The historic carving by mid-century artist Barney West at the Mai-Kai in the 1960s and today. It was painstakingly restored in early 2026. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward / March 31, 2026)
Much care went into the $20 million restoration project during a four-year closing from late October 2020 until November 2024. The results were spectacular, but one major Mai-Kai icon still desperately needed some TLC as we entered 2026.
We’re happy to report that the vintage tiki by carver Barney West that has greeted guests along Federal Highway since the mid-1960s is now completely restored. It hasn’t looked this good in 30 years after decaying for decades, losing body parts like a zombie corpse.
Artist Tom Fowner speaks at the rededication ceremony for the vintage Tiki carving that he restored at the Mai-Kai. (Photos by “Tiki John” Atkins / March 31, 2026)
We can thank artist Tom Fowner, who did a massive rebuilding and sculpting job using foam and epoxy putty over several weeks. He then added a new paint job that pays tribute to the tiki’s original redwood finish, just in time for its dedication on March 31. “It’s not identical, but it’s close,” Fowner said.
We haven’t heard of any accidents on the busy highway, but it’s certain that many arriving guests are doing a double-take when they spot the 10-foot-tall carving, which now looks much as it did more than 60 years ago.
This story covers the restoration by the South Florida craftsman in great detail, including many photos taken before, during and after the work was done. The tiki is significant as one of the last remaining large carvings by West, whose works were installed around the United States during the heyday of Polynesian Pop.
The Mai-Kai gift shop is themed like an ornate trading post in Bangkok. The room adjacent to the rear gardens has a Chinese theme that matches its former use. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward / Feb. 10 and March 31, 2026)
Part of the nostalgia of the Mai-Kai is driven by the Mai-Kai Trading Company, the gift shop that offers guests unique souvenirs, Tiki mugs, artwork, jewelry, apparel, and lots more. This highly themed space behind the showroom recently received an overhaul, which we’ll explore below.
Along with continuing restoration efforts, the Mai-Kai also remains focused on its reimagination. The first phase of this work included a highly immersive new entry driveway, a spectacular fountain that simulates a volcanic caldera, and the perfectly imagined Bora Bora Bar under the refurbished porte-cochère. [See video]
The second phase is well under way with projects large and small. Some are hush-hush, but one major addition has been hard to ignore. This story will also include some news (plus photos) on the new guest space that can be seen rising up in the rear of the Mai-Kai.
Historic Tiki carving revived by South Florida artist
Barney West was a rugged artist who carved enormous icons from his shop, called Tiki Junction, in Sausalito, Calif.
For the past 62 years, the distinctive tiki carved by acclaimed artist Barney West has seen a lot from its perch on the northeast corner of the 2.7-acre Mai-Kai property, steps away from the neighboring furniture store.
The carving likely arrived at the Mai-Kai in early April 1964 with 10 other giant tikis created by West “ranging from one to six tons apiece,” according to an article in the Fort Lauderdale News. The story calls them “exact replicas and reproductions of the most dramatic statues found in the Polynesian and Melanesian islands.”
Updated Jan. 14, 2026 This blog post features full coverage of the restoration and reopening of the historic Mai-Kai restaurant in South Florida 2024 reopening and throughout 2025. It includes in-depth coverage and photos from journalist Jim “Hurricane” Hayward, along with information gathered from other reliable sources. As the project enters Phase 2 in 2026, look for less detailed but still frequent reports featured on the main Mai-Kai restoration page. We’ll also ramping up a new version of our Mai-Kai Cocktail Guide. • Jump straight to the news archive below
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 historic photos, plus video from Spike’s Breezeway to document the top locations inside and outside the historic Tiki temple. SEE THE TOP 16:Jump straight to the tour, tips and tricks
Mai-Kai legends return for 69th anniversary celebration
Posted Jan. 4
The Mai-Kai welcomed back dozens of alumni from throughout its 69-year history for a first-of-its-kind anniversary celebration and a weekend full of incendiary performances of the Polynesian Islander Revue. The national historic landmark opened its doors Dec. 28, 1956, adding an authentic dinner show in the early 1960s.
The Dec. 27-28 event marked the first time in history that Mai-Kai performers from eight different decades – from the 1950s through today – all shared the stage on the same weekend. The dinner show combines music (by the Mai-Kai Serenaders) and dance (by the Mai-Kai Islanders) into a flamboyant but culturally accurate tribute to the islands of the South Pacific, running up to three shows a night, seven days a week for the past six decades. After a four-year interruption when the Mai-Kai was closed for a $20 million restoration and reimagination, the revue remains the oldest continually-running authentic South Seas stage show in the United States (including Hawaii).
The current Polynesian Islander Revue during the Mai-Kai’s 69th anniversary celebration included second and third-generation performers. Elijah (left) is the grandson and son of fire knife dancers, both named Stellio. Nai’a (right) is the daughter of former Polynesian dancer Glenda Florez. (Photos by Marina Anderson)
Many of the alumni gathered at the Mai-Kai on Friday, Dec. 26, for what became an emotional reunion for many. “Feeling so welcome and seeing so many familiar faces really fills the heart with joy,” wrote Malia on her Instagram page, where she posted a reel of the happy reunion. You many know the former dancer and Mystery Girl (2000-2003) today as MeduSirena (aka Marina the Fire Eating Mermaid).
The list of returning Polynesian dancers, fire knife dancers and musician spanned the 1950s through the 2000s. [Click here to see the full list] Among the VIPs were Kainoa Lauritzen (1971-2001), considered the most recognized Polynesian dancer in Mai-Kai history; and Nani Maka, a legendary Hawaiian hula dancer who worked at the Mai-Kai in the 1950s and ’60s. Kainoa performed on stage Saturday and Nani Maka on Sunday.
Former Polynesian dancers (from left) Kainoa Lauritzen, Malia (MeduSirena) and Glenda Florez meet guests and sign autographs during the Mai-Kai’s 69th anniversary event. (Photo provided by Marina Anderson)
Saturday’s events included alumni shows at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. From 7 to 8 p.m., Malia and Kainoa were joined by fellow Polynesian dancer Glenda Florez (1999-2007) for a meet-and-greet and autograph signing in the old Chinese oven room next to the Mai-Kai’s giant Christmas tree. Florez’ daughter, Nai’a, is a current Polynesian dancer and the first female fire knife dancer ever at the Mai-Kai.
Both the Bora Bora and Molokai bars were crowded with guests on the busy Saturday night as Big Harvest performed outside the main entrance. With the addition of the extensive Christmas lights, decor and cocktails for 2025, the annual anniversary event took on an even more festive air.
The Mai-Kai’s 69th anniversary alumni show included Polynesian dancers from past decades. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward / Dec. 27, 2025)
We attended the first alumni show at 5:30, and it proved to be spectacular. I counted dozens of alumni on stage throughout the performance. It started with a 30-minute all-alumni set and Kainoa doing a solo dance to the classic Bali Hai to open the show. She was followed by three former Polynesian dancers doing the hula as the band performed Lovely Hula Hands.
In rapid succession were were treated to many short performances featuring both men and women, including the traditional Samoan slap dance. An announcement was made thanking the founding Thornton brothers for bringing the Mai-Kai to life, along with the current management for keeping their spirit alive. The show was also dedicated to all of the past alumni who are no longer with us.
The pre-show wrapped up with a performance by two male-female duos, then another Polynesian dance by four female alumni (see photo above). The opening set reached a thunderous climax when the theatrical drum troupe Samkoma took the stage. The four-piece group included MeduSirena and current Mai-Kai lead musician Conrad Teheiura Itchener (aka Kabuki).
The Mai-Kai’s Polynesian cultural director and longtime emcee, Lono Hanohano, then invited all the performers on stage for a final dance and standing ovation. But more was yet to come as Lono handed off emcee duties for the 45-minutte regular show to Varua, a third-generation Mai-Kai employee and son of longtime manager Kern Mattei.
As someone who grew up at the Mai-Kai, Varua was perfect to lead the current group through their performance that also included more alumni guests featured throughout. After the traditional audience participation dance, two alumni took the stage for Ke Kali Nei Au (The Hawaiian Wedding Song).
Next came an old favorite, the drum dance of Tahiti, featuring the spectacular rhythmic hips of both current and alumni female dancers. Not to be out-done, the male dancers had a secret weapon as they prepared for the show’s fiery finale, the signature Samoan fire knife dance. Originating from ancient warrior traditions, the performers spin a machete-like knife with towels wrapped on the ends, then lit on fire.
Performing on the Mai-Kai stage for the first time since the 1990s, three-time world champion fire knife dancer VJ wowed the audience and fellow performers alike with his incredible dexterity with the knife, spinning it effortlessly at high speed, tossing it high in the air, behind his back and between his legs. [WATCH VIDEO]
