Updated June 13, 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 gears up for return of The Hukilau as enhancements continue
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
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UPCOMING EVENTS
RECENT EVENTS
NEW: Look for more photos and video recaps on our social media pages: Facebook | Instagram
Hukilau 2025 update: Symposiums and schedule for 23rd Tiki weekender in South Florida
Tikiphiles and fans of retro culture flocked to South Florida from around the world June 5-8 for unique classes and symposiums, distinctive merchandise, dozens of guest bartenders, plus multiple days and nights at the Mai-Kai.
Jump to more news below
• Dinner menu upgraded with more than 20 new dishes
• Mai-Kai opens new passageway between Tiki gardens
• 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
Molokai Bar rocks as Mai-Kai gears up for return of The Hukilau
Posted June 2, 2025
It’s been six years since The Hukilau guests had full access to the Mai-Kai during their annual Tiki weekender, which has called South Florida home since 2003. For 17 straight years, visiting the beloved Polynesian Palace was a highlight of the event for thousands of guests who traveled for around the world for a vintage Tiki experience that included live music, seminars, guest bartenders, and many memorable special events.
Who can forget Dawn Wells (Mary Ann from Gilligan’s Island) visiting the Mai-Kai in 2015, or top exotica and surf bands including Tikiyaki Orchestra and Los Straitjackets performing during the main event when the entire restaurant was taken over by Hukilau revelers. The Mai-Kai hosted a virtual event during the pandemic in 2020, then remained active in Hukilau festivities at the hotel on the Pompano Beach oceanfront over the next four years during the closing and renovations.
Last year, many Hukilau attendees got an exclusive sneak preview of the restored Molokai Bar and dining rooms, but nothing compares to the full experience that will return this year when The Hukilau welcomes hundreds of guests to both the Beachcomber Resort & Club and the Mai-Kai on June 5-8.
The Mai-Kai will host a Hukilau pre-party on Wednesday (June 4) along with official events on Friday and Sunday. You can find an overview of the schedule below, along with links to more Atomic Grog coverage. In advance of the influx of Tikiphiles, local bands returned to the Molokai Bar in May, kicking off a regular Thursday night live music night. Click here or scroll down for photos and video of the first two events.
Other highlights during May included an updated food menu for the bars and ongoing work in the Tiki gardens. Click on the links or scroll down for those updates. We also continued to monitor the work on the new path through the indoor gardens, which was finished by the end of the month when the metal railings were transformed into faux bamboo. [See full coverage, photos and video below]
Also check out our related coverage of the cocktails and bar team for news on beverage director Cory Starr’s appearance at an event in Italy, plus a rum and cocktail event that offered a sneak peek at new Bora Bora Bar cocktails.
The Hukilau is whole again with Mai-Kai back on the schedule
When the East Coast’s longest-running Tiki weekender rolls into town this week, guests will have three opportunities to enjoy all the Mai-Kai has to offer. This is all in addition to the many events happening at the Beachcomber, starting with the Build Your Own Tiki Bar Conference on Wednesday and Thursday. Two of the participating artists, “Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller and Scott “Flounder” Scheidly, played a key role in the restoration of the Mai-Kai over the past three years.
Official Hukilau links: Tickets | Schedule
Atomic Grog coverage: Symposiums and schedule announced for 23rd Tiki weekender in South Florida NEW
Tickets are still available at the link above if you’d like to become a “villager” and immerse yourself in the full experience. Click above for a full preview.
Media coverage: Mai-Kai reignites the flame for The Hukilau 2025 (Resident magazine)
For locals, the one-day Palm Pass is a good way to dip your toes into the sand. You’ll have access to a full day and night of fun on Saturday, including daytime pool parties featuring live music from top independent garage, surf and exotica bands; the Tiki Treasures Bazaar marketplace with dozens of eclectic artists and vendors; late-night bungalow parties featuring free cocktails from top Tiki bartenders; plus more!
Following is a rundown on all of activities related to the Mai-Kai.
Continue reading “UPDATES: Latest news and full coverage of the Mai-Kai reopening”