{"id":19397,"date":"2019-11-08T15:57:42","date_gmt":"2019-11-08T20:57:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/?p=19397"},"modified":"2025-10-29T12:45:40","modified_gmt":"2025-10-29T16:45:40","slug":"the-living-dead-came-to-party-at-the-mai-kais-hulaween-2019-luau","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2019\/11\/08\/the-living-dead-came-to-party-at-the-mai-kais-hulaween-2019-luau\/","title":{"rendered":"The living dead came to party at The Mai-Kai’s Hulaween 2019 luau"},"content":{"rendered":"

After 10 years, we know what to expect from The Mai-Kai’s infamous Hulaween party: A night of kooky costumes, rockin’ tunes and many cocktails consumed in the legendary Polynesian restaurant’s Molokai bar. The 2019 bash, held Oct. 25, lived up to those standards.<\/p>\n

\"Slip<\/a>
Slip Mahoney cranks out the rockin’ tunes.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

PHOTOS:<\/strong> Jump to the gallery below<\/a><\/p>\n

The 11th annual Hulaween, themed “Luau of the Living Dead,” featured South Florida’s favorite roots rock band, Slip and the Spinouts<\/a>, playing three raucous sets. The dance floor was hoppin’ all night as guitarist\/vocalist Slip Mahoney led his three-piece band through classic covers and his own original tunes.<\/p>\n

The evening kicked off with The Molokai’s<\/a> always popular happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m.<\/a> as the 100+ seats filled up fast. Many Shrunken Skulls<\/a>, Shark Bites<\/a> and other ominous tropical concoctions were enjoyed by the costumed celebrants.<\/p>\n

The bar was decked out in creepy cobwebs and other decor while the signature Molokai Girls got into the spirit while keeping the food and drinks flowing.<\/a> Halloween tunes got everyone warmed up for the first set by the Spinouts,<\/a> which also included bassist Noah Hall and drummer Tony Tomei. It was the band’s ninth Hulaween appearance.<\/p>\n

\"Axl<\/a>
Axl and Slash are in the house. Now the party can really start.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By the time the band launched the closing number of their first set, Two Worn Out Boots<\/em>, the dance floor was packed and the party was already in high gear. Other stand-out originals included 13 Miles<\/em> and Seven Nights to Rock<\/em>. These and other songs can be downloaded as mp3 singles from the band’s website.<\/a> You can also buy CDs and T-shirts from the official Slip and the Spinouts store.<\/a><\/p>\n

After the band’s second set, it was time for the always creative costume contest, with $600 in cash and prizes to the winners. The Mai-Kai’s manager, Kern Mattei, and marketing director, Pia Dahlquist,<\/a> presided over the creepy chaos of the costume parade.<\/p>\n

Hulaween was once again sponsored by Appleton Estate Rum<\/a>, the venerable Jamaican brand that not only provided prizes to the winners, but also rewarded attendees with many rounds<\/a> of free Mai Tais<\/a> (featuring the signature 12-year-old Rare Blend).<\/p>\n

\"Manager<\/a>
Manager Kern Mattei awards the costume contest grand price to the clear-cut winners, Mr. and Mrs. Scissorhands.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After careful consideration, the judges narrowed down the costumes to the top three prize winners, plus a fourth runner-up:<\/p>\n