Colonial Decorators Archives

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

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UPCOMING EVENTS

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”