{"id":35868,"date":"2025-07-30T22:21:54","date_gmt":"2025-07-31T02:21:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/?p=35868"},"modified":"2025-09-14T18:03:54","modified_gmt":"2025-09-14T22:03:54","slug":"tiki-oasis-celebrates-a-quarter-century-as-subcultures-preeminent-event","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2025\/07\/30\/tiki-oasis-celebrates-a-quarter-century-as-subcultures-preeminent-event\/","title":{"rendered":"Tiki Oasis celebrates a quarter century as subculture’s preeminent event"},"content":{"rendered":"

Updated Sept. 14<\/em><\/p>\n

Rewind to the summer of 2001: Sven Kirsten’s The Book of Tiki<\/em><\/a>, the influential bible of what would become known as the Polynesian Pop renaissance, was less than a year old. Beachbum Berry’s Grog Log,<\/em><\/a> which lit the fuse of the Tiki cocktail revival, was barely 3. Tiki Central<\/a>, which would explode into an online gathering place for enthusiasts from around the world, was a year away from leaving Yahoo to become a stand-alone website. The first modern Tiki bar (Taboo Cove<\/a> in Las Vegas, designed by Bosko Hrnjak<\/a>) would not open until September.<\/p>\n

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

Aug. 6-10 – Tiki Oasis<\/a> 25th anniversary:<\/strong> Aug 7-10 at the Town and Country Resort<\/a> in San Diego, featuring live entertainment (The Blue Hawaiians, The Bomboras, Lenny Kaye, The Ghastly Ones, The Hula Girls, Martini Kings, The Tikiyaki Orchestra), DJs, seminars and classes (Sven Kirsten, Charles Phoenix, Kevin Lively, Ian Burrell, King Kukulele, Medusirena), artists and vendors, cocktails and room parties, plus much more.
\nQuick links:<\/strong> Tickets<\/a> | Daily schedule<\/a> | Entertainment<\/a> | Seminars<\/a> | Marketplace<\/a> | FAQ<\/a>
\nJump below:<\/strong><\/font> History, reimagination of legendary Mai-Kai back bar to be revealed<\/a>
\n• Flashback & photos: Tiki Oasis 2023<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Relive<\/a>
\nRelive Tiki Oasis 2025 with photos, video and a room party cocktail<\/strong><\/a>
\nThe world’s first (and largest) multi-day event celebrating the Polynesian Pop revival celebrated its 25th anniversary with a bang Aug. 6-10, when it literally took over the sprawling Town and Country Resort in San Diego.
\nSOCIAL MEDIA RECAP: <\/B><\/FONT> See firsthand reports, experiences from the event<\/a><\/strong>
\nBonus cocktail recipe:<\/strong><\/font> Jungle Bum from Mcbiff Cocktail Hour at Tiki Oasis 2025<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Official<\/a>
Official Tiki Oasis artwork by Derek Yaniger: The 2005 event was the last in Palm Springs. This year will mark the event’s 25th anniversary, and 20th year in San Diego.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Into this pubescent scene burst Tiki Oasis,<\/strong><\/a> making its debut as the world’s first all-encompassing event dedicated to celebrating the art, architecture, cocktails, fashion, music, history and overarching aesthetics of the forgotten 20th century pop culture craze that took hold in the 1930s, peaked in the 1950s and ’60s, but never really went away. A new generation, led by a loosely knit clan of California bohemians, was fully immersed in creating a new movement that has lasted well into the 21st century. Tiki Oasis became their playground.<\/p>\n

It’s still called the Tiki “revival,” but there seems to be no end in sight. The scene remains joined at the hip with Tiki Oasis, begun humbly by Otto and Baby Doe von Stroheim<\/a> in Palm Springs. Otto was instrumental in both documenting the golden days and nurturing the nascent movement in his Tiki News<\/em><\/a> fanzine (1995-2001). He also put together the first big Tiki music event (Exoticon ’95<\/a>) and the genre’s first major art show (21st Century Tiki<\/em>, 1996),<\/a> both in Los Angeles.<\/p>\n

He was also long notorious for his wild backyard Tiki parties featuring vintage mugs and cocktails, authentic music, and just a touch of anarchy that came naturally for the generation that grew up on punk and other underground subcultures. After he joined forces in 1996 with the creator of the Baby Doe’s Obsessed website, they set their sights on bigger and better events. She produced the first-ever burlesque convention, Tease-O-Rama,<\/a> in 2001.<\/p>\n

Tiki Oasis began as fundraiser for historic hotel<\/h3>\n
\"Baby<\/a>
Baby Doe and Otto von Stroheim visit the Mai-Kai and manager Kern Mattei in January 2025. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The original intent of Tiki Oasis – which made its debut on Aug. 18, 2001 – was altruistic: Raising money and awareness to preserve the vintage Caliente Tropics Resort<\/a> in Palm Springs. The first year was modest, featuring around 50 guests. But the event grew rapidly over the next four years, selling out the small hotel and precipitating a move to San Diego in 2006. (The hotel has not only survived, it has thrived amid the Tiki revival, serving as the current host venue of the long-running Tiki Caliente<\/a> and Circa Caliente<\/a> events.)<\/p>\n

The popularity of both Tiki culture and Tiki Oasis exploded during the next 14 years at the Crowne Plaza (formerly the historic Hanalei Hotel<\/a>), expanding into a five-day event that has defined the concept of “Tiki weekender” for a new generation. The von Stroheims also added new events to their portfolio, including Arizona Tiki Oasis<\/a> in Scottsdale (2019-present) and Resort-O-Rama<\/a> in Santa Rosa, Calif. (2023).
\n• 2014 flashback: 5 questions with Otto von Stroheim<\/a><\/p>\n

Tiki Oasis spent one year at the expansive Paradise Point Resort during the COVID restrictions of 2020, then moved in 2021 to the Town and Country Resort,<\/a> where it has remained for five years. The 23-acre property in Mission Valley oozes mid-century style and charm.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
The Town and Country Resort provides the perfect setting for a salute to mid-century Tiki culture. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward, August 2023)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The event takes over the entire 600+ rooms and nearly 300,000 square feet of indoor\/outdoor event space. Originally built in 1953 as a roadside lodge, the Town and Country has a rich history<\/a> that was honored during a major renovation in 2019.<\/p>\n

Tiki Oasis will honor its legacy, as well as the early days of the revival, with several symposiums this year. On Friday, Aug. 8, at 9:30 a.m., Sven Kirsten will host The Book of Tiki Turns 25<\/em>,<\/a> discussing how photographing and collecting the remnants of the lost mid-century culture led him to understand its unique qualities, and how that convinced him of the importance of documenting and preserving it.<\/p>\n

The von Stroheims have lined up an array of guest speakers for 25 Years of Tiki Oasis<\/a>,<\/em> hosted by David “Dr. Skipper” Marley at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 9. They promise “rarely seen photos and untold stories from Tiki Oasis’ past, followed by a lively Q&A.” <\/a><\/p>\n

History, reimagination of legendary Mai-Kai back bar to be revealed<\/h3>\n
\"The<\/a>
The Atomic Grog’s seminar for Tiki Oasis 2025, “Sneak Peek into the Historic Mai-Kai’s Secret Bar,” will explore the mysterious space from the early days of mixologist Mariano Licudine through the reimagination by “Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller and bar program of Cory Starr. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In addition to witnessing the historic 25th event, I’m thrilled to be returning to Tiki Oasis to present the seminar Sneak Peek into the Historic Mai-Kai’s Secret Bar<\/em><\/a> with the beloved South Florida restaurant’s creative director (“Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller<\/a>) and beverage director (Cory Starr<\/a>) on Saturday, Aug. 9, at 1 p.m.<\/p>\n

We’ll reveal details and show exclusive photos of the multimillion-dollar restoration that preceded the November 2024 relaunch after a four-year closing due to extensive damage to the back of house kitchen and bar. Given a clean slate to rebuild, Allsmiller took the former utilitarian space to a new level and made it a showpiece that’s now on the same level as the guest areas, some of which date back to the 1956 opening.<\/p>\n

Starr will serve up a reinvigorated classic cocktail from those early days, enhanced by a new rum that’s due to be released in the coming weeks. We’ll also serve samples of Mai-Kai Rum No. 1, a 100-proof blend sourced from historic stills at the West Indies Rum Distillery in Barbados and the Long Pond Distillery in Jamaica. Event attendees will be among the first to get a taste of the final product.
\nRelated: <\/strong> Mai-Kai Rum No. 1 coming soon, symposium and tasting planned for Tiki Oasis<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The Mai-Kai crew will make its first appearance since 2023, when we were privileged to present two seminars: The Derby Daiquiri and Beyond: How to Create Your Own Classic<\/em> and Tiki History Reimagined: The Restoration and Reopening of The Mai-Kai<\/em> (see coverage)<\/a>. We hope to see you there!<\/p>\n

\"Guests<\/a>
Guests at Tiki Oasis 2025 will have the opportunity to taste the new Mai-Kai Rum No. 1 before the official release at the restaurant. (Roneros Rum Brand Makers)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Seminars are accessible to non-passholders. Both the general public and multi-day attendees must buy tickets a la carte at TikiOasis.com.<\/a> Some have already sold out, so don’t delay. The dozens of other presentations feature such Tiki and rum luminaries as Adrian Eustaquio, Henrik Van Ryzin, Woody Miller, and Ian “Rum Ambassador” Burrell.<\/p>\n

There are more than 50 seminars<\/a> to check out this year, along with four days and five nights of live music and DJs, fashion shows, room parties, art exhibits, spirits and cocktail tastings, and the world’s largest Tiki marketplace. Performing bands include The Ghastly Ones, The Blue Hawaiians, The Bomboras, plus many more. There’s no question that Tiki Oasis is not only the longest-running Tiki event in the world, but also the biggest. By a wide margin.<\/p>\n

The size and scope of the event are so expansive, it would be impossible to list all of the details here. But anyone with even a passing interest in Tiki music, art, cocktails and culture is sure to find many interesting activities to enjoy. The Wednesday night luau<\/a> takes place at the Catamaran Resort, but everything else is centered at the Town and Country. Rooms are sold out, but a nearby partner hotel (the Best Western Seven Seas<\/a>) features very affordable rates.<\/p>\n

There’s something for everyone at Tiki Oasis<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Mx<\/a>
Mx Tiki Oasis and the Pooch Parade are two of the distinctive events held during the 5-day weekender. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward, August 2023)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There are a range of event ticket packages available online<\/a>, from the “Basic” three-day pass ($180) to the “Platinum” five-day pass ($699). With such a vast selection of seminars, tickets must be purchased a la carte. They range from six that are free, to several at $114. But many are priced in the $20-$30 and $40-$50 ranges. Among the other seminars that pique our interest:<\/p>\n

• Thursday:<\/a> Tijuana Oasis!<\/em> with Julio ‘Jules’ Gutierrez, Polynesian San Diego: Mid-Century Modern Locations<\/em> with Martin S. Lindsay, and Donn Beach’s Buttery Pearl Diver: Mystery Solved!<\/em> with Shelley Bowers.<\/p>\n

• Friday:<\/a> The Adventurous World of Disney Parks<\/em> with Kevin Lively, Ray Buhen of Tiki-Ti: A Tiki Icon<\/em> with Adrian Eustaquio, Sustainable Tropical Cocktails<\/em> with Tiki Lindy, and 25-Year Rums: Tastings and Tales<\/em> with Bryan Inman.<\/p>\n

• Saturday:<\/a> Surf’s Up! A Wild History of 60’s Beach Party Movies<\/em> with Bo Bennett, Supernatural Seas<\/em> with Deb Marley, Punch Drunk: The Art of Batching<\/em> with Captain David, and Jamaica’s Influence on Tropical Cocktails: The Spirit of Rum & Culture<\/em> with Ian Burrell.<\/p>\n

\"Participants<\/a>
Participants and judge Ian Burrell have fun at the 2023 Tiki Oasis Bartender Battle. (Photos by “Tiki John” Atkins)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sunday:<\/a> Googieland<\/em> with Charles Phoenix, and 25 Mysteries of the Home Bartender: Revealed<\/em> with Scott Cushman. Sunday will also feature the 11th Tiki Oasis Bartender Battle, pitting the best local tropical drink slingers in a competition judged by visiting VIPs.<\/p>\n

Thursday, Friday and Saturday also include interesting “tropical tastings” featuring top spirits brands spotlighting new products and old favorites. Many of these and other brands sponsor seminars as well as room parties and special events. Spirits sponsors include Barbancourt, Copalli, Denizen, El Dorado, Flor de Cana, Monymusk, Myrtle Bank, Planteray, Ron Barcello, Tanduay, and Worthy Park.<\/p>\n

Since the seminars are held during the daytime in the convention center, tickets are available to the general public. No need for an evening resort pass. This also applies to the giant marketplace, which is free and open to the public on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.<\/p>\n

Marketplace hosts 150+ vendors, art show features 50+ artists<\/h3>\n
\"The<\/a>
The 2023 Tiki Oasis Marketplace included more than 150 booths, from Southern California artist Mcbiff (selling merch with fiancee Anna) to the Don the Beachcomber restaurant brand featuring cocktails from Marie King (with Teresa McNamara). Both will return in 2025. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward, August 2023)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Passholders get first crack at the more than 150 vendors on Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. The lineup listed on the official website<\/a> includes a who’s who of modern artists, crafts people, and brands. These include Kymm Bang, Bosko, Don the Beachcomber, Big Toe, The Black Lagoon Room, Eric October, Gecko’z South Seas Arts, Jeff Granito, Doug Horne, McBiff, Woody Miller, Odd Rodney, Outl1n3 Island, Riki Tat Tiki, Ken Ruzic, Mookie Sato, Schroederville Tiki Art, the Shag Store, Strong Water Anaheim, Surfside Sips, Tee-Ki Togs, Tiki Farm, Tikiland Trading Co., the Tiki-Ti, Tiki Tony, The Tikiyaki Orchestra, Trader Vic’s, Johnny Velour, and Witco Decor.<\/p>\n

Artists will also get a spotlight in the 16th annual Tiki Oasis Pop-Up Art Exhibit and Lamp Show<\/a>. Both shows will be open to the public all five days with a Wednesday preview (3-7 p.m.) and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. hours Thursday through Sunday. If you’re in the convention center on Sunday, don’t miss the annual Pooch Parade at 11:30 a.m. It may be the cutest thing you’ll ever see at a Tiki event.<\/p>\n

More than 40 artists will be featured in the art show, curated by Baby Doe, including several mentioned above plus such top names as Anthony Carpenter, AtomiKitty, B-Rex, Claudette Barjoud, Corey Smith, Crazy Al Evans, Jason Straughan, Justin Peterson, Ken Pleasant, Rarabird, Robert Jimenez, Will Penny, and many more. The fifth annual lamp show is curated by Patrick Thompson and will feature more than 20 top Tiki lamp artists such as Anders Anderson, Ron Ferrell, Will Fugate, Woody Greenwood, Kim Lobos, Ron Monster, Elena Simonian, Jim Stacey, Matt Strickland, plus more.<\/p>\n

Also worth mentioning are two artists who have left their mark on Tiki Oasis with their creative designs every year. Official artist Derek Yaniger<\/a> once again created the event poster and related artwork for the event (see above). And John Mulder of Eekum Bookum<\/a> added to his impressive catalog with the official 2025 mug.<\/p>\n

\"John<\/a>
John Mulder of Eekum Bookum at Tiki Oasis 2023 with the mugs he created for that year’s event. His design for 2025 honors the 25th anniversary. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward, Tiki Oasis)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Just as impressive as the extensive lineup of seminars, vendors and artists is the entertainment lineup, long a Tiki Oasis trademark. Headlining performances will include rare appearances by Ape, The Blue Hawaiians, The Bomboras, Lenny Kaye, and The Ghastly Ones. Other notable bands and musicians on the schedule include Deke Dickerson, The Ding Dong Devils, El Vez, The Fisherman, The Greasy Gills, The Hula Girls, King Kukulele, L’Exotighost, Martini Kings, Par Avion, Project: Pimento, and The Tikiyaki Orchestra.<\/p>\n

In addition to the live music, an impressive lineup of more than 30 DJs<\/a> will spin tunes all over the resort throughout the weekend. Another mainstay is the Tiki Oasis Midnight Burlesque Show<\/a>, set for Thursday through Saturday with more than 20 top performers, three unique emcees, and live music. Another hallmark of the event is the Mx Tiki Oasis pageant<\/a>, which will be holding its swan song after 13 years.<\/p>\n

Last but not least, Tiki Oasis will spotlight cocktails all weekend by acclaimed bartenders and industry VIPs.<\/a> Among the participating “stars of the bar” not mentioned above are Adam Rains (The Golden Tiki, Las Vegas); Doc Parks (DDP Hospitality); Erica Luera, Gaile Bernard and Ying Chang (Strong Water Anaheim); Erick Castro (Bartender at Large<\/em> podcast); John Holt (False Idol, San Diego); Brooke Santourian, Josh Crawford, Luis Montilla and Tony Rohr (The Grass Skirt, San Diego); Kimberly Grilc (The Kazan Room, Japan); Marie King (Don the Beachcomber); and Tiki Dan (Sugarcane, Phoenix). <\/a><\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
The Atomic Grog’s Jim “Hurricane” Hayward (left) was joined by the Mai-Kai’s Kern Mattei (center) and “Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller for two symposiums at Tiki Oasis 2023. (Photo by Sven Kirsten)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Flashback & photos: Tiki Oasis 2023<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Our most recent visit to Tiki Oasis was in August 2023, a whirlwind three days and nights that included two presentations by The Atomic Grog<\/a> along with Mai-Kai creative director “Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller<\/a> and manager Kern Mattei<\/a>. Photos above and below document that trip, which only solidified our feeling that this was the most organized and immersive Tiki event we could imagine, despite its epic size.<\/p>\n

The warm welcome we received should not have been unexpected knowing the friendliness of the West Coast ‘ohana, but we were flattered nonetheless. Mahalo to everyone who turned out for the symposiums. Click or tap the links below for more on the event and one of the cocktails we served.
\nPreview:<\/strong> The Mai-Kai team joins The Atomic Grog for two special presentations at Tiki Oasis<\/a>
\nRecipe:<\/strong> Mission Valley Daiquiri, introduced at Tiki Oasis 2023<\/a><\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
The Mai-Kai team ran into many old friends at Tiki Oasis 2023. From left, Typhoon Tommy and Crazy Al Evans start the morning with a caffeinated Kern Mattei and Otto von Stroheim. At right, Mattei and Hurricane Hayward stop to chat with Shag. (Atomic Grog photos)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It was great to see so many old friends and acquaintances that we knew well from past years of The Hukilau<\/a> and visits to the Mai-Kai.<\/a> They included Otto and Baby Doe von Stroheim, Jeff “Beachbum” Berry, Shag, Sven Kirsten, Holden Westland of Tiki Farm, Crazy Al Evans, Tiki Tony Murphy, Danny \u201cTiki Diablo\u201d Gallardo, Mcbiff, and many more. We were also happy to see fellow Floridians, including artist John Mulder and mixologist Marie King, plus other members of the Don the Beachcomber team.<\/p>\n

The revived brand made a splash at the event with a large booth in the marketplace, plus a sold-out symposium (The Legend Returns: Don the Beachcomber<\/em>). The seminar also featured many others who assisted with the reboot, including The Donn of Tiki<\/em><\/a> documentary filmmakers and Tim “Swanky” Glazner, author of the upcoming Donn Beach biography<\/a>. We got a full rundown on all the plans for rolling out multiple Don the Beachcomber bars and restaurants in the coming years (see coverage and photos)<\/a>.<\/p>\n

There were other outstanding presentations, including Berry’s Thrillas from Manila: Famous Filipino Tiki Barmen<\/em> and The Torrid Story of Fassionola<\/em> with Martin S. Lindsay and Gregorio Pantoja. It was nice to touch base with the authors and mixologist Doc Parks<\/a> in advance of the book’s release and get a taste of the revived Passionola syrup based on the historic recipe.
\n• Related: Book reveals long-lost secrets and stories of P\/Fassionola<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Longtime<\/a>
Longtime emcee King Kukulele joined Italy’s Belli Di Waikiki on the main stage during Tiki Oasis 2023. Late-night room parties featured top mixologists, including Utah’s Sam Miller. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Among the performers who graced the main stage were Tikiyaki Orchestra, Belli Di Waikiki, Messer Chups, and Man or Astroman? Evening room parties, a Tiki Oasis staple since 2005<\/a>, were also on our agenda.<\/p>\n

We also found time to venture off property to check out some of San Diego’s many outstanding Tiki bars, including False Idol<\/a> and The Grass Skirt<\/a>. I would encourage you to do the same if time permits.<\/p>\n

But don’t stray too far. Tiki Oasis truly is the Disneyland of Tiki. You can’t do it all, but it’s sure fun trying.<\/p>\n

Tiki Oasis 2023 photo gallery<\/strong><\/p>\n

Following are more memorable moments captured during our previous visit to San Diego. Most everyone pictured will be back for the 25th anniversary event. All photos by The Atomic Grog.<\/p>\n