Tag: Bora Bora Bar

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Paradise Reimagined: Deep Inside the Mai-Kai Restoration (photos and video)

Paradise Reimagined: Deep Inside the Mai-Kai Restoration (photos and video)

Hundreds of Tikiphiles flocked to Inuhele: Atlanta’s Tiki Weekend at the end of January for three days of artists and vendors, live music and entertainment, rum and cocktail tastings, plus a healthy dose of “edutainment.” The Omni hotel and Trader Vic’s were abuzz Jan 24-26 as enthusiastic guests enjoyed seminars and presentations on a wide range of topics.
Previous coverage: Event overview, plus photos and video on social media

The Luau Lads (Kurt Rogers and Michael Bloom) and Tiki Lindy were among the rum and mixology experts at Inuhele 2025 in Atlanta. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward)
The Luau Lads (Kurt Rogers and Michael Bloom) and Tiki Lindy were among the rum and mixology experts at Inuhele 2025 in Atlanta. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward)

We gained a new appreciation for the work of pioneering artist Bosko, got mixology tips from the Luau Lads and Tiki Lindy, and received an exclusive update on the future of the Don the Beachcomber restaurants and upcoming book. The Atomic Grog was privileged to participate with an update on the reimagination and reopening of the Mai-Kai.
Previous coverage: Don the Beachcomber brand closes maiden venue, but navigates rough seas with dynamic expansion plans

This was a follow-up to our 2023 symposium, Okole Maluna! The Return of The Mai-Kai, when we revealed details and a sneak peek at what would become an ambitious $20 million project that’s still ongoing. After the grand reopening in November, there was a lot new to report.

The famous "Mai-Kai that never was" painting by Al Kocab of a planned design that was abandoned before the 1970 expansion. It's available as a 4-by-6-inch postcard, suitable for framing, in the restaurant gift shop along with 14 others for just $2 each.
The famous “Mai-Kai that never was” painting by Al Kocab of a planned design that was abandoned before the 1970 expansion. It’s available as a 4-by-6-inch postcard, suitable for framing, in the restaurant gift shop along with 14 others for just $2 each. Click for larger image.

Our 60-minute multimedia presentation, Paradise Reimagined: Deep Inside the Mai-Kai Restoration, featured an exclusive look at the reimagination and revival with photos, video and tips for your next trip. For further updates, click on the links below.
More Atomic Grog coverage
• Exclusive ongoing coverage of the Mai-Kai reopening
• Mai-Kai bar and cocktail news, reviews and insights
• Answers to frequently asked questions about the Mai-Kai
• Mai-Kai Restoration & Reopening: Full story and photo archive

Following are some of the highlights of our slideshow, including two walk-through videos with creative director “Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller. Click on the images for a larger view. Below are notes pertaining to each slide.

Paradise Reimagined: Deep Inside the Mai-Kai Restoration

Presented at Inuhele in Atlanta on Jan. 26, 2025
Historic photos from the Mai-Kai, Tim “Swanky” Glazner, and other sources. Current and recent photos by Hurricane Hayward and the Mai-Kai unless noted.

Paradise Reimagined: Deep Inside the Mai-Kai Restoration

↑ Charles McKirahan was one of the foremost architects of the Mid-Century Modern movement. The Mai-Kai design was Inspired by Canlis in Hawaii, featuring a 40-foot steel A-frame allowing an open main area, flanked by dining rooms. McKirahan was responsible for some of South Florida’s most iconic buildings of that era.

Paradise Reimagined: Deep Inside the Mai-Kai Restoration

↑ After attending Stanford University, Bob and Jack Thornton borrowed money from their parents and went on to create the biggest Tiki temple of them all. The Mai-Kai grossed $1 million during its first full year of operation (1957) as the 150 seat-restaurant served 1,000 customers a night. The colorized image is available as a 4-by-6 postcard in the gift shop.

Continue reading “Paradise Reimagined: Deep Inside the Mai-Kai Restoration (photos and video)”

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UPDATES: Mai-Kai bar and cocktail news, reviews and exclusive insights

Mai-Kai cocktails at events near and far, new menus coming soon

Updated April 29, 2025
Let us quench your thirst for the most detailed information, photos and deep dives into the cocktails served at the Mai-Kai restaurant in South Florida, est. 1956. This page will include reports by journalist Jim “Hurricane” Hayward along with news and official updates passed along by beverage director Cory Starr as he resurrects the storied bar program, originally developed by legendary mixologist Mariano Licudine. This blog post will serve as a supplement to our Mai-Kai Cocktail Guide, which will soon be updated with new reviews and recipes. If you’re looking for updates on the restaurant’s restoration and reopening, along with anything beyond the cocktails and bar program, be sure to follow this story:
• Exclusive ongoing coverage of the Mai-Kai reopening

LATEST NEWS BELOW: Mai-Kai cocktails at events near and far, new menus coming soon

More Atomic Grog coverage
• Okole Maluna Society – The Mai-Kai Cocktail Guide
See also: Mai-Kai Restoration & Reopening: Full story and photo archive

Official sites and social media
• MaiKai.com | Facebook page | Instagram
Facebook group: Join more than 23,000 Friends of the Mai-Kai
• Instagram: Classics of the Mai-Kai
The Atomic Grog: AtomicGrog.com | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Bluesky

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LATEST EVENTS

Best of both worlds at The Hukilau 2025: Beachfront resort with full Mai-Kai experience
Best of both worlds at The Hukilau 2025: Beachfront resort with full Mai-Kai experience NEW
For the first time, the 23rd Tiki weekender will take place at both the oceanfront Beachcomber Resort and the historic Mai-Kai restaurant, restoring the event to its pre-2020 format. Special features include an exclusive showing of The Donn of Tiki film, a two-day Tiki bar-building class, multiple Mai-Kai events, plus more.
EVENT PREVIEW: Detailed info on all of the performing bands and Tiki Treasures Bazaar
Direct links to more info: Tickets | Entertainment | Full list of vendors | The Mai-Kai | The Beachcomber
Previous coverage: Mai-Kai set to host multiple events during The Hukilau

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Jump to more news below
• Mai-Kai joins spirits festival, welcomes brands for cocktail and rum tasting events
• New Bora Bora Bar menu just a taste things to come
• Beverage director Cory Starr interviewed on Shift Drink Podcast
• Photos & video: Mai-Kai joins Miami Rum Congress festivities
• Is it 1956 or 2024? Forward-thinking Mai-Kai menus sport retro flair
• Mai-Kai welcomes Cory Starr as new chief mixologist

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Mai-Kai bartender Michael DeMahy describes the special cocktails he created for the event featuring California artist Mcbiff on April 11-12. Displayed in Mcbiff's new glassware are the Mcbiff Mai Tai (left), Mod Art Punch and Mcbiff's Magic. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)
Mai-Kai bartender Michael DeMahy describes the special cocktails he created for the event featuring California artist Mcbiff on April 11-12. Displayed in Mcbiff’s new glassware are the Mcbiff Mai Tai (left), Mod Art Punch and Mcbiff’s Magic. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)

Mai-Kai cocktails at events near and far, new menus coming soon

Posted April 20, 2025

The first two weeks of April featured a flurry of events for the Mai-Kai bar team, a precursor of more to come this spring. On top of all this activity, beverage director Cory Starr is planning the launch of two new permanent menus.

Starr and his bartenders hit the road in early April for events in south and central Florida, then paid tribute to Mcbiff with a special pop-up menu during the artist’s print-signing event. In May, Starr will be one of the featured bartenders at an inaugural Tiki event in Italy. In June, enthusiasts from around the world will descend on South Florida and the Mai-Kai for The Hukilau, the long-running Tiki weekender hosted at a nearby beachfront resort.

Mai-Kai managers welcome Mcbiff to his print release party with a toast in the Bora Bora Bar on April 11. From left: Hurricane Hayward, beverage director Cory Starr, managing partner Bill Fuller, public relations director Pia Dahlquist, Mcbiff, general manager Kern Mattei. (Mai-Kai photo)
Mai-Kai managers welcome Mcbiff to his print release party with a toast in the Bora Bora Bar on April 11. From left: Hurricane Hayward, beverage director Cory Starr, managing partner Bill Fuller, public relations director Pia Dahlquist, Mcbiff, general manager Kern Mattei. (Mai-Kai photo)

Following is a rundown on all the events, past and future. After that are details on the new after-dinner and bar menus in the works.

Starr and the Mai-Kai participated in the Pinko de Mayo charity event on Thursday, April 3, at Cielo Farms in Southwest Ranches, a Broward County town about 25 miles to the southwest. The event raises money for the foundation that supports women through breast cancer, survivorship, surveillance and prevention. The Mai-Kai served three cocktails, Starr said, including several featuring sponsor spirits.

Guests enjoyed a Mai Tai with Planteray Rum and a Saturn with Citadelle Gin, similar to the drinks featured at the Tropical Spirts Festival after party on March 9. The third was a very untraditional Western Sour that Starr said was more “Jet Pilot-esque with guava.” The result was a pink cocktail that fit the theme, along with the other two. The event also featured the debut of the Mai-Kai’s new portable, traveling bar.

Mai-Kai beverage director Cory Starr works with a Hawaiian shaved ice machine to create a new take on the classic Derby Daiquiri during Tiki-a-Go-Go in Orlando on April 5. (Photos by The Rum Trader, Holmes Cay Rum)
Mai-Kai beverage director Cory Starr works with a Hawaiian shaved ice machine to create a new take on the classic Derby Daiquiri during Tiki-a-Go-Go in Orlando on April 5. (Photos by The Rum Trader, Holmes Cay Rum)

Mai-Kai joins top Florida bars at Tiki-a-Go-Go in Orlando

Quickly becoming one of the must-do events on the Tiki events calendar, Tiki-a-Go-Go is a three-day gathering at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando. The second annual festival – held Thursday-Sunday, April 4-6 – featured symposiums and classes, live music and entertainment, artists and vendors, plus more.
Live coverage: Photos and video from Tiki-a-Go-Go

One of the major attractions is the lineup of cocktail bars and bartenders who serve hundreds of thirsty guests from pop-up bars throughout the weekend. Beverage director Cory Starr was joined by bartenders Michael DeMahy and Joey Sunshine, making their debut as a team at a major Tiki event.

Continue reading “UPDATES: Mai-Kai bar and cocktail news, reviews and exclusive insights”

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Is it 1956 or 2024? Forward-thinking Mai-Kai menus sport retro flair

Is it 1956 or 2024? Forward-thinking Mai-Kai menus sport retro flair

Updated April 1, 2025

This is part 1 in a series exploring the new cocktail and food menus at the historic Mai-Kai in South Florida, est. 1956. The restaurant reopened in November 2024 after four years and a $20 million restoration project that’s still ongoing. First, we’ll take a look at the menu design and esthetics. In future stories, we’ll examine the drinks and the food in depth.

Mai-Kai gives food menus a major facelift with all new bar, dining room dishes
NEW: Mai-Kai gives food menus a major facelift with all new bar, dining room dishes
The historic Polynesian restaurant launched a fully revamped food menu on April 1, including many new entrees and the return of some classic appetizers.
NEWS, ANALYSIS: Photos, breakdown of the new menus
February 2025 update: Bora Bora Bar menu just a taste things to come
January 2025 update: Tiki gardens and new dining options open as Mai-Kai menus get a refresh

Jump to more below
• The cocktail menu: Welcome back to paradise, 1950s style
• The food menus: A modern take with traditions intact
• The cannibal trio: Mai-Kai’s signature iconography

The Mai-Kai's Tonga dining room offers not only a prime view of the showroom stage and the Polynesian Islander Revue, but also a display case containing traditional cannibal carvings that have been used to promote the restaurant since its 1956 opening. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward / Nov. 22, 2024)
The Mai-Kai’s Tonga dining room offers not only a prime view of the showroom stage and the Polynesian Islander Revue, but also a display case containing traditional cannibal carvings that have been used to promote the restaurant since its 1956 opening. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward / Nov. 22, 2024)

Since the Mai-Kai celebrated its grand reopening in mid-November, fans flocking back to 3599 N. Federal Highway in Oakland Park have been dazzled by the renovation and reimagination of the 67-year-old Tiki temple. This includes a painstaking rehabilitation of the Molokai Bar, the massive showroom under the vintage 40-foot A-frame, as well as all the surrounding dining rooms and other guest areas.

Much of the interior looks as good as it has since a 1970 expansion project that marked the last major design overhaul. For this, we can thank creative director “Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller and his team of artists, including Scott “Flounder” Scheidly, Tom Fowner, and Conrad Teheiura Itchener.
• Mai-Kai Restoration & Reopening: Full story and photo archive

But there are a few new additions to this throwback experience that may have escaped notice, right under the noses of many guests. The food and drink menus now boast a retro look and feel that dates all the way back to the early days of the Mai-Kai. Let’s take a closer look at menus, their links to the past, and some breaking news on what’s coming next.

More Atomic Grog coverage
NEW: Mai-Kai bar and cocktail news, reviews and exclusive insights
• Latest news and exclusive coverage of the Mai-Kai reopening
• Mai-Kai grand reopening 2024: Answers to frequently asked questions
• Mai-Kai timeline, 1956-2024: Iconic restaurant marks 68 years of Polynesian Pop history

The cocktail menu: Welcome back to paradise, 1950s style

The Mai-Kai's updated menu features 54 cocktails, including 38 classic rum drinks and 12 new creations by head mixologist Cory Starr. Click for larger view. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward, November 2024)
The Mai-Kai’s updated menu features 54 cocktails, including 38 classic rum drinks and 12 new creations by head mixologist Cory Starr. Click for larger view. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward, November 2024)

It’s easy to be swept away to paradise when you open the Mai-Kai’s new cocktail menu and gaze upon more than 50 tropical drinks, many of them classics that have been frozen in time since 1956. But after you place your order for one of those delicious drinks crafted by beverage director Cory Starr and his expansive team of bartenders, take a gander at the menu’s design and artwork.

The cover art and tri-fold format is nearly identical the original 1956-57 menu, which included 43 cocktails ranging in price from 90 cents for Oh So Deadly to $2 for the signature Barrel O’ Rum. Both of those drinks are still on the menu, along with 28 others from that initial grand opening. The prices many have changed, but the recipes remain nearly identical, one of the unique features of the legendary bar.

The Mai-Kai replicated the menu design in great detail, from the distinctive logo to the familiar artwork of three cannibal tiki carvings. The wood grain and folding panels are meant to simulate the Mai-Kai’s original front doors. We don’t have a copy of the original menu, but images posted online during an eBay sale show virtually the same cover and inside layout from 1957:

The Mai-Kai's new 2024 cocktail menu was designed to look very much like this original menu from 1956-57, including the same cover and vintage-style images.
The Mai-Kai’s new 2024 cocktail menu was designed to look very much like this original menu from 1956-57, including the same cover and vintage-style images.

The old tri-fold menu style was gone by the end of the 1970s, replaced by a bi-fold menu that remained in place (in varying sizes) until the 2020 closing. [See the 2018-2019 menu] Another classic feature is back on the new menu with a return to having the individual cocktails depicted by representational artwork.

The original artwork was replaced by photos in a 2014 menu overhaul. This was a major change from the original style used during the first 57 years of menus. But the old look is back, thanks to California artist Eric October.

Mai-Kai managing partner Bill Fuller reached out to October after seeing his botanical cocktail prints for sale online. The longtime Mai-Kai fan was hired to create the custom images using watercolor in the same style used on the original mid-century menus. Some of the cocktails have also been turned into T-shirts featuring the same artwork.

Mai-Kai manager Kern Mattei meets Eric October at Tiki Oasis in San Diego, where the artist was selling his distinctive botanical cocktail prints. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward, August 2023)
Mai-Kai manager Kern Mattei (right) meets Eric October at Tiki Oasis in San Diego, where the artist was selling his distinctive botanical cocktail prints. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward, August 2023)

These images include more than just the signature mild, medium and strong rum drinks – plus the four non-alcoholic options. October also depicted the 12 new creations by Starr that fill out he 54-drink menu and offer alternatives for fans of other spirits (bourbon, tequila, et al.).

Continue reading “Is it 1956 or 2024? Forward-thinking Mai-Kai menus sport retro flair”

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Mai-Kai grand reopening: Answers to frequently asked questions

Mai-Kai grand reopening 2024: Answers to frequently asked questions

Updated April 27, 2025

It’s hard to imagine more interest in a restaurant reopening than the hoopla surrounding the return of the historic Mai-Kai after its $20 million rejuvenation in November 2024. More than three years in the making, the restoration and reimagination not only returned the 68-year-old Polynesian palace to its vintage 1970s-era look, it also created an entirely new experience outside and around the grounds. Just as important, it created a solid infrastructure that will ensure its survival for generations to come.

More Atomic Grog coverage
• Latest news and exclusive coverage of the Mai-Kai reopening
• Mai-Kai bar and cocktail news, reviews and exclusive insights
• Paradise Reimagined: Deep Inside the Mai-Kai Restoration
• Mai-Kai timeline, 1956-2024: Iconic restaurant marks 68 years of Polynesian Pop history
• Mai-Kai Restoration & Reopening: Full story and photo archive

When you cross the rumbling wooden bridge to enter the Mai-Kai, you're immediately redirected onto what looks like a red clay road in a South Seas paradise filled with lush tropical foliage and dozens of tiki torches
When you cross the rumbling wooden bridge to enter the Mai-Kai, you’re immediately redirected onto what looks like a red clay road in a South Seas paradise filled with lush tropical foliage and dozens of tiki torches. As you exit, look for the new carvings by South Florida artist Tom Fowner, based on the signature “cannibal trio” that has appeared on Mai-Kai signs and menus since 1956. “Mahalo a hui hou” means “thank you and until we meet again.” (Photos by Hurricane Hayward / Nov. 15 and Nov. 20, 2024)

The following FAQ was created for the Friends of the Mai-Kai group on Facebook, which includes more than 23,000 members and continues to grow. Due to the overwhelming response, we wanted to provide the most official information we can find, along with our own tips and advice.
MaiKai.com: Check out the officicial FAQ here

If you’re looking for more extensive coverage, including photos and video, just check the AtomicGrog.com homepage and our page dedicated to the Mai-Kai restoration and reopening. There you’ll find news and info going all the way back to the temporary closing in late 2020, along with lots of features in the works.

This page will be updated in tandem with Facebook, containing the latest helpful info for anyone planning a visit to the Mai-Kai. Feel free to follow either, or both. As always, go to MaiKai.com for the most official info and sign up for the email list to receive the latest news. If you have any other questions, join us in the Facebook group or post a question in the comments below.

Popular "Molokai Girls" Ashley and Roxy returned for the grand reopening, doing double duty in the new outdoor Bora Bora Bar to serve classic cocktails such as the Yeoman's Grog
Popular “Molokai Girls” Ashley and Roxy returned for the grand reopening, doing double duty in the new outdoor Bora Bora Bar to serve classic cocktails such as the Yeoman’s Grog. The relocation of the driveway necessitated the removal of the long-dormant Bora Bora building, so creative director “Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller designed a namesake bar under the reimagined porte-cochère. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward / Nov. 20, 2024)

Official sites and social media
• MaiKai.com | Facebook page | Instagram
Facebook group: Friends of the Mai-Kai

WHAT IS THE MAI-KAI? WHERE IS IT?

A highly immersive Polynesian-themed restaurant, dinner show and tropical bar that reopened in November 2024 following a four-year closing, refurbishment and reimagination estimated to cost more than $20 million. Located in Oakland Park, adjacent to Fort Lauderdale, in Broward County on Florida’s southeast coast. Established in 1956, the Mai-Kai is both a local and national historic landmark. The address is 3599 N. Federal Highway on the west side between Commercial and Oakland Park boulevards. [Google map]
• For more on the history, check out this page at MaiKai.com.
• Go to MaiKaiHistory.com for deep dives and order the book Mai-Kai: History and Mystery of the Iconic Tiki Restaurant by Tim “Swanky” Glazner.
• The Atomic Grog features detailed information on the historic cocktails.

WHEN IS THE MAI-KAI OPEN?

The bars and restaurant, including the dinner show, is open seven days a week from 4 p.m. Monday-Friday, 3 p.m. on Saturday, and 1 p.m. on Sunday.

HOW DO I GET OFFICIAL UPDATES?

Sign up for the email list at MaiKai.com and follow the official social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.

Seating for the Mai-Kai's long-running Polynesian dinner show includes prime seats in the New Guinea Room (left foreground) and the Hawaii Room (left top). To the rear of the showroom, the elevated Tonga Room offers sweeping views
Seating for the Mai-Kai’s long-running Polynesian dinner show includes prime seats in the New Guinea Room (left foreground) and the Hawaii Room (left top). To the rear of the showroom (right), the elevated Tonga Room offers sweeping views. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward / Nov. 22, 2024)

DO I NEED RESERVATIONS?

You can reserve seats for the daily dinner shows (up to 45 days in advance) via the booking engine at MaiKai.com. The reservation system asks you to choose from three three pricing tiers and select your seats (exact location not guaranteed). If you can’t find seats on a particular date and time, try a different party size or a different time/date. Before you make a payment, you can alert the Mai-Kai to any dietary restrictions or special occasions. IMPORTANT: If anyone in your party has special mobility needs (wheelchair, etc.), please add to the reservation notes. Reservations open up occasionally, so please make sure to check back! Groups larger than eight should contact the Mai-Kai to make arrangements via the form on the website.
• Click here or the image below to see the seating chart

Mai-Kai seating chart

Walk-ups may be accommodated, space permitting. Inquire at the front desk upon arrival. There is also plenty of seating available in the bars and Lanai dining area in the outdoor gardens, no reservations needed.

Continue reading “Mai-Kai grand reopening: Answers to frequently asked questions”

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UPDATES: Latest news and full coverage of the Mai-Kai reopening

Mai-Kai opens new passageway between Tiki gardens

Updated April 30, 2025
This blog post will feature continually updated information from official sources at the historic Mai-Kai restaurant in South Florida. It will also include in-depth coverage and photos from journalist Jim “Hurricane” Hayward, along with information gathered from other reliable sources. Bookmark and return for the most accurate and complete guide to the reopening of the Tiki landmark, est. 1956.
• Mai-Kai Restoration & Reopening: Full story and photo archive
SEE ALSO: Mai-Kai bar and cocktail news, reviews and exclusive insights

LATEST NEWS BELOW: Mai-Kai opens new passageway between Tiki gardens NEW

Official sites and social media
• MaiKai.com | Facebook page | Instagram
Facebook group: Join more than 23,000 Friends of the Mai-Kai
• Instagram: Classics of the Mai-Kai
The Atomic Grog: AtomicGrog.com | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Bluesky

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Best of both worlds at The Hukilau 2025: Beachfront resort with full Mai-Kai experience
Best of both worlds at The Hukilau 2025: Beachfront resort with full Mai-Kai experience NEW
For the first time, the 23rd Tiki weekender will take place at both the oceanfront Beachcomber Resort and the historic Mai-Kai restaurant, restoring the event to its pre-2020 format. Special features include an exclusive showing of The Donn of Tiki film, a two-day Tiki bar-building class, multiple Mai-Kai events, plus more.
EVENT PREVIEW: Detailed info on all of the performing bands and Tiki Treasures Bazaar
Direct links to more info: Tickets | Entertainment | Full list of vendors | The Mai-Kai | The Beachcomber
Previous coverage: Mai-Kai set to host multiple events during The Hukilau

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Jump to more news below
• Mcbiff introduces ‘Mystery at the Mai-Kai’ print, merchandise during special event
• Mai-Kai gives food menus a major facelift with all new bar, dining room dishes
• February-March 2025 update: Artists continue working on Mai-Kai design projects
• Inuhele event recap: Paradise Reimagined: Deep Inside the Mai-Kai Restoration
• Videos: A moment of zen
• Mai-Kai joins Miami Rum Congress festivities
• January 2025 update: Tiki gardens and new dining options open as Mai-Kai menus get a refresh
• Mai-Kai timeline, 1956-2024: Iconic restaurant marks 68 years of Polynesian Pop history
• Is it 1956 or 2024? Forward-thinking Mai-Kai menus sport retro flair
• Mai-Kai grand reopening: Answers to frequently asked questions
• Mai-Kai celebrates grand reopening, return of signature dinner shows
• Mai-Kai hosts preview of bars in advance of grand reopening
• Mai-Kai welcomes Cory Starr as new chief mixologist

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For the first time since the Mai-Kai's 2020 closing, guests can get an up-close view of the exotic tikis and water features in the indoor gardens under the giant A-frame. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward / April 24, 2025)
For the first time since the Mai-Kai’s 2020 closing, guests can get an up-close view of the exotic tikis and water features in the indoor gardens under the giant A-frame. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward / April 24, 2025)

Mai-Kai opens new passageway between Tiki gardens

Posted April 27, 2025

In a perfect example of the Mai-Kai combining its long-running restoration with inventive reimagination, the restaurant just opened a new portal into the inner sanctum that allows guests to once again stroll the exotic indoor gardens under the front of the main A-frame. Like many similar upgrades at the historic property, the new portal appears to be both a stylistic and logistical bonus for guests.

When we arrived shortly after the 4 p.m. opening on April 24, workers were putting the final touches on a new entryway that had been cut through decorative rocks and several feet of the concrete wall at the south end of the new deck outside the Molokai Bar. We were among the first to explore the new walking path, marveling at the towering tikis and waterfalls for the first time since before the October 2020 closing. It was being prepped for a special event that night.

Workers complete a new doorway from the deck outside the Molokai bar to the inside of the Mai-Kai's original 1956 building. The path leads into the Tiki gardens and waterfalls behind the showroom stage, eventually connecting to the outdoor gardens behind the restaurant. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward / April 24, 2025)
Workers complete a new doorway from the deck outside the Molokai bar to the inside of the Mai-Kai’s original 1956 building. The path leads into the Tiki gardens and waterfalls behind the showroom stage, eventually connecting to the outdoor gardens behind the restaurant. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward / April 24, 2025)

The newly refurbished space is fully functional with flowing water, colorful mood lighting and lush tropical flowers courtesy of California designer Shawna Marie Tice, aka The Pleated Peacock. If the end result reminds you of Disneyland’s Enchanted Tiki Room, that’s because Tice created the faux floral arrangements there as well.

The walls, floors and ceiling still need a few finishing touches, but the space is jaw dropping, even if you’ve been there before. There is much eye candy to behold, including many vintage tikis, both original wood carvings and those cast in cement from molds that original owner Bob Thornton had made in the 1970s. It should be fully operational any day now.

A variety of vintage tikis can be seen as you walk through the Mai-Kai's newly reopened indoor gardens. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward / April 24, 2025)
A variety of vintage tikis can be seen as you walk through the Mai-Kai’s newly reopened indoor gardens. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward / April 24, 2025)

Why is this new entrance important? Until now, the entire area was off limits to guests since the large crew of dancers and musicians in the Polynesian show have needed most of the space behind the stage, as well as the Samoa dining room, to prepare for their performances, which occur multiple times per night. Their former dressing room under the stage is still being redesigned.

Continue reading “UPDATES: Latest news and full coverage of the Mai-Kai reopening”