Mai-Kai Cocktail Guide

Updated May 1, 2026

Get the inside scoop on the cocktails and everything you need to know about the bar program at the historic Mai-Kai restaurant in South Florida, est. 1956. Written and curated by Jim “Hurricane” Hayward. Look for all new reviews and recipes, coming in 2026!

LATEST NEWS

Mai-Kai Rum No. 1: Everything you need to know about historic restaurant’s signature spirit

Answers to common questions about the new 100-proof blend from Barbados and Jamaica, bottled exclusively for the Mai-Kai.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FAQ
New cocktail recipes: Daiquiri No. 1 | Hammerhead Bite

Mai-Kai kicks off 2026 with new food and drink menus, special events
The historic South Florida restaurant remains laser-focused on improving the cocktails, food and guest experience.
UPDATES: Full coverage of Mai-Kai 2026 news and events
Jump to the latest news
• Cocktail menu: Modern tropics added, classics enhanced | New drink ratings
• Food menu: Breaking down the latest updates
• Preview, recap: Weekly and special events

RECENT & UPCOMING EVENTS

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

The East Coast’s longest-running Polynesian Pop event returns June 3-7 with an expansive schedule that includes three days and nights at the Mai-Kai, including a special presentation by “the King of Retro.” FULL STORY
Jump to the latest news
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

LATEST TRIBUTE RECIPES

Christmas Barrel from the 2025 Christmas menu.
• Pineapple of Perdition from the 2025 Hulaween menu.

JUMP BELOW: Video features | Recent news | Social media updates | Past events | Past cocktail news

MORE ON THE DRINKS: Past cocktail updates | Okole Maluna Society | Rankings, reviews, recipes
Full archive: Special features | Seminars & presentations | Past events | News archive

SPECIAL VIDEO FEATURES

The Mai-Kai’s beverage director and general manager, Cory Starr, joins Matt “Spike” Marble for peek inside the restaurant’s massive beverage program on Spike’s Breezeway Cocktail Hour on YouTube …

More Mai-Kai videos on Tiki Cocktails with Spike
• Kona Coffee Grog: The most dangerous Tiki cocktail ever
• The lost Mai-Kai cocktail: Mariano Licudine’s Last Rites (1959)
• The Derby Daiquiri: A classic with an unexpected garnish

RECENT BAR AND COCKTAIL NEWS

Vintage cocktails return for 69th anniversary, more news
The icing on the cake at the Dec. 28 celebration was a special menu of three historic drinks. Check out our review, plus news on what’s in store for 2026.

Mai-Kai holiday treats include 12 drinks of Christmas, new Rum Barrel mug, festive decor, non-stop events
The historic Polynesian palace is embracing the season to be jolly like never before with a Christmas overlay featuring extensive decor, a limited-edition mug, and a new menu of 12 creative cocktails that celebrate spirits and flavors from around the world.
CHRISTMAS COCKTAILS GUIDE: Analysis, ratings, insights from bar manager Michael DeMahy

Christmas Rum Barrel release: Photos, video, interview with artist John Mulder

Rum release date, holiday cocktails and mug, anniversary events, plus more!
The Black Friday release of Mai-Kai Rum No. 1 is just the first of many noteworthy happenings coming soon to the historic restaurant. There’s also big news for 2026.

Featuring fire, smoke and detailed theming, the new drinks capture the spirit of the season. Check out our ratings and reviews of these scary offerings, plus other recent special cocktails.
Halloween cocktails invade the Mai-Kai for October
REVIEWS, PHOTOS, VIDEO: All the Hulaween cocktails, plus more
DIRECT LINKS: Mai-Kai scares up nine new Hulaween drinks
Recap: Special event cocktails highight September
Video: Cory Starr, signature flaming drink featured on YouTube shows

PREVIOUS NEWS UPDATES
• Summer update #2: New cocktails and Cannibal mug revealed, Rum No. 1 on the way
• Summer update #1: New secret bar menu available, Rum Barrel mugs are back
• June recap: The Hukilau brings special events, guest bartenders, unique cocktails
• Bar manager pops up at Boynton Beach event
• Upcoming: Mai-Kai Rum No. 1 coming soon, symposium and tasting planned for Tiki Oasis
• Mai-Kai bars welcome special guests, live music, new cocktails
• Black Tot Rum tasting and cocktails offer sneak peek of what’s to come
• Live local bands return to Molokai Bar, set stage for The Hukilau
• Mai-Kai cocktails at events near and far, new menus coming soon
• Mai-Kai joins top Florida bars at Tiki-a-Go-Go
• Mcbiff cocktails toast artist’s arrival, ‘Mystery at the Mai-Kai’ event
• Mai-Kai bartender competes in creative Daiquiri competition
• New menus will expand the Mai-Kai’s bar and cocktail offerings
• Mai-Kai joins spirits fest, welcomes brands for special events
• Tropical Spirits Festival and after-party at Mai-Kai
• Spiribam rum tasting and happy hour in the Bora Bora Bar
• New Bora Bora Bar menu just a taste things to come
• Beverage director Cory Starr interviewed on Shift Drink Podcast

MAI-KAI NEWS & UPDATES

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.

Photo and video tour: The 16 most iconic photo spots at the Mai-Kai
Learn how to get those classic shots on your next trip to the historic South Florida restaurant. We take you on an adventure via new and vintage photos, plus video from Spike’s Breezeway to document the top locations inside and outside the historic Tiki temple.

Answers to frequently asked questions about the Mai-Kai
Check out our handy guide featuring all the basics you need to know to plan your next trip to the South Florida landmark.

OFFICIAL SITES & SOCIAL MEDIA

THE MAI-KAI
• MaiKai.com | Mai-KaiRum.com
• Facebook | Instagram

More on social media
• Facebook: Friends of the Mai-Kai group
• Instagram: Classics of the Mai-Kai

THE ATOMIC GROG
AtomicGrog.com | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Bluesky

PAST EVENT COVERGE

Mai-Kai’s Hulaween party returns from the dead in 2025
The historic restaurant was transformed into a haunted Polynesian island during October, culminating with the 13th Hulaween party on Oct. 31 in the Molokai and Bora Bars.

Tiki Oasis recap: New cocktails and Cannibal mug revealed, Rum No. 1 on the way
The historic restaurant’s beverage program is about to enter its “next evolution,” according to general manager Cory Starr.
• News recap: Mai-Kai at Tiki Oasis, new mug release
• Relive Tiki Oasis 2025 with photos, video and a room party cocktail

The Hukilau brings special events, guest bartenders, unique cocktails
Mai-Kai bar program reaches new heights, audience in June as creative drinks get spotlight.
REVIEWS & PHOTOS: Highlights of all the cocktails and events
• Mai-Kai welcomes The Hukilau guest bartenders with exclusive dinner
• Beverage director reunites with old friends at The Hukilau finale
• Bar manager pops up at Boynton Beach event

Mai-Kai bars welcome special guests, live music, new cocktails
The South Florida landmark expanded the cocktail and entertainment offerings in its signature bars in May.
PHOTOS, VIDEO: Updates on special guests, past and future events
• Mai-Kai goes international at new Tiki event in Italy
• Black Tot Rum tasting and cocktails offer sneak peek of what’s to come

Mai-Kai cocktails at events near and far, new menus coming soon
The first two weeks of April featured a flurry of events for the bar team, a precursor of more to come this spring. In addition, beverage director Cory Starr plans to launch two new permanent menus.
PHOTOS, VIDEO: New cocktails, event recaps and previews
• Mai-Kai joins top Florida bars at Tiki-a-Go-Go
• Mcbiff cocktails toast artist’s arrival, ‘Mystery at the Mai-Kai’ event
• Mai-Kai bartender competes in creative Daiquiri competition

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.

PAST COCKTAIL NEWS COVERGE

Is it 1956 or 2024? Forward-thinking Mai-Kai menus sport retro flair
The food and drink menus now boast a vintage look and feel that dates back to the early days of the historic restaurant. The grand reopening also marks the return of the iconic cannibal trio, a Polynesian Pop symbol intrinsically linked to the founding owners.
• Deep dive into the design and history, plus news on what’s next
Direct links to full coverage
• The cocktail menu: Welcome back to paradise, 1950s style
• The cannibal trio: Mai-Kai’s signature iconography

Mai-Kai welcomes Cory Starr as new chief mixologist
The legendary back bar is in experienced and enthusiastic hands as the expansive cocktail program is rebooted.
>>> MEET THE MAI-KAI’S NEW HEAD BARTENDER
• Take 5: Q&A with Cory Starr
• Bonus cocktail recipe: One Way Ticket

15th Miami Rum Renaissance Festival features tastings of elite brands, Mai-Kai seminar, plus more
Florida’s longest-running rum event celebrated the world’s most diverse spirit with three days of activities for everyone from newbies to high-end enthusiasts, to industry professionals.

UPDATED REVIEWS AND RECIPES, 2023-2024

151 Swizzle in new Make and Drink video (August 2024)

Bring a friend and sink your teeth into the classic Sidewinder’s Fang (August 2024)
Served in a giant 64-ounce snifter, the Mai-Kai’s classic communal cocktail has roots in the mid-century Polynesian restaurant boom as well as ties to a an obscure syrup that became the subject of a new book.
Direct links: Our Sidewinder’s Fang review | Ancestor recipe
• Tribute recipe features P/Fassionola

The classic Demerara Float rises again … and again (June 2024)
Check out the latest updates to our review of the Mai-Kai’s Demerara Float, plus complete back-story of this classic.
VIDEO: Demerara Float on Make and Drink

Mai-Kai cocktail review: The quest for the elusive Moonkist Coconut (May 2024)
The intriguing back story of a Mariano Licudine classic from the original 1956 menu, inspired by a 1930s era drink by Don the Beachcomber that pre-dated the Pina Colada by decades.
Deep links: Our Moonkist Coconut review | Ancestor recipes | The back story | Official Mai-Kai recipe
VIDEO: Moonkist Coconut on Make and Drink

Mai-Kai cocktail review: The Rum Barrel is the Rodney Dangerfield of tropical drinks (May 2024)
Maybe this iconic drink is finally getting some respect. “This is the most iconic Rum Barrel …mainly because it’s just delicious. It has everything you really want in a Rum Barrel,” proclaims the Make or Drink channel on YouTube.
VIDEO: Rum Barrel tribute recipe on Make and Drink
Deep links: Barrel O’ Rum review | Ancestor recipe | Official recipe | Tribute recipe
• New Mai-Kai rum coming soon

Mai-Kai cocktail review: Double your pleasure with the exotic and delicious Zula #1 (and #2) (April 2024)
Take a deep dive into the history of a vintage cocktail from Mariano Licudine’s 1956 menu. This Don the Beachcomber classic is still being reimagined by craft bartenders today.
Direct links: Our Zula reviews | Ancestor recipe | Tribute recipes
VIDEO: Zula vs. Penang Afrididi vs. Penang Punch on Make and Drink

The Derby Daiquiri: The Mai-Kai’s ‘$100,000 drink’ is worth its weight in gold (November 2023)
A deep dive into the fascinating history of the cocktail that made the Mai-Kai and its head mixologist famous.
VIDEO: The Derby Daiquiri on Spike’s Breezeway Cocktail Hour

VIDEO: Spike’s Breezeway Cocktail Hour live at The Hukilau with Garret Richard and Hurricane Hayward. (June 2023)

Okole Maluna Society 2.0: All the Mai-Kai cocktails ranked

Check out the sneak preview of our updated ratings, and stay tuned for new reviews and recipes, coming soon.
SEE THE RANKINGS: Updated rundown of 50+ Mai-Kai cocktails
NEW: 2026 Cocktail menu: Modern tropics added, classics enhanced | New drink ratings

COMING SOON: Version 2.0 of the Okole Maluna Society Mai-Kai Cocktail Guide on The Atomic Grog blog!

If you’re going to even attempt to pay tribute to the more than 50 delicious cocktails from the Mai-Kai, the first thing you need is the correct glassware. Mission accomplished, we’ve been busy revisiting all of the classic tropical drinks on the current menu, along with the inventive new creations by beverage director Cory Starr. Stay tuned for the re-launch of our exclusive guide, feauturing dozens of new and refreshed recipes, updated reviews and rankings, plus many new tips and tricks for making Mai-Kai inspired cocktails at home. Are you ready to join the Okole Maluna Society … again?

NOTE: THE MAI-KAI COCKTAIL GUIDE WILL SOON BE REFURBISHED!

Below you will find extensive reviews, recipes and deep dives into Mai-Kai cocktails as they existed prior to the November 2024 grand reopening. While most of the drinks are still available, the menu has been updated and includes many new creations by new beverage director Cory Starr.
• Latest Mai-Kai menu online

Please continue to refer to the links below for history and over-arching reviews and recipes and check out the stories on the new cocktails:

MAI-KAI COCKTAIL GUIDE, CIRCA 2023, PRIOR TO REOPENING

Follow our never-ending journey through the classic cocktail menu at the Mai-Kai in South Florida with exclusive tribute recipes, ancestor recipes for lost classics, plus new special features. Check back soon and be sure to click on the reviews to add your own ratings and comments.

JUMP BELOW
The drinks: Cocktail rankings, reviews, recipes

SEE ALSO: All 100+ Mai-Kai cocktail recipes | All 250+ Atomic Grog recipes

THE OKOLE MALUNA SOCIETY

The Mai-Kai in Fort Lauderdale is widely recognized as having perhaps the best authentic tropical drinks in the world. The cocktail menu remains virtually unchanged since its opening in 1956 and most of the classic recipes date back to the original Tiki drinks invented by Don the Beachcomber in the 1930s and ’40s.

In the early years, the Mai-Kai had a club called the Okole Maluna (pronounced Oh-koh-lay Mah-loo-nah) Society. Okole Maluna is a traditional Hawaiian toast that means “Bottom’s Up!” To become a member of the society, you had to sample every one of the drinks on the menu and have them checked off your membership card. Once you joined the club, you were given access to a special off-menu drink. See more on the society and the menu on Swanky’s Mai-Kai history site.

The society no longer exists, but we resurrected it here on The Atomic Grog. We sampled all of the current drinks (and most of the retired cocktails), then ranked them on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Following the rankings you’ll also find the drinks listed by category as they appear on the menu. For 52 weeks, from June 2011 until June 2012, we posted detailed reviews (with photos) of all the cocktails on the menu, plus a few off the menu, as well as some classics that are no longer offered. They’re all listed below with hyperlinks to the reviews and an archive of more than 100 recipes. In the ensuring years, we’ve continually posted updates and new recipes, keeping this guide fresh and up-to-date.

This online guide serves two useful purposes. It gives Mai-Kai patrons a richly detailed and authoritative tool to help choose a cocktail, and also offer feedback. There’s a poll linked to every drink that lets you rate them, in addition to leaving comments. It’s also an essential resource for home mixologists, giving Tiki drink aficionados exclusive access to a vast archive of recipes.

These include some authentic Mai-Kai recipes along with “tribute” drinks from The Atomic Grog and others in the Tiki community. But many of the true recipes remain a puzzle. You see, the aura of these mysterious drinks is created by the fact that they’re for the most part top-secret recipes (in the tradition of Don the Beachcomber) that have never been revealed. The cocktails are created in back bars, away from public view. We’ve also included many of the original Donn Beach recipes that inspired the Mai-Kai’s legendary mixologist, Mariano Licudine.

We’ll be continually enhancing this guide with new recipes, history, photos and behind-the-scene stories, so be sure to check the links in the updates section above. We hope this pays proper homage to the Mai-Kai, a one-of-a-kind mid-century marvel, and its amazing cocktails that top even those at the trendiest craft cocktail bar today.

Okole maluna!

THE ATOMIC GROG’S MAI-KAI DRINK RATINGS
(Click on hyperlinks for full reviews and recipes)
{recipe}= Official recipe / {ancestor} = Ancestor recipe / {tribute} = Tribute recipe

5 stars
1 – Zombie (strong) {ancestors / tribute}

4 1/2 stars

2 – Shark Bite (medium)
{ancestor / tribute}

3 – 151 Swizzle (strong)
{ancestor / tribute}

4 – Special Planters Punch (strong) {ancestor / tribute}

4 stars

5 – Barrel O’ Rum (strong) {recipe / ancestor / tribute}

6 (tie) – Sidewinder’s Fang (strong) {ancestor / tribute}
Mystery Drink (strong) {ancestor}

7 – Jet Pilot (strong) {ancestors / tribute}

8 – Cobra’s Kiss (medium) {ancestor / tribute}

9 – Rum Julep (medium) {ancestor / tribute}

10 – Mutiny (strong) {tribute}

11 – Shrunken Skull (strong) {ancestor / official / tribute}

12 – Yeoman’s Grog (strong) {ancestor / tribute}

13 – The Hukilau (strong) {tribute}

3 1/2 stars

14 – Black Magic (strong) {tribute}

15 – Mai Tai (strong) {tribute}

16 – Suffering Bastard (strong) {tribute}

17 – Piña Passion (medium) {ancestor / tribute}

18 – Samoan Grog (mild)
{ancestor / tribute}

19 – Zula #1 and #2 (strong)
{ancestor / tributes}

20 – K.O. Cooler (strong)
{ancestors / tribute}

21 – Special Reserve Daiquiri (medium)
{ancestor / tribute}

22 – S.O.S. (mild) {ancestor / tribute}

23 – Deep Sea Diver (medium)
{ancestor / tribute}

24 – Moonkist Coconut (medium) {ancestors / recipe}

25 – Bora Bora (strong) {ancestor / tribute}

26 – Hidden Pearl (medium)
{ancestor / tribute}

27 – Tahitian Breeze (medium) {ancestors / tribute}

28 – Mara-Amu (medium) {recipe}

29 (tie) – Chocolate Snowflake (after dinner) {tribute}
Mai-Kai Blizzard (after dinner) {tribute}

3 stars

30 – Kona Coffee Grog (after dinner) {ancestor}

31 – Hot Buttered Rum (after dinner) {tribute}

32 – Oh So Deadly (mild) {ancestor / tribute}

33 – Piña Colada (medium) {ancestor/tribute}

34 – Martinique Milk Punch (mild) {ancestor / tribute}

35 – Malayan Mist (mild) {ancestor}

36 – Mai-Kai Special (mild) {tribute}

37 – Mai-Kai Swizzle (mild) {tribute}

38 – Floridita Daiquiri (mild) {recipe}

39 – Derby Daiquiri (mild) {recipe}

40 – Gardenia Lei (after dinner) {ancestor}

2 1/2 stars

41 – Banana Daiquiri (mild) {recipe}

42 – Strawberry Daiquiri (mild) {tribute}

2 stars

43 – Planters Punch (medium) {ancestor}

44 – Tahitian Coffee (after dinner) {ancestor}

45 – Wahine Delight (after dinner) {ancestor}

46 – Mai-Kai Cappuccino (after dinner)

RETIRED MAI-KAI COCKTAILS

While these have been removed from the main cocktail menu over the years, many have made appearances at events and special tastings. If you’re lucky, you’ll get another chance in the future.

• Demerara Float (4.5)
{ancestor / recipe / tribute}

• Big Bamboo (4) {recipe}

• Demerara Cocktail (3 1/2)
{recipe / tribute}

• Dr. Fong (3 1/2) {ancestors / tribute}

• Hanalei Bay (3 1/2) {ancestor / tribute}

• Last Rites (3 1/2) {ancestor / recipe / tribute}

• Liquid Gold (3 1/2) {ancestor / tribute}

• Impatient Virgin (3) {ancestor / tribute}

• Island Queen (3) {ancestor / tribute}

• Martinique Cocktail (3) {ancestor}

• Tiki Swizzle (3) {recipe}

• Cuban Daiquiri (2 1/2) {ancestor/tribute}

See also: Fog Cutter and Singapore Sling
• Read more about the Mai-Kai’s “lost cocktails”

Disclaimers: These ratings are based on Hurricane Hayward’s own personal tastes. He tends to prefer strong, complex drinks with a unique flavor profile. Aside from perhaps the bottom three or four, they’re all highly recommended and sure to please imbibers with different tastes. The top three are remarkable, and the top 10 are all worthy of the Tiki drink hall of fame. But please, consume with caution, they’re all very potent.

THE MAI-KAI TROPICAL DRINK MENU
(Our ratings in parentheses, 1-5 stars)
(Click on hyperlinks for full reviews and recipes)

Note: The cocktails below were included on the last full menu before the October 2020 closing. An expanded menu has been released for the November 2024 grand reopening.
• 2024 Mai-Kai menu online

2018 update: The Mai-Kai updates bar menu, adds classic ‘lost’ cocktail

STRONG (17)

• Zombie (5) {ancestors / tribute}

• 151 Swizzle (4 1/2) {ancestor / tribute}

• Special Planters Punch (4 1/2) {ancestor / tribute}

• Barrel O’ Rum (4) {recipe / ancestor / tribute}

• Sidewinder’s Fang (4) {ancestor / tribute}

• Mystery Drink (4) {ancestor}

• Jet Pilot (4) {ancestors / tribute}

• Mutiny (4) {tribute}

• Shrunken Skull (4) {ancestor / official / tribute}

• Yeoman’s Grog (4) {ancestor / tribute}

• The Hukilau (4) {tribute}

• Black Magic (3 1/2) {tribute}

• Mai Tai (3 1/2) {tribute}

• Suffering Bastard (3 1/2) {tribute}

• Zula #1 and #2 (3 1/2) {ancestor / tributes}

• K.O. Cooler (3 1/2) {ancestors / tribute}

• Bora Bora (3) {ancestor / tribute}

MEDIUM (12)

• Shark Bite (4 1/2) {ancestor / tribute}

• Cobra’s Kiss (4) {ancestor / tribute}

• Rum Julep (4) {ancestor / tribute}

• Piña Passion (3 1/2) {ancestor / tribute}

• Special Reserve Daiquiri (3 1/2) {ancestor / tribute}

• Deep Sea Diver (3 1/2) {ancestor / tribute}

• Moonkist Coconut (3 1/2) {ancestors / recipe}

• Hidden Pearl (3 1/2) {ancestor / tribute}

• Tahitian Breeze (3 1/2) {ancestors / tribute}

• Mara-Amu (3 1/2) {recipe}

• Piña Colada (3) {ancestor/tribute}

• Planters Punch (2) {ancestor}

MILD (9)

• Samoan Grog (3 1/2) {ancestor / tribute}

• S.O.S. (3 1/2) {ancestor / tribute}

• Oh So Deadly (3) {ancestor / tribute}

• Martinique Milk Punch (3) {ancestor / tribute}

• Malayan Mist (3) {ancestor}

• Mai-Kai Special (3) {tribute}

• Mai-Kai Swizzle (3) {tribute}

• Floridita Daiquiri (3) {recipe}

• Derby Daiquiri (3) {recipe}

• Banana Daiquiri (2 1/2) {recipe}

• Strawberry Daiquiri (2 1/2) {tribute}

AFTER DINNER (8)

• Chocolate Snowflake (3 1/2) {tribute}

• Mai-Kai Blizzard (3 1/2) {tribute}

• Kona Coffee Grog (3) {ancestor}

• Hot Buttered Rum (3) {tribute}

• Gardenia Lei (3) {ancestor}

• Tahitian Coffee (2) {ancestor}

• Wahine Delight (2) {ancestor}

• Mai-Kai Cappuccino (2)

Related: See all the drinks organized by ancestry

MAHALOS

• The Mai-Kai’s new beverage director, Cory Starr, who has taken on his immensely challenging role with relentless energy and creativity.
• General manager Kern Mattei and marketing director Pia Dahlquist, who have been there for me since the start of my journey and are always gracious and accommodating.
• Bill Fuller and the Mad Room Hospitality team who have revived such a priceless icon.
• All the Mai-Kai staff, past and present, who have kept the traditions alive.
• The founding Thornton family, especially former managing owner Dave Levy, who always treated me like a special guest.
• Author Jeff “Beachbum Berry,” my mixology guru, whose research provided many of the recipes above.
• Historian Tim “Swanky” Glazner, who keeps the stories and spirit of the Mai-Kai alive for future generations.
  • The Hukilau, which gave me my introduction to this wonderful world.
• And last but not least: My beautiful wife, and all my friends and associates who have joined me at the Mai-Kai during my “research.”

Aloha and okole maluna!

MORE RESOURCES

DOWNLOADS
• Printable checklist of The Atomic Grog’s Mai-Kai cocktail ratings (PDF)
• Printable checklist of the Mai-Kai cocktail ancestry (PDF)

Join The Grogalizer!
Our tribute recipes are being added to the essential database of Tiki cocktail reviews. Help boost our ratings. It’s quick and easy to sign up.
• Go to The Grogalizer now

MAI-KAI SPECIAL FEATURES

Mai-Kai: History and Mystery of the Iconic Tiki Restaurant
The definitive book on the historic landmark by Tim “Swanky” Glazner.
• Official website
• Facebook | Instagram

More from Swanky
• 1958-59: The Okole Maluna Society
• Mariano Licudine – “The Houdini of the Liquids”

Videos from Tim “Swanky Glazner
Check out Swanky’s Tiki Classics on YouTube for classic Mai-Kai clips.

PAST ATOMIC GROG INTERVIEWS, SYMPOSIUMS

VIDEO: Deconstructing Kohala Bay
Hurricane Hayward joined the Austin Rum Society online in April 2021 to reveal several new rum blends that hope to duplicate the Mai-Kai’s late, great dark Jamaican mixing rum. In the video below, we also enjoyed a Rum Barrel featuring the new recipe and discussed the history of the Mai-Kai.
More on the rums of the Mai-Kai
• The legacy of Jamaica’s dark rums

Hurricane Hayward on Inside the Desert Oasis Room
Check out the “COVID Chronicles” episode recorded live in April 2020 with Adrian Eustaquio as The Atomic Grog blogger made his way to the Mai-Kai to pick up Gallons to Go.

The Rums of the Mai-Kai symposium on Inside the Desert Oasis Room
Mahalo to Adrian Eustaquio and Inside the Desert Oasis Room for documenting the presentation featuring Hurricane Hayward and Matt Pietrek of Cocktail Wonk live on stage at the Mai-Kai during the closing festivities of The Hukilau 2019.
• See the event preview
More on the rums of the Mai-Kai
• The history of the potent, funky flavors from Guyana and Jamaica

Demerara Rum – The Mai-Kai’s Secret Weapon
The Atomic Grog was pleased to present a special happy-hour talk during the Mai-Kai Takeover event in January 2019.

The Mai-Kai Walking Tour on Marooned: A Texas Tiki Podcast
Join The Atomic Grog for a Mai-Kai history lesson with carver Will Anders and manager Kern Mattei in July 2018. It’s a real Tiki museum audio walking tour.

The Atomic Grog on Marooned: A Texas Tiki Podcast
Listen to Hurricane Hayward and Texas Tiki and cocktail podcaster David Phantomatic in the Samoa Room at the Mai-Kai in July 2018 as they discuss (what else) the historic tropical drinks and influence of South Florida’s Polynesian Palace.

Okole Maluna Cocktail Academy: How to Mix Like the Mai-Kai
Tips and techniques from Hurricane Hayward of The Atomic Grog for turning your home bar into a Tiki cocktail paradise, a sold-out Okole Maluna Cocktail Academy class at The Hukilau 2018.

The Atomic Grog explores 60 years of Tiki cocktail history
Our presentation at The Hukilau 2017 offered a trip through time, from 1956 to the present day, via the lavish tropical drink menus of the Mai-Kai.

PAST MAI-KAI SPECIAL EVENTS

TIKI-A-GO-GO

The first Tiki-a-Go-Go is a retro roadtrip through mid-century culture, appreciation
The April 5-7 event was a trip back in time, taking guests on a rollicking ride through mid-century Florida theme parks, Tiki bars, and other retro touchstones.
>>> PHOTOS, VIDEO FROM SOCIAL MEDIA

THE HUKILAU

The Hukilau highlights: Photos and memories from Tiki weekender
The 21st annual event featured four days of nonstop music, cocktails and education on modern and historic Polynesian Pop at the oceanfront Beachcomber Resort in South Florida.
• IMAGES FROM THE HUKILAU 2023
* RELATED: The Hukilau 2023 live coverage, photos and video from social media

The Hukilau 2022: Daily recap, photos and video
The 19th Tiki weekender featured four days of live music, educational seminars, cocktails and rum tastings, plus lots more.

The Hukilau 2021: Daily recap, photos and video
The Hukilau returned to the picturesque Fort Lauderdale area oceanfront for four days of Polynesian Pop paradise in America’s vacationland.

More Hukilau coverage
• In 2020, virtual events honor Tiki weekender, help those in need
• 10 highlights from The Hukilau 2019 in Fort Lauderdale
• The Hukilau 2019 preview party: The Surfrajettes return to the Mai Kai
• The Hukilau 2018 recap: Images from the whirlwind Tiki weekend
* More recaps: 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2002-2008

HULAWEEN

Hulaween on hiatus: Relive 12 years of madness at the Mai-Kai
With the Tiki temple closed for refurbishment, the annual Halloween bash was canceled. But that won’t stop us from taking a look back at the past 12 years of madness in The Molokai bar.

Mai-Kai celebrates Hulaween 2020 with drive-in movie party after closing for renovations
The historic Polynesian restaurant transported revelers to a socially-distanced celebration like no other, including an appearance by Appleton Rum’s Joy Spence.

More Hulaween coverage
• The living dead came to party at the Mai-Kai’s Hulaween 2019
• Hulaween is back from the dead for 10th anniversary reunion in 2018
• Monstrous mayhem at the ninth annual Hulaween in 2017
• A hauntingly good time at the eighth annual Hulaween in 2016
• The undead get lively at the seventh annual Hulaween in 2015
• A ghastly good time at the sixth annual Hulaween in 2014
• Partygoers raise hell at the fifth annual Hulaween in 2013
• Hulaween 2012 was hoppin’ all night at the Mai-Kai

OTHER EVENTS

The Mai-Kai returns to the Art of Tiki at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival
In February 2024, Manager Kern Mattei and the Mai-Kai participated in the Art of Tiki Cocktail Showdown at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, sponsored by Appleton Estate Jamaican rum. With assistance from Molokai Bar server Claudia Marmolejo, he served up an original cocktail in one of the new Tiki Farm mugs (designed by Joe and Donella Vitale) that will be available when the restaurant reopens this summer.

The Mai-Kai and The Atomic Grog at Tiki Oasis
We were proud to present two special seminars at the world’s original Tiki weekender in San Diego, including The Derby Daiquiri and Beyond: How to Create Your Own Classic.
• FULL INFO ON THE SEMINARS

Tiki Marketplace offers a taste of the Mai-Kai
The July 2021 event featured vintage art and collectibles, food trucks, plus authentic Mai-Kai cocktails and entertainment.

Mai-Kai hosts first Tiki Marketplace in April 2021
The historic restaurant was closed for repairs, but a new event took advantage of the large parking lot for a safe and fun-filled day featuring the generous spirit of ‘ohana.

Mai-Kai celebrates 64th anniversary under the moon as challenges loom
The 2020 version of the annual Customer “Mahalo” Appreciation Party was held in the vast parking lot after the socially distanced event sold out less than a week after going on sale.

What we learned at Appleton master blender Joy Spence’s rum tasting
What could possibly be better than an Appleton Estate rum tasting at the Mai-Kai? How about the first-ever such event in August 2019 at the historic Polynesian palace hosted by Joy Spence, the longtime master blender for the venerable Jamaican brand synonymous with pure premium rum.

2018
• Florida bartender wins Chairman’s Reserve Mai Tai Challenge at the Mai-Kai

2016
• A Fifth of Grog: ‘Boozy’ blog celebrates fifth anniversary
• Mai-Kai turns 60 with special history presentations, celebration
• Miami Rum Festival party and Santero’s Elixir cocktail recipe
• Mai-Kai competes in “The Art of Tiki” at SoBeWFF | Pupule Punch recipe

2015
• Three classic ‘lost cocktails’ drop in for a night of flights

2014
• Special event takes guests on a flight back to classic Potions of the Caribbean
• Historic Mai-Kai celebrated, new cocktail menu unveiled at anniversary party

2012
• Cocktail flights soar at Mai-Kai Mixer, reveal revolutionary use of rums
• Mai-Kai Mixer shakes up South Florida with rockin’ retro cocktail party

PAST MAI-KAI NEWS, SPECIAL REPORTS

An archive of general, non-cocktail news and events can be found on our new page dedicated to the restoration of the Mai-Kai. Some stories appear in both places.

2020
• Mai-Kai re-releases signature rum, plus new glassware and spirits menu
• Cocktail quarts join gallons as the Mai-Kai expands takeout menu

2018
• Mai-Kai updates bar menu, adds classic ‘lost’ cocktail

2017
• The Mai-Kai is here to stay: 10 reasons why we love the historic restaurant

2014
• Artists pay tribute to the Mai-Kai with one-of-a-kind mugs

2012
• The 12 Days of Christmas, Mai-Kai style
• Mini Mai-Kai Mystery Bowl offers scaled-down version of a classic
• Mai-Kai tropical drink family tree
• Heeeeeeere’s the rich history and lost stories of the Mai-Kai

2011
• Tour of the Mai-Kai’s mysterious bars and kitchen (with photos)
• Interview with General Manager Kern Mattei

Other media coverage
• Flaming knives, deadly rum and Pupu platters: Why Mai-Kai is still a tiki legend (Miami Herald)
• Recreating the Mai-Kai’s bizarre Black Magic cocktail (Punch)
• A tour of the iconic Mai-Kai Tiki bar (Punch)
• At Fort Lauderdale’s Mai-Kai, it’s always Tiki time (New York Times)