The dead of winter in Atlanta is not typically what you envision when you try to picture a Tiki paradise. Defying the “Hotlanta” nickname, average temperatures for January hover in the mid-30s to mid-50s.
But Inuhele has quickly changed that notion, making the city a must-do destination for Tikiphiles as the year’s first major event on the calendar.
Inuhele: Atlanta’s Tiki Weekend has grown from a modest home bar tour in 2018 into an action-packed, three-day event featuring an authentic luau, live music, a vendor marketplace, and an expansive lineup of symposiums. Guests will be treated to all this and more next week when Inuhele returns to the Atlanta Sheraton Downtown for a fourth Tiki weekender Jan. 20-22.
Quick links: Tickets | Schedule
Jump below: Guests and presenters | Live music | Craft classes | Vendors | Sponsors | Event history
Just make sure to grab your event passes before it’s too late. Only 50 tickets remained as of Saturday, all on the “standard” tier( $125). The entry-level pass gains you entry to the vendor hall, admission to panels all weekend, access to all the live entertainment and shows, plus more.
Tickets to the Saturday night luau can be purchased separately for $100, but only 27 remained Saturday, according to an Instagram post. The buffet dinner and show will feature Mahealani’s Polynesian Entertainment, plus music by Kinky Waikiki. Holders of the sold-out “deluxe” passes also need to pay for the luau separately. The top-tier “VIP” passes, which include the luau, are also sold out.
Perks for deluxe and VIP passholders also include early access, a Mai Tai glass and event mug, VIP swag bag, private hospitality suite, and more.
The annual home bar tour was held in June, allowing the winter event to concentrate on its signature panels featuring experts from across the Tiki community. Past participants have included such heavyweight guests as the late Brother Cleve, Jeff “Beachbum” Berry, Sven Kirsten, Danny “Tiki Diablo” Galliardo, and Tim “Swanky” Glazner.
The Atomic Grog is honored to be participating in 2023, joining a stellar lineup of guests and presenters. Join us Friday for “Okole maluna! The Return of The Mai-Kai,” a multimedia presentation featuring the latest news and inside info on the restoration and renovations at the historic Fort Lauderdale restaurant.
I’ll bring you an insider’s view of the massive undertaking of restoring Tiki history at The Mai-Kai. Over the past three years, The Atomic Grog has been the most reliable source of information on the landmark Tiki temple’s closing, sale and upcoming revival.
Blog updates take you inside the hallowed halls with news, photos, and exclusive insights you can’t get anywhere else. The presentation will take place from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., helping kick off the first day’s activities.
Below are links to some of our past coverage to get you warmed up for Inuhele. I hope to see you there!
NEW: Historic preservation board approves The Mai-Kai’s renovation plans, clearing way for project to move forward
* The Mai-Kai turns 66 as work progresses on multiple renovation projects
* The Mai-Kai’s new owner reveals renovation plans during The Hukilau
* The Mai-Kai’s renovation plans include reimagined entryway, new event space
* The Mai-Kai fans rejoice as new partnership paves way for reopening
More on The Atomic Grog
* Okole Maluna Society: The Mai-Kai Cocktail Guide
* The Tiki Times: Exclusive 2023 events guide
INUHELE 2023 LINEUP
Note: This is not a complete list and is subject to change. Please check the official schedule or the event check-in desk for the most accurate info.
Guests, seminars, panels and classes
Among those scheduled to join us at Inuhele 2023:
Big Toe – The Southern California lowbrow artist known for his tongue-in-cheek humor and playful eroticism will discuss “From Painting to Mugs: Stories Behind the Artifacts” on Saturday at 10 a.m.
John Brueggen – The director of the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park will present “Crocodile Art of Melanesia: What do Saltwater Crocodiles and Melanesian art have in common?” on Saturday at 10:30 a.m.
Dawn Mahealani Douglas – The owner of Mahealani’s Polynesian Entertainment will share her experience as a Polynesian dancer trained in Oahu in a workshop on her native art on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
Tim Harnett – The bartender and cocktail educator from Ohio’s Tiki Underground will discuss “Gin in Tiki” on Friday at 4 p.m.
Sveinn Kjartasson – A photojournalist published in more than 50 magazines, the Icelantic native will share his experience shooting some of the world’s top Tiki bars on Friday at 6 p.m. He’ll also discuss his model/client work in “How to Tell a Story on Film” on Saturday at 11:30 a.m.
Rodney Ray – The concept designer, creative director and primary fabricator for HeadHunter Props and Fabrication will discuss “Tiki Bar Aesthetics Through Visual Storytelling” on Saturday at noon.
Paul Senft – The freelance writer and reviewer known for his expertise in the world of cane spirits will present rum symposiums throughout the weekend.
Margo Scott – The creative force behind Rocket Betty Designs will teach guests how to wear traditional South Pacific garments such as a lavalava, pareo, and sarong on Friday at 4:30 p.m. She’ll also discuss “Aloha Wear 101” on Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
Tiki Tom Tom – The author of an upcoming book documenting his travels to 75 home Tiki bars will discuss “Navigating a Home Tiki Bar Build” on Friday at 3 p.m. He’ll also host the interactive workshop “Tell Your Story: Tiki Bar Themes” on Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
VanTiki – Former Hollywood artists Henrik and Denise Van Ryzin, who channel their creativity into a plethora of one-of-a-kind mugs at their Oregon studio, will share mug-making secrets in “The Spectacular Story of Slip” on Friday at 7 p.m. Pick up their merchandise at a meet-and-greet on Friday at 8:30 p.m.
