Polynesian Pop and Tiki culture have a long association with dark imagery: Cocktails served in skull mugs, black velvet and other artwork evoking mysterious landscapes, flaming torches and exotic drums lurking in the background of mysterious bars. The first iconic Tiki drink was the Zombie, threatening to turn its imbibers into the living dead.
The revelry at the first Monster Moku in September 2025 was centered around the “Coffin Pool.” (Official photo)
In modern times, the Tiki landscape has greatly expanded to include theming inspired by classic horror movies, lowbrow and rockabilly culture, a new wave of deadly drinks, and social groups united around dark themes such as “Goth Tiki.” The first Tiki weekender to fully embrace everything dark and campy is poised to host its second gathering deep in the lair of themed Halloween entertainment: Orlando, Florida.
Monster Moku will celebrate what it calls “the Darker Side of Tiki in a Tropical Scaradise” for three days and nights at the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Theme Park Resort, not far from SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream and Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights. It’s structured like other Polynesian Pop events with live music, seminars, a vendor marketplace, pool parties, and guest pop-up bars.
One major difference is the inclusion of 10 tattoo artists, who will enhance the edgy atmosphere. Guests are also encouraged to dress up and participate in a creative costume contest. With its horror-themed design and decor, Monster Moku is an event with a distinct image and attitude, setting it apart from the many weekenders on the modern Tiki calendar.
About Monster Moku
The focus of this fledgling event is no surprise when you consider it’s the brainchild of HeadHunter Ray, aka Rodney Ray of HeadHunter Props and Fabrication. The Central Florida artist and designer has made his mark in both the theme park and Tiki worlds.
The Intoxicators have performed at many Florida Tiki events over the past two decades, including The Hukilau in June 2026. The Tallahassee instrumental band will rock Monster Moku in September. (Photo by Eric Anthony / @TheThirstyWalrus)
For Monster Moku, Ray is scaring up a wide assortment of entertainment and activities, including a Dive-In Monster Movie, Polynesian Fire show, and VooDoo Vendor Venue, plus perks including free food for VIP passholders. Guests will also encounter a highly themed environment full of monstrous props from the organizer’s collection.
For the 24th time, Tikiphiles from around the world gathered under The Hukilau banner for a long weekend of Polynesian Pop revelry on June 3-7. For the past six years, the event has been headquartered at the picturesque Beachcomber Resort, located right on the ocean in Pompano Beach, just north of Fort Lauderdale.
The Hukilau official artwork by Chris Warner was sold as a limited-edition print.
In addition to the tropical environment of the beachfront hotel, The Hukilau’s anchor and nerve center since moving to South Florida in 2003 has been the historic Mai-Kai restaurant in Oakland Park. The 2.7-acre Tiki temple is a destination unto itself, attracting fans for its vintage mid-century experience that was taken to the next level by a $20+ million restoration completed in late 2024.
Check out our previous story for photos, video and a full recap of all the activities that took place at the Mai-Kai, including an exclusive presentation by retro pop culture expert Charles Phoenix. That story also includes reviews and ratings of the special cocktails served at the Mai-Kai.
MeduSirena Marina and her mermaid friends frolic in the Beachcomber Resort pool during The Hukilau 2026 on Saturday, June 6. (Photo by Eric Anthony / @TheThirstyWalrus)
We previously published an extensive collection of social media posts, including photos and video plus our annual playlist spotlighting the performing bands. Mahalo to everyone who contributed!
This story will cover the events at the Beachcomber, pulling together the best photos and our key memories, plus contributions from Hukilau villagers. As a bonus, you’ll also find our cocktail ratings and reviews of the tasty libations we sampled all weekend, plus three bonus recipes.
We hope all this coverage gives you a taste of the event and inspires you to join us in 2027, when the Mai-Kai celebrates its 70th anniversary and The Hukilau hosts its 25th weekender.
Villagers enjoy The Hukilau’s Saturday afternoon pool party at the Beachcomber Resort in Pompano Beach. (Photo by Goldie Moon / Dream Beauty Lab)
The Hukilau 2026 – June 3-7 at the Beachcomber Resort & Club in Pompano Beach and Mai-Kai restaurant in Oakland Park. Featuring live music, special guests, symposiums and classes, 20 guest cocktail bars, pool parties, Tiki Treasures Bazaar, plus more.
• The Hukilau on social media: Instagram | Facebook page and group
Guests attending The Hukilau in South Florida on June 3-7 are encouraged to relax and enjoy the unique surroundings, a totally immersive escape from the craziness of today’s modern world. These “villagers” have ample opportunity to unwind at the oceanfront Beachcomber Resort & Club in Pompano Beach, then step back in time at the historic Mai-Kai restaurant in nearby Fort Lauderdale.
Highlights of The Hukilau 2026 include pop culture entertainer Charles Phoenix and simian surf band The Disasternauts, seen performing in 2024 (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)
But they can’t relax too much. Like most other Tiki weekenders, the 24th annual event includes a robust schedule full of live music and other performances, tastings of craft cocktails and spirits, symposiums hosted by experts in their respective fields, plus a marketplace containing 30 vendors selling a wide range of art and collectibles.
This is the event’s sixth straight year at the Beachcomber, a small boutique hotel just steps from the Atlantic, and the 19th full live event at the Mai-Kai (est. 1956), generally considered to be the last remaining mid-century Polynesian supper club in the world. Many of this year’s participants are new to both The Hukilau and Tiki events in general, so it will be fun to enjoy the diversity and variety amid the familiar surroundings.
The Hukilau 2026 – June 3-7 at the Beachcomber Resort & Club in Pompano Beach and Mai-Kai restaurant in Oakland Park. Featuring live music, special guests, symposiums and classes, 20 guest cocktail bars, pool parties, Tiki Treasures Bazaar, plus more. Buy tickets:Weekend passes, Charles Phoenix presentation Book a room:More info on the Beachcomber
• The Hukilau on social media: Instagram | Facebook page and group
While the official schedule is full of activities every day, villagers can participate at their own pace, a literal “build your own Tiki adventure” weekend of sorts. We hope to guide you through some of the highlights with this extensive preview of the bands, symposiums and pop-up bars. Complimentary cocktails flow nearly non-stop every day and night, one of the most under-appreciated features of the event. Sponsors Ron Diplomatico and Tanduay will also offer complimentary rum tastings throughout the weekend.
Five-day tickets range from $489 for the Aloha Pass to $659 for the all-inclusive South Seas Pass. The best bet for locals and those coming in at the last minute is the two-day Palm Pass ($199), which gets you access to most of Saturday’s festivities (including unlimited cocktails and the vendor marketplace), plus Sunday’s finale at the Mai-Kai. Rooms at the Beachcomber are still available starting at $255 (plus fees) per night. You must buy an event pass online first, then call (954) 941-7830 to book through the resort.
The Hukilau’s official 2026 glassware by H.C. Warner, free to South Seas passholders. The Atlanta-based artist also designed the event flyer above.
Check out the links below to our previous coverage. The first story includes details on the special tribute to the late Danny ‘Tiki Diablo’ Gallardo at the Mai-Kai, plus a full rundown on the Tiki Treasures Bazaar vendors. The second covers the exclusive Florida appearance of pop-culture expert Charles Phoenix during the Sunday finale at the Mai-Kai.
For 2026, Mulder decided to go back to The Hukilau’s roots for inspiration. The mug is a nod to the event’s “Huki” character, designed by artist Kevin Kidney in the event’s early days. Kidney was inspired by Tangaroa, the principal deity of the sea, rivers and all aquatic life in Polynesian and Maori mythology. As envisioned by The Hukilau’s founders in 2002, the event’s name is a play on the traditional communal fishing tradition in Hawaiian culture, made famous in song.
The Hukilau official 2026 mug in production at Eeekum Bookum in St. Petersburg. (Photos provided by John Mulder)
At The Hukilau, the intention is to cast a net out into the ocean of Tiki culture and pull villagers to shore for a weekend of communal festivities. Kidney was an early influencer in the fledgling 1990s Tiki subculture, and also known for his extensive work (with partner Jody Daily) at Disney theme parks. In addition to the logo, he created other artwork for the event including glassware and the 2009 event mug based on Huki.
Mulder told us that the goal of the new mug is to “stay true to the Tangaroa and fisherman god with an eye to the Kevin Kidney logo.” The fish that you see front and center on the mug is also from Kidney’s design of the original logo. The mug is currently in the final steps of production in Mulder’s Eeekum Bookum studio in St. Petersburg. [See 2025 video tour]
