For the 24th time, Tikiphiles from around the world gathered under The Hukilau banner for a long weekend of Polynesian Pop revelry on June 3-7. For the past six years, the event has been headquartered at the picturesque Beachcomber Resort, located right on the ocean in Pompano Beach, just north of Fort Lauderdale.
The Hukilau official artwork by Chris Warner was sold as a limited-edition print.
In addition to the tropical environment of the beachfront hotel, The Hukilau’s anchor and nerve center since moving to South Florida in 2003 has been the historic Mai-Kai restaurant in Oakland Park. The 2.7-acre Tiki temple is a destination unto itself, attracting fans for its vintage mid-century experience that was taken to the next level by a $20+ million restoration completed in late 2024.
Check out our previous story for photos, video and a full recap of all the activities that took place at the Mai-Kai, including an exclusive presentation by retro pop culture expert Charles Phoenix. That story also includes reviews and ratings of the special cocktails served at the Mai-Kai.
MeduSirena Marina and her mermaid friends frolic in the Beachcomber Resort pool during The Hukilau 2026 on Saturday, June 6. (Photo by Eric Anthony / @TheThirstyWalrus)
We previously published an extensive collection of social media posts, including photos and video plus our annual playlist spotlighting the performing bands. Mahalo to everyone who contributed!
This story will cover the events at the Beachcomber, pulling together the best photos and our key memories, plus contributions from Hukilau villagers. As a bonus, you’ll also find our cocktail ratings and reviews of the tasty libations we sampled all weekend, plus three bonus recipes.
We hope all this coverage gives you a taste of the event and inspires you to join us in 2027, when the Mai-Kai celebrates its 70th anniversary and The Hukilau hosts its 25th weekender.
Villagers enjoy The Hukilau’s Saturday afternoon pool party at the Beachcomber Resort in Pompano Beach. (Photo by Goldie Moon / Dream Beauty Lab)
The Hukilau 2026 – June 3-7 at the Beachcomber Resort & Club in Pompano Beach and Mai-Kai restaurant in Oakland Park. Featuring live music, special guests, symposiums and classes, 20 guest cocktail bars, pool parties, Tiki Treasures Bazaar, plus more.
• The Hukilau on social media: Instagram | Facebook page and group
Summer can be traditionally slow for the tourism and hospitality industries in South Florida, but not at the Mai-Kai. The historic Polynesian restaurant kicked off the season in early June with The Hukilau, the annual Tiki weekender that attracts hundreds of guests from around the world. This was followed by a constant stream of special events that continues in July with some unique offerings.
Charles Phoenix presents “Floridaland” on the showroom stage June 7 during The Hukilau. The pop culture historian made sure to check out all of the Mai-Kai’s many exotic features. (Photo credits: Brian Crum, Charles Phoenix)
News also recently broke regarding new ownership of another Fort Lauderdale landmark. Fans of classic attractions and dining experiences will be thrilled to know that the venerable Jungle Queen is now under the control of Bill Fuller, the Miami historic preservationist who is also the managing partner of the Mai-Kai. Look for full coverage below.
A villager joins in on the fun during the audience participation portion of the Mai-Kai’s new Polynesian Islander Revue show during The Hukilau main event. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward / June 7, 2026)
Also below, you’ll find a rundown on the special Tahiti Fête cultural activities coming to the Polynesian palace this month, including craft and dance classes, special shows, and more. We’ll then share photos, video and first-person accounts of some of the unique events in June, starting with The Hukilau.
The East Coast’s longest running gathering of Polynesian Pop enthusiasts, which ran from five days starting June 3, included Mai-Kai parties and special presentations on three of those. This included the debut of a revamped dinner show on June 5 and the exclusive Florida appearance of retro culture humorist and historian Charles Phoenix on June 7.
Distinctive food and drinks were offered to Mai-Kai guests during The Hukilau. Pictured: Demerara Float and Paniolo Burger. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward / June 7, 2026)
Look for full coverage of all The Hukilau festivities at the Mai-Kai below, including reviews of the exclusive food and beverages that were served all weekend. We’ll take this opportunity to share a new tribute recipe for one of the classic drinks in advance of the upcoming relaunch of our Mai-Kai Cocktail Guide.
Polynesian Pop devotees traveled from near and far for the East Coast’s longest running Tiki weekender, The Hukilau, held June 3-7 at the oceanfront Beachcomber Resort and historic Mai-Kai restaurant. Featuring five days of nonstop entertainment, education, cocktails and camaraderie, the 24th annual event left attendees – fondly known as villagers – hung over but happy. This recap captures the action as it happened.
The Hukilau villagers enjoy the pool party early Saturday afternoon while The Intoxicators rock the main stage at the Beachcomber Resort. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward / June 6, 2026)
We hope this curated compilation of photos and video will bring back some memories, and also give newbies some idea of what the event is all about. There’s also a Spotify playlist featuring many of the bands. For a taste of a few of the delicious cocktails served by some of the 20 guest bars, keep an eye out for our next story.
Tiki mug collectors will want to jump on a special limited edtion of the official event mug, which was made available for pre-sale June 21. The 2026 mug pays tribute to The Hukilau logo Tiki and is designed and produced by John Mulder at the Eeekum Bookum studio in St. Petersburg, Fla. Follow this link to pre-order this new version featuring a matte tan and soft blue exterior with a gloss blue interior glaze.
Artist John Mulder in his Eeekum Bookum booth in the Tiki Treasures Bazaar on June 6. A new limited edition of The Hukilau event mug is available for pre-sale. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)
The Hukilau 2026 – June 3-7 at the Beachcomber Resort & Club in Pompano Beach and Mai-Kai restaurant in Oakland Park. Featuring live music, special guests, symposiums and classes, 20 guest cocktail bars, pool parties, Tiki Treasures Bazaar, plus more.
• The Hukilau on social media: Instagram | Facebook page and group
In addition to the social media posts highlighted below, we’ve compiled our annual playlist of the performing bands for your streaming pleasure on Spotify. Six of the nine bands are featured, a total of 16 songs and 41 minutes. Click here to launch Spotify or use the player below to listen to songs by The Kreepy Tikis, The Mermers, The Patina Turners, Black Valley Moon, Slip and the Spinouts, and The Intoxicators.
The Mai-Kai is rolling out the red carpet for The Hukilau this week as hundreds of revelers roll into South Florida for the 24th annual weekender that celebrates vintage and modern Tiki culture. Headquartered at the oceanfront Beachcomber Resort in nearby Pompano Beach, the June 3-7 event includes four days and nights at the historic restaurant. Jump to more below
• Special cocktail menu to include four retired classic
• Updated Atomic Grog cocktail rankings, history
Musicians and performers from the Mai-Kai’s Polynesian Islander Revue welcome guest bartenders to a special dinner in the restaurant’s Tahiti Room on Wednesday, June 3. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)
The event’s “villagers,” some who travel from around the world to attend, will be treated to bands and guest pop-up bars, a brand new Mai-Kai dinner show, a special theatrical drum show, new food and cocktails (featuring a menu of lost classics), plus the exclusive Florida appearance of retro pop culture humorist Charles Phoenix. [See the full schedule below]
Meanwhile, executive chef Justin Sherrer and beverage director Cory Starr continue to upgrade the food and beverage programs. Updated menus (food and cocktails) were released earlier this year. For The Hukilau, Sherrer and Starr (who is also the restaurant’s general manager), have teamed up to release an exclusive event menu featuring four dishes and four cocktails available only June 4 through June 7. [Full preview below]
Guests attending The Hukilau in South Florida on June 3-7 are encouraged to relax and enjoy the unique surroundings, a totally immersive escape from the craziness of today’s modern world. These “villagers” have ample opportunity to unwind at the oceanfront Beachcomber Resort & Club in Pompano Beach, then step back in time at the historic Mai-Kai restaurant in nearby Fort Lauderdale.
Highlights of The Hukilau 2026 include pop culture entertainer Charles Phoenix and simian surf band The Disasternauts, seen performing in 2024 (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)
But they can’t relax too much. Like most other Tiki weekenders, the 24th annual event includes a robust schedule full of live music and other performances, tastings of craft cocktails and spirits, symposiums hosted by experts in their respective fields, plus a marketplace containing 30 vendors selling a wide range of art and collectibles.
This is the event’s sixth straight year at the Beachcomber, a small boutique hotel just steps from the Atlantic, and the 19th full live event at the Mai-Kai (est. 1956), generally considered to be the last remaining mid-century Polynesian supper club in the world. Many of this year’s participants are new to both The Hukilau and Tiki events in general, so it will be fun to enjoy the diversity and variety amid the familiar surroundings.
The Hukilau 2026 – June 3-7 at the Beachcomber Resort & Club in Pompano Beach and Mai-Kai restaurant in Oakland Park. Featuring live music, special guests, symposiums and classes, 20 guest cocktail bars, pool parties, Tiki Treasures Bazaar, plus more. Buy tickets:Weekend passes, Charles Phoenix presentation Book a room:More info on the Beachcomber
• The Hukilau on social media: Instagram | Facebook page and group
While the official schedule is full of activities every day, villagers can participate at their own pace, a literal “build your own Tiki adventure” weekend of sorts. We hope to guide you through some of the highlights with this extensive preview of the bands, symposiums and pop-up bars. Complimentary cocktails flow nearly non-stop every day and night, one of the most under-appreciated features of the event. Sponsors Ron Diplomatico and Tanduay will also offer complimentary rum tastings throughout the weekend.
Five-day tickets range from $489 for the Aloha Pass to $659 for the all-inclusive South Seas Pass. The best bet for locals and those coming in at the last minute is the two-day Palm Pass ($199), which gets you access to most of Saturday’s festivities (including unlimited cocktails and the vendor marketplace), plus Sunday’s finale at the Mai-Kai. Rooms at the Beachcomber are still available starting at $255 (plus fees) per night. You must buy an event pass online first, then call (954) 941-7830 to book through the resort.
The Hukilau’s official 2026 glassware by H.C. Warner, free to South Seas passholders. The Atlanta-based artist also designed the event flyer above.
Check out the links below to our previous coverage. The first story includes details on the special tribute to the late Danny ‘Tiki Diablo’ Gallardo at the Mai-Kai, plus a full rundown on the Tiki Treasures Bazaar vendors. The second covers the exclusive Florida appearance of pop-culture expert Charles Phoenix during the Sunday finale at the Mai-Kai.
For 2026, Mulder decided to go back to The Hukilau’s roots for inspiration. The mug is a nod to the event’s “Huki” character, designed by artist Kevin Kidney in the event’s early days. Kidney was inspired by Tangaroa, the principal deity of the sea, rivers and all aquatic life in Polynesian and Maori mythology. As envisioned by The Hukilau’s founders in 2002, the event’s name is a play on the traditional communal fishing tradition in Hawaiian culture, made famous in song.
The Hukilau official 2026 mug in production at Eeekum Bookum in St. Petersburg. (Photos provided by John Mulder)
At The Hukilau, the intention is to cast a net out into the ocean of Tiki culture and pull villagers to shore for a weekend of communal festivities. Kidney was an early influencer in the fledgling 1990s Tiki subculture, and also known for his extensive work (with partner Jody Daily) at Disney theme parks. In addition to the logo, he created other artwork for the event including glassware and the 2009 event mug based on Huki.
Mulder told us that the goal of the new mug is to “stay true to the Tangaroa and fisherman god with an eye to the Kevin Kidney logo.” The fish that you see front and center on the mug is also from Kidney’s design of the original logo. The mug is currently in the final steps of production in Mulder’s Eeekum Bookum studio in St. Petersburg. [See 2025 video tour]
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, 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.
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)
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.
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.
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 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)
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 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 has been invited to attend the memorial event, which will also include a charity raffle of some of Gallardo’s last pendants he made for The Hukilau.
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.
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 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.
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 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 wife 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.
The Mai-Kai welcomed two towering Tiki carvings to its reimagined entry area during The Hukilau main event on June 6. One was created locally by a familiar artist, the other came from Arizona thanks to a veteran carver who traveled to South Florida to be a part of the unveiling.
A new 10-foot carving by Will Anders was installed June 3 at the Mai-Kai next to the building and near the valet pick-up. Like the mysterious tiki added near the main entrance doors, it was covered until the June 6 unveiling. (Photos by Kern Mattei, “Tiki John” Atkins)
Both were installed in the days before the event, but they were wrapped like mummies, adding an air of mystery to the occasion. The largest of the two was placed next the north side of the building near the valet stand. You can see it on the right as you walk toward the porte-cochère and Bora Bora Bar. The other greets you under the thatched roof, directly left of the front doors.
If you follow this blog, you probably had a good idea what the big one was. Back in March, we wrote about a 10-foot carving by Will Anders that was awaiting installation. The Fort Lauderdale carver is best known for the two large tikis in the back gardens, along with one of the three to the north of the Bora Bora Bar. Previous coverage:New Tiki carvings await installation throughout the grounds
Hotu Matua, the new carving that stands at the entrance to the Mai-Kai, was created by Arizona artist “Tiki Ray” Kieffer. You can pick up a variety of his custom pendants in the gift shop. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward / June, April 2025)
The source of the second was later revealed to be “Tiki Ray” Kieffer, whose pendants have been featured in the gift shop. One of those wearable tikis is a tribute to King Kai, the 10-foot Anders carving in the gardens. Having the two artists on hand when their new pieces were unveiled made the event even more special.
Kieffer made arrangements to travel from his Arizona home. After the June 6 unveiling, he spent time in the Mai-Kai Trading Company, where guests lined up to meet him and have their pendants signed. Arriving a few days early, he joined The Hukilau pre-party festivities on June 4.
The Wednesday happy hour was a great opportunity to hang out with Tiki artists. The Hukilau’s Build Your Own Tiki Bar Conference kicked off at the host Beachcomber Resort in Pompano Beach, featuring a who’s who of builders and fabricators, including two who helped restore the Mai-Kai: “Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller and Scott “Flounder” Scheidly. When I met up with Anders and Kieffer in the Molokai Bar, I made sure to snap a photo with other Mai-Kai craftsmen out on the front deck.
Five craftsmen who have contributed their artistry to the Mai-Kai gather in front of the Molokai Bar during The Hukilau pre-party on June 4: Conrad Teheiura Itchener (left), Tom Fowner, “Tiki Ray” Kieffer, Will Anders, and Todd Ashbaugh. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)
When discussing carvings, it’s also worth noting the contributions of South Florida’s Tom Fowner, another key member of the restoration team who has cranked out six new medium-sized tikis since the November reopening. Three comprise the iconic “cannibal trio” that greets vehicles on the right side of the immersive new driveway as they leave the property. [See past coverage] The other four, detailed in our March story, remain inside the restaurant but likely will find permanent homes around the outside of the property.
All told, these nine new tikis that can now be seen around the Mai-Kai mark the largest influx of original wood carvings since the 1960s or ’70s. There was no better way to mark the occasion than The Hukilau main event, making its return to the Mai-Kai for the first since 2019. The Mai-Kai’s 2020 closing and subsequent restoration efforts limited activities during the following years to several outdoor cocktail events, plus indoor tours for small groups of villagers, as the event’s attendees are known.
The Hukilau, the world’s second oldest Tiki weekender, moved to South Florida and the Mai-Kai for its second annual event in 2003. For the next 16 years, it became the hub of Mai-Kai appreciation as villagers flocked from around the world to visit the last remaining example of a grand mid-century Polynesian supper club. If anyone could appreciate the style and craft that went into the new tikis, it was this group of fans.
“Tiki Ray” Kieffer rubs the belly of Hotu Matua, his new carving for the Mai-Kai uncovered by beverage director Cory Starr. Meanwhile, Will Anders admires his towering carving that was also unveiled on June 6. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward)
Excitement built as the Friday night event approached, but the two figures remained under wraps. Around 5 p.m., most of The Hukilau’s villagers had arrived for an extended happy hour and two seatings of the Polynesian Islander Revue, the oldest continually-running authentic South Seas stage show in the United States (including Hawaii). Outside in the Bora Bora Bar, Eva & Kully took a break from performing retro-classic tunes as guests were urged to gather by the main entrance.
The Hukilau 2025 – June 5-8 at the Beachcomber Resort & Club in Pompano Beach and Mai-Kai restaurant in Oakland Park. Featuring live music (The Untamed Youth, The Swingin’ Palms, The Sound Minds, The Hilo Hi-Flyers, Slowey and the Boats, Eva & Kully, The Intoxicators, The Disasternauts, Skinny Jimmy Stingray), 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 weather is turning tropical in South Florida, which means it’s time for The Hukilau to return for an annual infusion of Polynesian Pop paradise. Tikiphiles and fans of retro culture are expected to flock from around the world on June 5-8 for the 23rd time to celebrate all things Tiki.
For the first time since 2019, Hukilau “villagers” will be able to enjoy the beloved Mai-Kai Polynesian restaurant as part of the festivities. The historic landmark has emerged from a multi-year, multimillion-dollar restoration with its charm intact along with modern flourishes. It will be the perfect accompaniment to the Beachcomber Resort & Club, an oceanfront resort in Pompano Beach that will host The Hukilau for a sixth straight year.
A performance of the Mai-Kai’s Polynesian Islander Revue during The Hukilau 2019. (Photo by Jim Neumayer)
Working the Mai-Kai back into The Hukilau and the Beachcomber schedule was a challenge, but the final results should please all villagers. A full schedule was just released on the official website, which we’ve broken down below. This update will also include details on the expert seminars and Tiki bar teams who will be serving delicious cocktails all weekend. Jump to more below: Classes & symposiums | Guest bar teams | The Mai-Kai | Daily schedule
The official 2025 mug for The Hukilau by John Mulder (Eeekum Bookum) depicts the Mai-Kai’s iconic Mystery Girl. (Facebook photos)
John Mulder and his team at Eeekum Bookum have been busy creating yet another fantastic official event mug for The Hukilau, which once again also pays tribute to the Mai-Kai. Sharing photos in a May 16 post on Facebook, Mulder wrote: “We are deep in the throws of making the mug for the Hukilau. It’s an exciting year with the Mai Kai open again. Can’t wait to see everyone poolside.” Mugs will be available exclusively at the event while supplies last.
The Hukilau 2025 – June 5-8 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 LIVE UPDATES: Text aloha to 201-534-2100 to get updates during the event.
The Hukilau offers an exotic tropical escape at a beachfront resort. (Photos by Lisa Platt, June 2024)
THE HUKILAU AT A GLANCE
The resort: Most of The Hukilau activities take place at the Beachcomber Resort & Club, a picturesque oceanfront property in northeast Broward County near Fort Lauderdale. It features multiple pools, outdoor meeting spaces, a restaurant and bar, plus lots of Tiki torches and aloha spirit. Hukilau villagers take over the entire hotel for the weekend, giving the event a highly immersive feel.
• Click here for info on booking a room | Previous coverage
Tickets: Four-day weekend passes range from the Aloha Pass ($449 plus fees) to the South Seas Pass ($649 plus fees). The latter includes access to all symposiums and events, the Saturday luau and Sunday brunch, plus transportation to the Mai-Kai and a discount on the Build Your Own Tiki Bar Conference. The one-day Palm Pass ($189 plus fees) is available for Saturday. Click the links below for a more detailed breakdown of each pass.
• Click here to buy passes and tickets online | Previous coverage
Beverage director Kevin Beary will return to The Hukilau with the Three Dots and a Dash crew for the fourth time, and first since 2022. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward, June 2022)
Entertainment: Performing bands include The Untamed Youth, The Swingin’ Palms, The Sound Minds, The Hilo Hi-Flyers, Slowey and the Boats, Eva & Kully, The Intoxicators, The Disasternauts, and Skinny Jimmy Stingray. Check out last month’s preview for bios, links and more info on the bands and performers.
Tiki Treasures Bazaar: Dozens of artists and crafts people will sell their wares during Saturday’s events at the Beachcomber. Among these are John Mulder of Eeekum Bookum (Florida), Patrick Vassar of The Green Tiki (Florida), Kymm! Bang (Chicago), Laz in Orlando (Florida), David Outl1n3 (California), Franky Kokosza of Taboo Relics (Florida), Danny “Tiki Diablo” Gallardo (California), Frank “Tiki Rancher” Simotics (Florida), and “Tiki Tony” Murphy (California). Go to TheHukilau.com for an updated list of vendors and check our previous story for bios, links and photos.
SYMPOSIUM SPOTLIGHTS
Educational opportunities have long been part of The Hukilau experience. Some 20 years ago, the event pioneered the inclusion of “info-tainment” as part of Tiki weekender. These seminars are now a staple at events around the world. Following are just some of the special events on the 2025 schedule for the Beachcomber. [Check the full schedule below]
These presentations will take place at various locations around the resort. Check the website or the check-in desk at the Beachcomber to confirm times and locations. South Seas passholders are guaranteed access, with Aloha passholders filling in all available seats. Standing room is also available at many locations.
“Tiki Tony” Murphy will host a class on black velvet painting, similar to the one he taught at The Hukilau 2019, on Friday at noon. (Photo by Jose Villasana)
Simple is Simple with Devon “Kitty” Lopez of Bar Tiki (Friday at 10:30 a.m.). Find out how to take a basic sugar syrup to another level by creating something unique. The southwest Florida bar manager will explore new flavor pairings and natural ingredient colors, leading you on a journey to creating cocktails that only you can serve.
