{"id":35218,"date":"2025-06-02T16:02:22","date_gmt":"2025-06-02T20:02:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/?p=35218"},"modified":"2025-07-13T22:34:55","modified_gmt":"2025-07-14T02:34:55","slug":"hukilau-2025-update-symposiums-and-schedule-announced-for-23rd-tiki-weekender-in-south-florida","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2025\/06\/02\/hukilau-2025-update-symposiums-and-schedule-announced-for-23rd-tiki-weekender-in-south-florida\/","title":{"rendered":"Hukilau 2025 update: Symposiums and schedule announced for 23rd Tiki weekender in South Florida"},"content":{"rendered":"

Updated July 12<\/em><\/p>\n

The weather is turning tropical in South Florida, which means it’s time for The Hukilau<\/a> to return for an annual infusion of Polynesian Pop paradise. Tikiphiles and fans of retro culture are expected to flock from around the world on June 5-8 for the 23rd time to celebrate all things Tiki.<\/p>\n

The Hukilau 2025 recaps<\/strong><\/font>
\n• The Hukilau live coverage, photos and video<\/a>
\n• Tikiphiles flock to The Hukilau and the Mai-Kai for special events<\/a>
\n• Photos, video: Mai-Kai unveils two large tiki carvings during The Hukilau<\/a>
\n• The Hukilau brings special events, guest bartenders, unique cocktails<\/a><\/p>\n

For the first time since 2019, Hukilau “villagers” will be able to enjoy the beloved Mai-Kai Polynesian restaurant<\/a> as part of the festivities. The historic landmark has emerged from a multi-year, multimillion-dollar restoration with its charm intact along with modern flourishes. It will be the perfect accompaniment to the Beachcomber Resort & Club<\/a>, an oceanfront resort in Pompano Beach that will host The Hukilau for a sixth straight year.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>
A performance of the Mai-Kai’s Polynesian Islander Revue during The Hukilau 2019. (Photo by Jim Neumayer)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Working the Mai-Kai back into The Hukilau and the Beachcomber schedule was a challenge, but the final results should please all villagers. A full schedule was just released on the official website, which we’ve broken down below. This update will also include details on the expert seminars and Tiki bar teams who will be serving delicious cocktails all weekend.
\nJump to more below: Classes & symposiums<\/a> | Guest bar teams<\/a> | The Mai-Kai<\/a> | Daily schedule<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
The official 2025 mug for The Hukilau by John Mulder (Eeekum Bookum) depicts the Mai-Kai’s iconic Mystery Girl. (Facebook photos)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

John Mulder and his team at Eeekum Bookum<\/a> have been busy creating yet another fantastic official event mug for The Hukilau, which once again also pays tribute to the Mai-Kai. Sharing photos in a May 16 post on Facebook, Mulder wrote: “We are deep in the throws of making the mug for the Hukilau. It’s an exciting year with the Mai Kai open again. Can’t wait to see everyone poolside.” Mugs will be available exclusively at the event while supplies last.<\/p>\n

The Hukilau 2025<\/strong> – June 5-8 at the Beachcomber Resort & Club in Pompano Beach and Mai-Kai restaurant in Oakland Park. Featuring live music, special guests, symposiums and classes, guest cocktail bars, pool parties, Tiki Treasures Bazaar, plus more.
\n• The Hukilau on social media: Instagram<\/a> | Facebook page<\/a> and group<\/a>
\nLIVE UPDATES:<\/strong><\/font> Text aloha<\/em> to 201-534-2100 to get updates during the event.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
The Hukilau offers an exotic tropical escape at a beachfront resort. (Photos by Lisa Platt, June 2024)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

THE HUKILAU AT A GLANCE<\/h3>\n

The resort:<\/strong><\/font> Most of The Hukilau activities take place at the Beachcomber Resort & Club<\/a>, a picturesque oceanfront property in northeast Broward County near Fort Lauderdale. It features multiple pools, outdoor meeting spaces, a restaurant and bar, plus lots of Tiki torches and aloha spirit. Hukilau villagers take over the entire hotel for the weekend, giving the event a highly immersive feel.
\n• Click here for info on booking a room<\/a><\/strong> | Previous coverage<\/a><\/p>\n

Tickets:<\/strong><\/font> Four-day weekend passes range from the Aloha Pass ($449 plus fees) to the South Seas Pass ($649 plus fees). The latter includes access to all symposiums and events, the Saturday luau and Sunday brunch, plus transportation to the Mai-Kai and a discount on the Build Your Own Tiki Bar Conference. The one-day Palm Pass ($189 plus fees) is available for Saturday. Click the links below for a more detailed breakdown of each pass.
\n• Click here to buy passes and tickets online<\/a><\/strong> | Previous coverage<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Beverage<\/a>
Beverage director Kevin Beary will return to The Hukilau with the Three Dots and a Dash crew for the fourth time, and first since 2022. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward, June 2022)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Entertainment:<\/strong><\/font> Performing bands include The Untamed Youth, The Swingin’ Palms, The Sound Minds, The Hilo Hi-Flyers, Slowey and the Boats, Eva & Kully, The Intoxicators, The Disasternauts, and Skinny Jimmy Stingray. Check out last month’s preview<\/a> for bios, links and more info on the bands and performers.<\/p>\n

Tiki Treasures Bazaar:<\/strong><\/font> Dozens of artists and crafts people will sell their wares during Saturday’s events at the Beachcomber. Among these are John Mulder of Eeekum Bookum (Florida), Patrick Vassar of The Green Tiki (Florida), Kymm! Bang (Chicago), Laz in Orlando (Florida), David Outl1n3 (California), Franky Kokosza of Taboo Relics (Florida), Danny “Tiki Diablo” Gallardo (California), Frank “Tiki Rancher” Simotics (Florida), and “Tiki Tony” Murphy (California). Go to TheHukilau.com for an updated list of vendors<\/a> and
\ncheck our previous story<\/a> for bios, links and photos. <\/a><\/p>\n

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

SYMPOSIUM SPOTLIGHTS<\/h3>\n

Educational opportunities have long been part of The Hukilau experience. Some 20 years ago, the event pioneered the inclusion of “info-tainment” as part of Tiki weekender. These seminars are now a staple at events around the world. Following are just some of the special events on the 2025 schedule for the Beachcomber. [Check the full schedule below]<\/a><\/p>\n

These presentations will take place at various locations around the resort. Check the website or the check-in desk at the Beachcomber to confirm times and locations. South Seas passholders are guaranteed access, with Aloha passholders filling in all available seats. Standing room is also available at many locations.<\/p>\n

Build Your Own Tiki Bar Conference<\/a><\/strong> with Rodney Ray (HeadHunter Props and Fabrication<\/a>), Billy Crud (Crud Tiki)<\/a>, Frank Simotics (Tiki Rancher<\/a>), Notch Gonzalez (Top Notch Kustoms<\/a>), Danny Gallardo (Tiki Diablo<\/a>), plus “Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller<\/a> and Scott “Flounder” Scheidly<\/a> (Mai-Kai). A two-day pre-event symposium Wednesday and Thursday on how to design and build Tiki bars, featuring an all-star lineup of guest speakers, fabricators and visionaries. The conference includes six daytime sessions. There will be a wrap-up symposium that’s open to all multi-day passholders on Friday.
\n• Instructor bios<\/a> | Schedule, class info and tickets<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\""Tiki<\/a>
“Tiki Tony” Murphy will host a class on black velvet painting, similar to the one he taught at The Hukilau 2019, on Friday at noon. (Photo by Jose Villasana)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Simple is Simple<\/em> with Devon “Kitty” Lopez of Bar Tiki (Friday at 10:30 a.m.). Find out how to take a basic sugar syrup to another level by creating something unique. The southwest Florida bar manager will explore new flavor pairings and natural ingredient colors, leading you on a journey to creating cocktails that only you can serve.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Black Velvet Painting<\/em> with Tiki Tony (Friday at noon). Unleash your inner island artist with acclaimed California artist Tony Murphy in this rare class that will guide you step-by-step in creating your own glowing masterpiece on luxurious black velvet. Whether you’re a seasoned painter or a total newbie, this class is all about good vibes, bold colors, and a whole lot of fun. [Ticket required]<\/a><\/p>\n

The Evolution of the Mai-Kai<\/em> with Tim “Swanky” Glazner<\/a> (Friday at noon). From Charles McKirahan’s visionary 1956 design to George Nakashima’s masterful 1971 revamp, the Mai-Kai has continually transformed – shifting from an open-roofed winter haven for snowbirds to the lush, air-conditioned paradise of the late ’80s. The author of Mai-Kai: History and Mystery of the Iconic Tiki Restaurant<\/em><\/a> will explore the evolution of this iconic venue, showcasing its defining eras through captivating photos and insightful interviews. Discover stories from key figures including legendary photographer Bunny Yeager, who famously suggested Bettie Page as the first Mystery Girl for the 1958 debut of the Molokai Bar.<\/p>\n

The Early Days of the Tiki Resurgence <\/em> with Spike Marble (Friday at 2:30 p.m.). The host of Spike’s Breezeway Cocktail Hour<\/a> will explore the early years of the movement that reignited interest in Polynesian Pop culture. From the rediscovery of vintage cocktails and Tiki bars to the passionate individuals and key events that sparked a global resurgence, Mable offers an insider’s perspective on how a niche fascination grew into a vibrant, thriving community.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
The Mai-Kai’s new entry experience, featuring a faux volcanic caldera, was the work of the landscape architects at Orlando’s Perry-Becker Design. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward, January 2025)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Total Tiki Immersion: How Reimagined Landscaping Takes the Mai-Kai to the Next Level<\/em> with Jim “Hurricane” Hayward and Jesse Muller (Saturday at 10:30 a.m.). After a $20 million restoration of the 2.7-acre historic property, guests arriving at the South Florida restaurant now embark on a journey that rivals the experience at many theme park resorts. This enhanced storyline was envisioned with cultural reverence and state-of-the-art techniques by the landscape architects at Perry-Becker Design<\/a>. Journalist Jim “Hurricane” Hayward<\/a> of The Atomic Grog blog<\/a> will be joined by Perry-Becker’s Jesse Muller for a deep dive into how the firm and the many artisans on the ground turned a parking lot into paradise on par with the storied restaurant’s interior. This multimedia presentation includes the history of immersive tropical landscaping at the 68-year-old Tiki temple, plus exclusive renderings, plans, and photos taken before, during and after the massive three-year project.<\/a><\/p>\n

Don the Beachcomber and the Mob in LA<\/em> with Tim “Swanky” Glazner<\/a> (Saturday at 2 p.m.). The mob was involved with Donn Beach (the person) and Don the Beachcomber (the bar), from the very beginning. It started with older brother Hugh Gantt, before Donn arrived in California. The brothers were bootleggers to the stars in Hollywood’s Golden Age. The mob corrupted Los Angeles during Prohibition in a way never seen before. The author of the upcoming book Searching for Don the Beachcomber<\/em><\/a> shares the untold story of the turmoil that haunted the legendary restaurateur all his life.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n