{"id":15409,"date":"2018-01-17T03:24:06","date_gmt":"2018-01-17T08:24:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/?p=15409"},"modified":"2018-02-08T01:49:16","modified_gmt":"2018-02-08T06:49:16","slug":"the-hukilau-2018-tickets-on-sale-now-more-bands-more-bars-more-tiki","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2018\/01\/17\/the-hukilau-2018-tickets-on-sale-now-more-bands-more-bars-more-tiki\/","title":{"rendered":"The Hukilau 2018 tickets on sale now: More bands, more bars, more Tiki!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Updated Feb. 8, 2018<\/em>
\nThe Hukilau gave its loyal fans a New Year’s treat by announcing an expanded lineup for the East Coast’s largest Tiki-themed event, giving its regular “villagers” early access and discounts on tickets. The general public can now join the party at the 17th annual mash-up of Polynesian Pop and cocktail culture.<\/p>\n

UPDATE:<\/strong> The Hukilau 2018 symposiums to include Disney imagineer, Tiki on TV<\/a><\/p>\n

\"The<\/a> <\/p>\n

The Hukilau: <\/B>June 6-10, 2018, at the Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina<\/a> and The Mai-Kai restaurant<\/a> in Fort Lauderdale.
\n* TheHukilau.com<\/A> | Facebook: Page<\/a> and Group<\/a> | Twitter<\/a> | Instagram<\/a>
\nQuick links:<\/strong> Tickets<\/a> | Book hotel<\/a> | Schedule<\/a> | Bands, bars, VIPs<\/a>
\nPrevious story:<\/strong> Rum Renaissance Festival moves next door to The Hukilau, creating ultimate rum and Tiki weekend<\/a>
\nSee below: Bonus cocktail recipes<\/strong>
\n* Three Dots and a Dash from Three Dots and a Dash<\/a>
\n* Nu Nui Nui from Daniele Dalla Pola of the Nu Lounge<\/a> <\/p>\n

Here are the highlights of the announcement, sent via email and posted on the official website. I also spoke directly with the event’s owner and co-organizer, Richard Oneslager, to get all the scoop on 2018. NEW:<\/strong> As of Feb. 8, this preview is now updated with the late January announcement.<\/a> <\/p>\n

\"Party<\/a>
\nParty like it’s 2009:<\/strong> Los Straitjackets (left) will headline The Hukilau for a second time, while The Intoxicators will make their 13th appearance at the Tiki party in Fort Lauderdale. (Photos from The Hukilau 2009)<\/em><\/p>\n

PREVIEW: The Hukilau 2018 highlights<\/strong><\/p>\n

* MUSIC: More headlining bands.<\/strong> The 2018 event will include some of the world’s top surf and exotica bands, including Los Straitjackets, The Madeira, Mr. Ho’s Orchestrotica Quintet<\/strong> and The Martian Denny Orchestra<\/strong>. Villagers will also be thrilled to see the return of The Intoxicators<\/b>, who missed 2017 after 12 straight appearances. Other performers include The Exotics, Black Flamingos, Czarna Wolgastar, The Royal Pacifics, Skinny Jimmy Stingray<\/strong>, and The Hukilau’s one and only emcee during its previous 16 years, the ubiquitous King Kukulele<\/strong>. Look for more bands to be announced, along with special guest DJs. Bands will perform on all five days in various venues. [More details below]<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

* BARS: 12 Tiki pop-ups.<\/strong> Seven of last year’s 10 acclaimed bar teams are returning, joined by five new Tiki-themed pop-ups from around the world setting up shop all over Pier 66 at special events, tastings, and classes. Due to popular demand, a second afternoon pool party with complimentary cocktails has been added to the schedule<\/a>. Back for more more rum and cocktails are bartenders from Dirty Dick<\/strong> (Paris), Flask & Cannon<\/strong> (Jacksonville), Hidden Harbor<\/strong><\/a> (Pittsburgh), Nu Lounge Bar<\/strong> (Italy), Three Dots and a Dash<\/strong> (Chicago), Pagan Idol<\/strong> (San Francisco), and S.O.S. Tiki Bar<\/strong> (Atlanta). Coming on board for 2018 are Death Or Glory<\/strong> (Delray Beach), Foundation Bar<\/strong> (Milwaukee), Frankie’s Tiki Room<\/strong> (Las Vegas), Tonga Hut<\/strong> (Los Angeles), and Trailer Happiness<\/strong> (London). [More details below]<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Rum<\/a>
\nRum ambassador Ian Burrell presents a symposium at The Hukilau 2017 (Atomic Grog photo). He’ll be joined in 2018 by cocktail pioneer and influential musician\/DJ Brother Cleve (Photo by Audrey Harrer).<\/em><\/p>\n

* INDUSTRY VIPS: Cocktail influencer makes debut.<\/strong> Boston’s Brother Cleve<\/strong> will bring his vast knowledge of cocktails and music to The Hukilau for the first time. This prime mover of the craft cocktail scene in the 1990s and former member of the groundbreaking band Combustible Edison will present a symposium, make a special DJ appearance, and also have his own bar in the Tiki Tower Takeover event. In addition, rum ambassador Ian Burrell<\/strong> returns from London for a second straight year to host a symposium, two cocktail classes and a special rum tasting. [More details below]<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

* TIKI TOWER TAKEOVER:<\/a> Signature cocktail party expands, returns for Round 4.<\/strong> Held on Thursday night in the hotel’s revolving Pier Top Lounge, the fourth edition of one of Tiki’s most exclusive events is likely to sell out just as fast as the previous three. Tickets are limited to passholders, so act now. The lineup will grow from four to five pop-ups (featuring six different bar teams), including returning participants Three Dots and a Dash<\/strong> and Daniele Dalla Pola<\/strong> of Nu Lounge Bar<\/strong>. Scotty Schuder<\/strong> of Dirty Dick<\/strong> also returns, teaming up with Pagan Idol<\/strong> for a special two-bar mash-up. The final two pop-ups will feature the craft cocktail stylings of Brother Cleve<\/strong> and the crew from the U.K.’s Trailer Happiness<\/strong>. [More details below]<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

* MERCHANDISE: Works of top Tiki artists on display. <\/strong> The official artists for The Hukilau 2018 are Joe Vitale<\/strong><\/a> and Donella Vitale<\/strong><\/a>, whose work can already been seen on the website and promo artwork. The couple is based in Orlando, where they both work for Disney in addition to being among the most recognizable artists of the Tiki revival. Fun fact: The Vitales are among a select few who have attended The Hukilau all 16 years, along with emcee King Kukulele and co-founder Tim “Swanky” Glazner. Villagers will get first shot at the event merchandise, including the 17th annual mug produced by Eekum Bookum<\/strong><\/a>. There will also be special items for some villagers, including a South Seas passholder pendant by Crazy Al Evans<\/b>.<\/p>\n

<\/a>
\nBar teams from Pittsburgh’s Hidden Harbor (left) and Atlanta’s S.O.S. Tiki Bar will return for this year’s expanded Rum Island Pool Party at The Hukilau 2018. (Atomic Grog photos)<\/em><\/p>\n

* ENHANCEMENTS: Feedback from villagers.<\/strong> The Hukilau listened to its attendees and will implement quite a few changes: Extended hours and a second pool party on Saturday (in addition to Friday) including live music, more bars and bands (see above), a “Villager’s Lounge” tent to “meet and hang with old friends and new,” a party featuring all exotica music, and more food trucks.<\/p>\n

* MORE SPECIAL EVENTS: Symposiums, Medusirena Marina swimshows.<\/strong> Symposiums, craft workshops, Okole Maluna cocktail classes, hula lessons, plus more new additions were announced in late January. These include three swimshows<\/a> featuring Marina the Fire Eating Mermaid<\/strong> in her home at the nearby Wreck Bar in the B Ocean Resort, plus symposiums on Disney’s Trader Sam’s Tiki bar concept and the heyday of Tiki on television. Craft workshops<\/a> will feature a trio of noted Tiki artists, while cocktail classes<\/a> will include bartenders and experts from across the country.
\nUPDATE:<\/strong> The Hukilau 2018 symposiums to include Disney imagineer, Tiki on TV<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

“There will be no shortage of liquor, music and things to do,” Oneslager said. If you’re as excited as I am about this lineup, along with the prospects of the nearby Rum Renaissance Festival the same weekend<\/a>, then you’ll want to buy your tickets and passes and make your reservations posthaste:<\/p>\n

THE HUKILAU ONLINE ORDERING<\/strong>
\nPASSES & TICKETS:<\/strong> Weekend passes along with tickets to Thursday’s Tiki Tower Takeover and late-night LuXotica Lounge are on sale now. Buy tickets now<\/strong><\/a>
\n* More details on tickets below<\/a>
\n HOTEL:<\/strong> Reserve your room now<\/strong><\/a>
\n MAI-KAI:<\/strong> Reserve your seats now<\/strong><\/a>
\n MERCHANDISE:<\/strong> Buy 2017 merch now<\/strong><\/a> (2018 coming soon)<\/p>\n

If you still need more convincing, read on … <\/a><\/p>\n

********************************************************<\/strong><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
\nThe view looking west from the observation deck on the 17th floor Pier Top Ballroom at the Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina during The Hukilau 2017. Downtown Fort Lauderdale can be seen in the distance. (Atomic Grog photo)<\/em><\/p>\n

THE HOTEL: Pier 66 remains a mid-century classic<\/strong><\/p>\n

Towering over the south end of Fort Lauderdale Beach in its mid-century splendor, the iconic Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina<\/a> has become the most popular host venue in The Hukilau’s history. The villagers recently voted it “the best hotel,” and in 2018 it will become the first single venue to serve as host for four consecutive years. The 61-year-old property features nearly 400 rooms, 30,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space for special events, lush tropical grounds, and a 17-story tower topped by a space-age rotating ballroom. <\/p>\n

With its 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean and Fort Lauderdale’s inland waterways, the 3,000-square-foot Pier Top Ballroom hosts The Hukilau’s signature event, the Tiki Tower Takeover<\/a>. It’s also the perfect setting for the other special event on June 7, the late-night LuXotica Lounge<\/a>. Tickets for both special events are on sale now. <\/p>\n

On the bottom floor of the tower building, which also contains the lobby and main entrance, villagers will find The Hukilau’s check-in area in the Crystal Atrium. Throughout the weekend in the atrium, you’ll also find pop-up bars and rum sponsors offering free samples and a chance to meet their brand representatives.<\/p>\n

\"Tiki
\nArtists Tiki Tony<\/a> (left) and Crazy Al Evans<\/a> show off their swag in the Tiki Treasures Bazaar during The Hukilau 2017. (Atomic Grog photos)<\/em><\/p>\n

Beyond the scenic atrium is the 7,500-square-foot Crystal Ballroom, the hotel’s grand event space and home of the Tiki Treasures Bazaar, which will be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Dozens of vendors will offer their Tiki-themed goods for sale, from vintage items to fine art. Admission is free with all multi-day passes. The bazaar will also host bands and performers, book signings and meet-and-greets, plus a “rum shack” for sponsors to showcase their wares. In the lower level of the tower building are more meeting rooms used for Okole Maluna Cocktail Academy classes and rum tastings.<\/p>\n

A short walk from the main tower is the 5,800-square-foot Panorama Ballroom, which overlooks the famous 127-slip marina and Intracoastal Waterway. Here you’ll find the many educational and entertaining symposiums during the day, plus Friday night’s High Tide Party<\/a>. Conveniently located between both ballrooms is the main pool, home of the Rum Island Pool Party (now expanded to both Friday and Saturday). The property also includes two restaurants, two bars, three pools, a spa, boat rentals, and more. Pier 66 is also dog-friendly.<\/p>\n

The hotel is within 5 miles of Fort Lauderdale International Airport and the cruise ships at Port Everglades. In addition, the Rum Renaissance Festival<\/a> has relocated from Miami to the Broward County Convention Center, roughly a mile away, for its June 9-10 festivities.<\/p>\n

\"Map:<\/a><\/p>\n

Due to ongoing repairs and renovations after damage caused by Hurricane Irma, rooms in the tower building are currently out of inventory for The Hukilau. However, according to Oneslager: “We still have as many rooms as we ever had,” dedicated exclusively to the event. Guests can book marina and pool view rooms for $139 per night. You must click here<\/a> to book at The Hukilau’s special rate.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Established in 1956 (the same year The Mai-Kai opened 6 miles away) on 22 acres by Phillips Petroleum (known for its Phillips 66 service stations), Pier 66 was originally a gas station, dock and marina for yachts. A two-story hotel, restaurant and lounge were added in 1959, followed by the tower building in 1965. <\/p>\n

The 17th-floor cocktail lounge was designed to rotate once every 66 minutes and includes 66 space-age spires. In its heyday, it featured musical acts including exotica bands, so this year’s LuXotica Lounge party will be an appropriate throwback. The penthouse is now used exclusively for special events and is one of the most sought-after venues in Fort Lauderdale for weddings and special gatherings.
\n* More Pier 66 history, photos<\/a><\/p>\n

Phillips Petroleum was forced to sell Pier 66 in 1985. It has had multiple owners, including South Florida billionaire H. Wayne Huizenga, all of whom luckily kept the distinctive Pier 66 name and stylings. Though modernized over the years, the hotel still seems like a homage to another era in this age of cookie-cutter chains and uber-hip boutique hotels. <\/p>\n

\"A<\/a> A vintage photo of the Pier 66 hotel in Fort Lauderdale, site of The Hukilau for the fourth year in a row in June 2018.<\/em><\/p>\n

In December 2016, Pier 66 was acquired by its latest owners,<\/a> an Orlando-based real estate development group. The $165 million deal was said to be based on the group’s plans to renovate and possibly redevelop the property. Hyatt Hotels & Resorts was kept on temporarily to continue to operate the hotel under its corporate branding, which continued through The Hukilau 2017 in June.<\/p>\n

The development group, Tavistock, has since decided to transform the resort into a “higher end” hotel to be more competitive and attract more meetings and other special events, the company’s president, Jim Zboril, told the Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel<\/em><\/a> in October. <\/p>\n

The tower building was damaged during Hurricane Irma in September, forcing the resort to close for more than a month. The roof was “peeled up by the wind,” allowing rain to enter and damage around 70 rooms, Zboril said. The damaged rooms are in the process of being renovated, according to Zboril, and a complete renovation of all the rooms is also in the plans.<\/p>\n

When the property reopened in October, the Hyatt branding was removed and the resort was renamed Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina. For sentimental and historical reasons, we’ll likely always call it simply Pier 66 (just as the nearby B Ocean Resort will always be the Yankee Clipper).<\/p>\n

The sale included development entitlements to build 58 residential units in two 11-story buildings with 30,000 square feet of retail and office space, the Sun Sentinel<\/em> reported. Seven months after buying Pier 66, Tavistock bought the adjacent 8-acre property containing The Sails Hotel Marina & Shops, on the other side of the 17th Street Causeway.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>
\nA view of the Pier 66 main pool and guest rooms overlooking the marina as seen from the tower building during The Hukilau 2016. (Photo by Go11Events.com)<\/em><\/p>\n

It’s believed that most of the future development will occur there, and at least initially it doesn’t appear that Tavistock plans to radically change the classic aspects of the Pier 66 hotel. Tavistock wants to “establish this iconic hotel and marina as one of Fort Lauderdale’s defining destinations,” Zboril told the Sun Sentinel<\/em> after the sale. “We are very excited for what the future holds with this next chapter of Pier Sixty-Six.”<\/p>\n

Tavistock is in discussions with the city on a master redevelopment plan to incorporate both sites, Zboril told the Sun Sentinel<\/em>. The hotel and marina side is tentatively being called Pier 66 North, and the new acquisition Pier 66 South, he said. “We want to create a mixed-use environment there, where there is going to be residential [and] additional retail and additional restaurants.”<\/p>\n

How this all affects The Hukilau in the future is unclear, but for now not much has changed. Interstate Hotels & Resorts continues to manage the hotel and marina complex, and there has been seemingly little turnover in staff. <\/p>\n

“Everything seems to be fine,” Oneslager said. “The same crew is still there, from the bellhops to the bartenders.”<\/p>\n

The Hukilau host hotels on Fort Lauderdale Beach<\/strong>
\n2018 \u2013 Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina
\n2017 \u2013 Hyatt Regency Pier 66
\n2016 \u2013 Hyatt Regency Pier 66
\n2015 \u2013 Hyatt Regency Pier 66
\n2014 \u2013 Bahia Mar Beach Resort
\n2013 \u2013 Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel (Yankee Clipper)
\n2012 \u2013 Best Western Oceanside Inn, Bahia Cabana Beach Resort
\n2011 \u2013 Bahia Mar, Bahia Cabana
\n2010 \u2013 Bahia Mar, Bahia Cabana
\n2009 \u2013 Bahia Cabana
\n2008 \u2013 Yankee Clipper, Bahia Cabana
\n2007 \u2013 Yankee Clipper, Bahia Cabana
\n2006 \u2013 Yankee Clipper
\n2005 \u2013 Bahia Mar
\n2004 \u2013 Bahia Mar, Bahia Cabana
\n2003 \u2013 Holiday Inn <\/a><\/p>\n

********************************************************<\/strong><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a> The Mai-Kai’s outdoor garden offers a tropical paradise framed by giant Tikis, including a new carving by South Florida artist Will Anders and installed in December 2016.<\/a> (Photo by Sven Kirsten)<\/em><\/p>\n

THE MAI-KAI: Tiki’s grand Polynesian palace<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Mai-Kai will host multiple events during The Hukilau, including Wednesday night’s pre-party and Sunday’s finale, both held in The Molokai lounge. Only passholders are guaranteed entry when the lounge reaches capacity, so it’s a good idea to buy tickets now<\/strong><\/a>. As usual, The Hukilau will offer complimentary round-trip transportation<\/a> to passholders for all events at The Mai-Kai.<\/p>\n

During Saturday night’s main event, the entire restaurant reaches capacity during the two dinner shows, a spectacle that has to be seen to be appreciated. Hundreds of villagers dressed in their vintage aloha wear give The Mai-Kai an even more vintage atmosphere than usual. The June 9 event will also feature bands performing in both the lounge and one of the back dining rooms, adding to the festive atmosphere. Seats in the showroom will sell out, so it’s best to reserve your spot sooner than later.
\n Make your main event dinner reservations now<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

If it weren’t for The Mai-Kai<\/a>, The Hukilau would likely not exist in its current form. Co-founders Christie “Tiki Kiliki” White<\/a> and Tim “Swanky” Glazner moved the event to Fort Lauderdale in 2003 after one year in Atlanta at the prospect of celebrating this historic restaurant, the last fully operational mid-century Polynesian supper club.<\/p>\n

“The Mai-Kai recognized that our event would promote them and embraced us from the beginning,” Glazner recently wrote on Facebook. “They continue to be very involved with The Hukilau and The Hukilau continues to work to shine a bright spotlight on them and get them more fans and exposure through our Tiki celebration.”<\/p>\n

\"Members<\/a>
\nMembers of The Mai-Kai’s Polynesian Islander Revue<\/a>, the longest-running authentic South Seas stage show in the United States, perform in February 2017. (Atomic Grog photo)<\/em><\/p>\n

The Mai-Kai opened in 1956 in the then-sleepy town of Fort Lauderdale, and it’s recognized as one of the most dazzling restaurants of any kind during the 1950s and 1960s boom of Polynesian Pop culture. The sprawling property’s architectural and stylistic significance was recognized in 2014, when it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places<\/a>.
\nAlso on The Atomic Grog:<\/strong> The Mai-Kai is here to stay: 10 reasons why we love the historic South Florida restaurant<\/a><\/p>\n

On top of its historical importance, the impact of The Mai-Kai on the Tiki revival that began in the 1990s cannot be understated. The Mai-Kai has lost none of its luster despite of (or perhaps because of) the recent explosion of new Tiki bars opening across the country. In 2015, when the long-running and authoritative Critiki.com website launched its annual list of “Top 10 Tiki bars in the World” based on its user ratings, The Mai-Kai topped the list for two straight years.<\/a><\/p>\n

In announcing The Mai-Kai’s slip to No. 2 last year<\/a>, Critiki founder and Tiki bar expert Humuhumu<\/a> noted that the rating “doesn’t change that what The Mai-Kai offers isn’t offered anywhere else: A living history example of the pinnacle of mid-century Polynesian restaurant grandeur. Polynesian dancers and musicians, multiple themed dining rooms, landscaped gardens, the full fine dining experience. It’s truly without compare and stands on its own. Nothing could ever truly beat The Mai-Kai.”<\/p>\n

\"Left:<\/a>
\nAt left, the last remaining giant Tiki at The Mai-Kai created by legendary carver Barney West<\/a> and installed in the early 1960s greets guests arrving from the north on Federal Highway. At right, West’s iconic moai carving that stood 20 feet tall on the south end of of the property sadly fell victim to Hurricane Irma in September 2017. There are plans to erect a replacement, according to The Mai-Kai’s owners. (Photos by Sven Kirsten, December 2016)<\/em><\/p>\n

Nearly every major figure in the modern revival – including authors, historians and bar owners such as Sven Kirsten<\/a>, Jeff “Beachbum” Berry<\/a>, and Martin Cate<\/a> – consider The Mai-Kai to be the most epic of all Tiki experiences. Each devoted entire chapters in their books to the restaurant.<\/p>\n

“In the history of Tiki Pop there are those places that transcend all of the other Tiki palaces, large or small,” wrote Kirsten, considered to be the godfather of the modern Tiki renaissance, in his 2014 opus, Tiki Pop<\/em><\/a> (Taschen). The Mai-Kai “is a virtual Taj Mahal of Tiki and stands today in its original form – which makes it the last grand Tiki temple still in existence.” Kirsten has presented Tiki history symposiums at The Mai-Kai and The Hukilau for decades.<\/p>\n

Wrote cocktail guru Berry in the seminal Sippin’ Safari<\/em><\/a> in 2007: “Aside from the Tiki-Ti<\/a>, 3,000 miles west, The Mai-Kai is the last place on Earth where you can still sample a Don the Beachcomber drink more or less as it was prepared 70 years ago.” Berry broke ground with 10 straight years of cocktail symposiums<\/a> at The Hukilau and participated in the first two Tiki Tower Takeover events<\/a> after launching his own acclaimed bar, Latitude 29<\/a> in New Orleans. Look for an expanded 10th anniversary edition of Sippin’ Safari<\/em>, coming soon.<\/p>\n

In the James Beard award winning book, Smuggler’s Cove: Exotic Cocktails, Rum and the Cult of Tiki<\/em><\/a> (2016, Ten Speed Press), world-class barman Martin Cate calls The Mai-Kai “a beautifully preserved time capsule of the absolute pinnacle of High Tiki design.” Cate and wife\/co-author Rebecca make regular pilgrimages to The Mai-Kai, where “you can still stand at the entrance, or during the show, and look at the faces of first-time visitors as their eyes widen, mouths agape at the spectacle.” Cate has also made several memorable appearances at The Hukilau over the years, including special symposiums<\/a> plus the first two Tiki Tower Takeover<\/a> events. The Cates also had their first book release signing<\/a> at The Mai-Kai during The Hukilau 2016. The Molokai lounge<\/a>, “with its heavy emphasis on the nautical while remaining true to Tiki tradition, was an inspirational cornerstone” for Smuggler’s Cove, Cate’s San Francisco bar that has been rated among the best in the world, Tiki or otherwise.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>
\nA postcard from 1956, the year The Mai-Kai opened. (Courtesy of Mai-Kai: History and Mystery of the Iconic Tiki Restaurant<\/em>)<\/em><\/p>\n

“Before the era of theme parks, this place showed the way,” Glazner wrote in Mai-Kai: History and Mystery of the Iconic Tiki Restaurant<\/em><\/a> (2016, Schiffer), the ultimate book on the people who created the experience we all know and love. “It weaves its magic, if you let it. It is a place out of time: ancient, mysterious, lush, and relaxing.”<\/p>\n

Created by two brothers from Chicago, Bob and Jack Thornton, The Mai-Kai was originally a 225-seat, open-air restaurant with a small bar. It became wildly successful immediately, attracting rich and famous clientele including Johnny Carson, who featured The Mai-Kai’s sarong-clad “mystery girl” several times on The Tonight Show.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Thorntons lured key staff away from the Don the Beachcomber restaurant in Chicago<\/a>, the first location opened by the Tiki bar pioneer outside of California. Bartender Mariano Licudine, known as the “Houdini of the liquids,” brought his cocktail knowledge and 15 years of experience with Don’s original recipes. Over the next 23 years as head mixolgist, he elevated and perfected those still-secret recipes, adding his own signature drinks to create what remains to this day one of the world’s most treasured Tiki bar programs. The cocktails are “maintained to taste the same as last time you were there, whether that was last week or last decade,” Glazner wrote in his book.
\nThe Atomic Grog’s Mai-Kai Cocktail Guide<\/strong>
\nReviews, recipes and history of all the drinks, past and present<\/a><\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
\nThe Molokai bar, added during a 1971 expansion of The Mai-Kai, includes props and set pieces from the classic 1962 movie Mutiny on the Bounty<\/em>. (Photos by Sven Kirsten, December 2016)<\/em><\/p>\n

Over the years, The Mai-Kai expanded well beyond its original small footprint. Today it’s a massive enterprise encompassing a dizzying array of activity on a busy night. After entering past a trio of carved Tikis and a wooden slat bridge that simulates the sound of a thunderstorm, you are whisked into The Molokai. The simulated rainfall on the windows completes the experience in the 150-capacity bar designed to look like a South Seas seaport saloon in the 1800s. The bar includes many props from the 1962 MGM movie Mutiny on the Bounty<\/em>, which starred Marlon Brando. <\/p>\n

A 1971 expansion that added The Molokai was designed by noted architects George Nakashima and Florian Gabriel. As revealed by historian Mike Skinner in his “Nautical Tiki” symposium at The Hukilau 2017, the designers purchased most of the nautical elements used in The Molokai and elsewhere in the restaurant from MGM when it closed its prop department in 1970 and auctioned off the historic items. They hired a Hollywood-based set decorator who specialized in nautical decor to come to The Mai-Kai and install the Mutiny on the Bounty<\/em> elements and rigging, ensuring it was done correctly. The model ships displayed throughout The Mai-Kai also came from the MGM prop warehouse, Skinner said.<\/p>\n

The dining areas are vast: Nearly 500 people can be accommodated in eight dining rooms, each with its own theme and named for a South Seas island. The main showroom is jaw-dropping, the giant A-frame creating a traditional look and feel that perfectly frames the Polynesian Islander Revue<\/a>, the longest-running authentic South Seas stage show in the United States, including Hawaii. The nightly shows always play to a full house, a rite of passage for generations of South Floridians and new waves of Tikiphiles.<\/p>\n

The lavish, outdoor gardens are the icing in the cake. The tropical jungle filled with looming Tikis and waterfalls allows diners a place to enjoy the South Florida weather and wax romantic. Like the rest of The Mai-Kai, the winding paths appear to have been created by Disney or Hollywood, and the area is a favorite site for special events such as weddings and anniversaries.
\nMore on The Atomic Grog<\/strong>
\n* New giant carved Tiki added to The Mai-Kai’s outdoor garden<\/a>
\n* ‘King Kai’ leads procession of new Tikis into The Mai-Kai<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Enthusiastic<\/a>
\nEnthusiastic guests enjoy The Mai-Kai’s 60th anniversary party in December 2016 as owner Dave Levy oversees the festivities. (Photos by Medusirena Marina)<\/em><\/p>\n

Amid all the grandeur, the food does not get the short shrift. Executive chef Mark Rivera has breathed new life into the menu since taking over the kitchen in 2016,<\/a> modernizing and tweaking many dishes but keeping all the traditional elements that have made the faux Polynesian style of Asian fusion popular since it was first served by Don the Beachcomber and Trader Vic in the 1930s.<\/p>\n

Tradition is paramount at The Mai-Kai. Bob Thornton took sole control in 1970, passing the restaurant on to his family after his death in 1989. His widow, Mireille, has served as show choreographer and costume designer of the Polynesian Islander Revue since 1963. <\/p>\n

She operates The Mai-Kai with her children, Kulani Gelardi and Dave Levy, the managing owner who deserves credit for sticking to the traditions of his stepfather and forging head-first into the 21st century with unprecedented success. Kern Mattei<\/a> is a second-generation general manager, occupying the same office as his father, Kern Mattei Sr. Some employees spent a half-century at The Mai-Kai, making the restaurant their entire life’s work.<\/p>\n

Still basking in the glow from a highly successful 60th anniversary year in 2017, The Mai-Kai shows no signs of become passe at age 61.
\n* MaiKai.com<\/a> | Facebook page<\/a> | Instagram<\/a>
\n* Friends of The Mai-Kai Facebook group<\/a>
\n* Google Maps: Explore The Mai-Kai in 3-D<\/a> <\/a><\/p>\n

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\"The<\/a>
\nThe Surfrajettes perform in The Molokai bar at The Mai-Kai during The Hukilau in June 2017. (Atomic Grog photo)<\/em><\/p>\n

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT<\/strong><\/p>\n

You can catch live music, DJs and other entertainers all five days of The Hukilau, including:
\n* Wednesday’s pre-party at The Mai-Kai.
\n* Thursday’s Kickoff Party at the Tiki Treasures Bazaar and LuXotica Lounge<\/a> in the Pier Top Ballroom at Pier 66.
\n* Friday’s Rum Island Pool Party<\/a>, Tiki Treasures Bazaar, and High Tide Party<\/a> at Pier 66.
\n* Saturday’s Rum Island Pool Party<\/a> at Pier 66 and main event at The Mai-Kai.
\n* Sunday’s Finale at The Mai-Kai.
\nCheck the latest schedule<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

An effort was made to give fans of exotica a special experience, separate from the surf bands, Oneslager said. It was a common request in villager feedback, he said. The result is Thursday night’s LuXotica Lounge featuring Mr. Ho’s Orchestrotica Quintet and The Martian Denny Orchestra. The villagers enjoyed the format of last year’s Friday night High Tide Party, which featured two stages and nearly non-stop music. The same set-up will be employed this year, with The Intoxicators assuming the role of “house band,” sharing one stage with burlesque performers. Meanwhile, Los Straitjackets will headline the other stage with support from The Madeira, The Exotics, and Black Flamingos. The lineup for other events has yet to be determined, but you can check the online schedule<\/a> periodically for updates (along with this blog).<\/p>\n

More bands could be added to the lineup before June, Oneslager said. In the meantime, here’s a rundown based on the recent announcement:<\/p>\n

Los Straitjackets at The Hukilau 2009:<\/i>
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