South Florida’s Mai-Kai continues to expand its scope of summertime fun, focusing on the historic restaurant’s mid-century roots and escapist immersion throughout the late summer months. From “Return to Paradise” in August to “Scallywags and Sirens” in September, the calendar is chock full of enhanced activities for all ages.
SEE BELOW: New cocktails and merchandise introduced
UPCOMING: Captain’s Rum Society, full entertainment schedule
BREAKING: The Mai-Kai welcomes Big Barney II
There’s also no shortage of breaking news. Proving that the multimillion-dollar restoration project is never done, a new version of an iconic 25-foot tiki carving was installed on the southeast corner of the property on Sept. 10. Coincidentally, that’ exactly nine years to the day since the 53-year-old moai carved by mid-century artist Barney West fell during Hurricane Irma in 2017.
That just happened to be the date that all the installation crews could be scheduled, Mai-Kai staff artist Tom Fowner said after we arrived on the scene. A formal unveiling will be scheduled after work is completed on the surrounding grounds. Fowner said they plan to install a designated area for photo ops.
The giant carving was installed in 1964 along with the other Barney West tiki that still stands guard on the other end of the property, also facing Federal Highway. Both became signature spots for photos, informally known to some as “Big Barney” and “Littlle Barney.” Fowner recently restored the smaller version using modern replication materials and techniques.
• Full coverage: Mai-Kai’s classic Tiki carving restored as reimagination continues
Big Barney closely follows the original design and was carved from hard foam instead of wood. It was finished and painted by artists “Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller and Scott “Flounder” Scheidly. The carving was staged in the Mai-Kai’s new event center, a huge space topped with an A-frame that’s under construction in the back of house area that was lost when a 2020 roof collapse triggered the Mai-Kai’s sale and $20 million reimagination.
It was wheeled out from the event center on dollies, then lifted into place by a crane. Fowner said more work will be done to the base as Big Barney stands patiently, securely covered with a tarp. “I’m just happy it’s in,” Fowner said after months of waiting. Keep an eye out for the unveiling date, followed by a full story on the history of Big Barney and how the carving was reimagined.
Monthly events: From South Seas paradise to high-seas hijinks
The Atomic Grog got in on the action with “Tiki Talks” on the Mai-Kai’s early cocktail menus along with the deep thematic links between the bars and the iconic story of the Mutiny on the Bounty. Last month also saw artist Tom Fowner teach guests how to carve their own tikis, plus the launch of popular “Sip and Paint” events with resident mermaid Trixie that continue this month.
The highlight for those seeking an intimate cocktail experience came at the end of August, when beverage director Cory Starr curated an extensive menu of inventive libations (along with food from chef Justin Sherrer) at three exclusive Mutiny at the Molokai events. This was followed by an educational workshop (and more tasty drinks) on National Mai Tai Day, the perfect end to the month. Follow the links below for extensive coverage, including photos and video.
Return to Paradise: Detailed recaps below
• Step aboard the Mutiny at the Molokai experience
• Workshop reveals Mai Tai secrets and more
• Tiki Talk explores historic Mai-Kai menus
• Mutiny on the Bounty docks at the Mai-Kai
• Tiki carving with Tom Fowner, more August events
The September calendar takes a turn in a more fantastical direction, but there’s a method to the madness. The pirate-themed activites will focus more on events for all ages, similar to the Tahiti Fête celebration in July. But there are plenty of new features to lure adults, including a new rum and cocktail menu plus a robust schedule of live music in both the Molokai and Bora Bora bars.
The yo-ho hijinks will also allow for a more seamless transition into the Halloween season, which will once again feature a complete transformation of the 2.7-acre Mai-Kai property into a haunted South Seas island filled with otherworldly creatures, ghosts and countless pirate and mermaid skeletons. A buccaneer and his ship have already washed up in the outdoor gardens next to King Kai. [See photo and video]
• 2025 coverage: Hulaween returns from the dead | Video tour with Tom Fowner
Starr, who does double duty as the restaurant’s general manager, said we can expect the same overall theme as last year, but with 25 percent more artistic installations by Fowner and the Mai-Kai team. He said they’re aiming to have everything completely installed by Oct. 10. In the meantime, Starr and his bar team are planning a sequel to last year’s creative cocktail menu.