored as restaurant’s reimagination continues

Mai-Kai's classic Tiki carving restored as restaurant's reimagination continues

Like any other historic property, restoration is an ongoing task at the Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2014, the 69-year-old Tiki temple is also one of two historic sites in the city of Oakland Park, Fla.

The historic carving by mid-century artist Barney West at the Mai-Kai in the 1960s and today. It was painstakingly restored in early 2026. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward / March 31, 2026)
The historic carving by mid-century artist Barney West at the Mai-Kai in the 1960s and today. It was painstakingly restored in early 2026. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward / March 31, 2026)

Jump to the latest news below
• Historic carving revived | See the restoration, step-by-step
• Gift shop revamped, new guest space in the works

Much care went into the $20 million restoration project during a four-year closing from late October 2020 until November 2024. The results were spectacular, but one major Mai-Kai icon still desperately needed some TLC as we entered 2026.

We’re happy to report that the vintage tiki by carver Barney West that has greeted guests along Federal Highway since the mid-1960s is now completely restored. It hasn’t looked this good in 30 years after decaying for decades, losing body parts like a zombie corpse.

Artist Tom Fowner speaks at the rededication ceremony for the vintage Tiki carving that he restored at the Mai-Kai. (Photos by "Tiki John" Atkins / March 31, 2026)
Artist Tom Fowner speaks at the rededication ceremony for the vintage Tiki carving that he restored at the Mai-Kai. (Photos by “Tiki John” Atkins / March 31, 2026)

We can thank artist Tom Fowner, who did a massive rebuilding and sculpting job using foam and epoxy putty over several weeks. He then added a new paint job that pays tribute to the tiki’s original redwood finish, just in time for its dedication on March 31. “It’s not identical, but it’s close,” Fowner said.

We haven’t heard of any accidents on the busy highway, but it’s certain that many arriving guests are doing a double-take when they spot the 10-foot-tall carving, which now looks much as it did more than 60 years ago.

This story covers the restoration by the South Florida craftsman in great detail, including many photos taken before, during and after the work was done. The tiki is significant as one of the last remaining large carvings by West, whose works were installed around the United States during the heyday of Polynesian Pop.

Related coverage
• Mai-Kai updates: The Hukilau welcomes Charles Phoenix, past event recaps, appetizer ratings
• Mai-Kai kicks off 2026 with new food and drink menus, special events
• Mai-Kai Rum No. 1: Everything you need to know about historic restaurant’s signature spirit

The Mai-Kai gift shop is themed like an ornate trading post in Bangkok. The room adjacent to the rear gardens has a Chinese theme that matches its former use. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward / Feb. 10 and March 31, 2026)
The Mai-Kai gift shop is themed like an ornate trading post in Bangkok. The room adjacent to the rear gardens has a Chinese theme that matches its former use. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward / Feb. 10 and March 31, 2026)

Part of the nostalgia of the Mai-Kai is driven by the Mai-Kai Trading Company, the gift shop that offers guests unique souvenirs, Tiki mugs, artwork, jewelry, apparel, and lots more. This highly themed space behind the showroom recently received an overhaul, which we’ll explore below.

Along with continuing restoration efforts, the Mai-Kai also remains focused on its reimagination. The first phase of this work included a highly immersive new entry driveway, a spectacular fountain that simulates a volcanic caldera, and the perfectly imagined Bora Bora Bar under the refurbished porte-cochère. [See video]

The second phase is well under way with projects large and small. Some are hush-hush, but one major addition has been hard to ignore. This story will also include some news (plus photos) on the new guest space that can be seen rising up in the rear of the Mai-Kai.

Historic Tiki carving revived by South Florida artist

Barney West was a rugged artist who carved enormous icons from his shop, called Tiki Junction, in Sausalito, Calif.
Barney West was a rugged artist who carved enormous icons from his shop, called Tiki Junction, in Sausalito, Calif.

For the past 62 years, the distinctive tiki carved by acclaimed artist Barney West has seen a lot from its perch on the northeast corner of the 2.7-acre Mai-Kai property, steps away from the neighboring furniture store.

The carving likely arrived at the Mai-Kai in early April 1964 with 10 other giant tikis created by West “ranging from one to six tons apiece,” according to an article in the Fort Lauderdale News. The story calls them “exact replicas and reproductions of the most dramatic statues found in the Polynesian and Melanesian islands.”

Continue reading “Mai-Kai’s classic Tiki carving restored as restaurant’s reimagination continues”

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EXCLUSIVE: See The Atomic Grog’s full Tiki-a-Go-Go 2026 symposium and order the new Encyclopedia of Florida Tiki

See The Atomic Grog's full Tiki-a-Go-Go 2026 symposium and order the new encyclopedia of Florida Tiki

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)
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)

Direct links to more below
• Order a printed copy of Florida Tiki: The Encyclopedia of Polynesian Pop in the Sunshine State.
• Find out who won the balloting at Tiki-a-Go-Go as today’s top Tiki location in Florida.
• See an online version of the presentation “Florida Tiki: The Good, the Bad and the Future of Polynesian Pop in the Sunshine State.”

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)
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

Florida Tiki encyclopedia available by mail

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.
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.
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’re printing more of the first edition and offering them online at cost ($5 printing, $2 shipping).

Continue reading “EXCLUSIVE: See The Atomic Grog’s full Tiki-a-Go-Go 2026 symposium and order the new Encyclopedia of Florida Tiki”

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

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

Posted April 13, last updated May 1

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

Charles Phoenix at the Mai-Kai and The Hukilau 2026
NEW: The Hukilau to feature special pop culture presentation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Tiki-a-Go-Go 2026 seminar to explore the past, present and future of Florida Tiki

Tiki-a-Go-Go 2026 seminar to explore the past, present and future of Florida Tiki

Updated April 19

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.
Tiki Gardens, a 12-acre tropical wonderland in Indian Rocks Beach, was a Florida’s flagship Tiki attraction for nearly 25 years.

Journalist and pop culture enthusiast Jim “Hurricane” Hayward of The Atomic Grog blog will connect the dots between the past, present and future in a multimedia presentation that celebrates Florida’s rich and colorful affair with Tiki culture. Join him on Sunday, March 29, at Tiki-a-Go-Go in Orlando for “Florida Tiki: The Good, the Bad and the Future of Polynesian Pop in the Sunshine State.”
FULL PREVIEW: Five things we’re looking forward to at Tiki-a-Go-Go 2026
LIVE COVERAGE: Photos and video from social media
EXCLUSIVE: See The Atomic Grog’s full Tiki-a-Go-Go symposium and order the new encyclopedia of Florida Tiki

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.
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.

Continue reading “Tiki-a-Go-Go 2026 seminar to explore the past, present and future of Florida Tiki”