{"id":37300,"date":"2025-12-26T12:09:15","date_gmt":"2025-12-26T17:09:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/?p=37300"},"modified":"2026-03-05T19:32:32","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T00:32:32","slug":"mai-kai-legends-return-to-the-stage-for-69th-anniversary-celebration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2025\/12\/26\/mai-kai-legends-return-to-the-stage-for-69th-anniversary-celebration\/","title":{"rendered":"Mai-Kai legends return to the stage for 69th anniversary celebration"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

The Mai-Kai is honoring its cultural legacy on its 69th anniversary, inviting more than 20 past performers from the Polynesian Islander Revue<\/a> to participate in a two-day event Dec. 27-28 at the South Florida restaurant. The national historic landmark opened its doors Dec. 28, 1956, adding an authentic dinner show in the early 1960s.
\nLive coverage below:<\/strong><\/font> Photos, video of alumni anniversary weekend<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
\n• Saturday (Dec. 27) <\/strong>features alumni shows at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. with a meet-and-greet from 7 to 8.
\n• Sunday (Dec. 28) <\/strong>showcases a 69th anniversary show at 1, 4, and 7 p.m.<\/p>\n

\"Alumni<\/a>
\nFULL RECAP:<\/strong> Alumni from across the decades gather at the Mai-Kai<\/a><\/p>\n

The stage show combines music (by the Mai-Kai Serenaders) and dance (by the Mai-Kai Islanders) into a flamboyant but culturally accurate tribute to the islands of the South Pacific, running up to three shows a night, seven days a week for the past six decades. After a four-year interruption when the Mai-Kai was closed for a $20 million restoration and reimagination, the revue remains the oldest continually-running authentic South Seas stage show in the United States (including Hawaii).<\/p>\n

Since the Mai-Kai reopened in November 2024, the show has returned bigger and better than ever, featuring second and third-generation performers. The bond between the current and past has never been stronger, creating a familial atmosphere that opened the doors to this year’s unprecedented reunion.<\/p>\n

Related stories<\/B><\/FONT>
\n• Mai-Kai holiday treats include 12 drinks of Christmas, new Rum Barrel mug, festive decor, non-stop events<\/a>
\n• Rum release, holiday cocktails and mug, anniversary events, more<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Pasefika<\/a>
Pasefika Iosia performs the fire knife dance at the Mai-Kai in 1975. He was also an accomplished musician and member of the house band (top left). (Mai-Kai photos)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The festivities will be dedicated to the memory of a legend who we recently lost. Pasefika Iosia, a native of Samoa who spent more than three decades as an entertainer at the Mai-Kai, passed away Dec. 1 in Port St. Lucie, Fla., at age 87. Many whose lives he touched gathered at the Mai-Kai on Dec. 14 to remember “Fika,” who started his career as dancer in 1970 and later performed in the band.<\/p>\n

The Mai-Kai paid tribute in an official social media post: “His talent and charisma on stage were unforgettable, and off stage he brought people together through friendship, sports, and laughter. Pasefika wasn’t just a performer – he was family. Thank you, Pasefika, for the joy, spirit, and memories you shared. You will always be in our hearts.”<\/p>\n

Among those who came to pay their respects was Mai-Kai matriarch Mireille Thornton,<\/a> who was one of the original dancers before taking over as choreographer and cultural director for the next six decades. She married owner Bob Thornton, leading the family ownership group after his death in 1989 through the 2020 closing.<\/p>\n

More Atomic Grog coverage<\/strong><\/strong><\/FONT>
\n• Mai-Kai bar and cocktail news, reviews and exclusive insights<\/a>
\n• Latest updates and exclusive news on the Mai-Kai<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Mileto<\/a>
Mileto (center) takes a bow at the end of his final performance as a member of the Mai-Kai Islanders, led by Polynesian cultural director Lono (right). (Photo by Hurricane Hayward \/ Dec. 19, 2025)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On Dec. 19, a new name was added to the list of alumni when Luiz Mileto ended a more than 25-year run as one of the Mai-Kai’s signature fire knife dancers. Mileto (aka Letz) received an on-stage tribute during his final show, garnering a flurry of leis from his fellow performers and a standing ovation from the hundreds of attendees in the audience. He has long been the Mai-Kai’s most recognizable male dancer, the elder statesman known for his good humor, but serious and skilled on-stage talents.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"Retiring<\/a>
Retiring fire knife dancer Mileto (right) is toasted after his final performance on Dec. 19 by lead musician Conrad Teheiura Itchener, who also has a long history at the Mai-Kai as a performer in the Polynesian Islander Revue. You can see a burn on Mileto’s arm that the dancers endure as a badge of honor. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward \/ Dec. 19, 2025)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Later, enjoying a Rum Barrel in the Bora Bora Bar with friends and fellow performers, Letz showed off the burns on his arms that serve as a badge of honor. He ribbed youthful dancer Varua (aka Nicholas Mattei), who is now the senior member of the troupe. Like several of his brethren, Varua has a deep Mai-Kai lineage. [See video]<\/a><\/p>\n

The young Mattei’s mother (a Molokai Bar server) and grandmother (a Polynesian dancer) are Mai-Kai alumni. His father, Kern Mattei, is approaching his 33rd year in Mai-Kai management. The elder Mattei has taken on the role of alumni coordinator, welcoming back dozens of former employees over the past year and helping put together the anniversary tribute.<\/p>\n

\"Fire<\/a>
Fire knife dancers Mileto (left) and Varua perform at the Mai-Kai in September 2025. (Official photos)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Another key organizer of the anniversary celebration is Lono Hanohano<\/a>, who not only serves as on-stage emcee, but is also the Mai-Kai’s Polynesian cultural director. The humble and amiable host, who took over the leadership role in August, told us that he’s hoping to launch an updated show in February, inspired by historic performances choreographed by his former boss Mireille Thornton. In another tie to the past, Lono’s assistant and the house AV director is Thornton’s grandson, Michael. [Previous coverage]<\/a><\/p>\n

For the anniversary, they will welcome back many top names from the past six decades, including two notable female dancers who defined the craft for their respective generations. They both received top billing on the official flyer touting the Dec. 27-28 events.<\/p>\n

\"Former<\/a>
Former Mai-Kai performers Kainoa Lauritzen (left), Kale Farley (aka Kalei) and RJ Rewi held a meet-and-greet at The Hukilau in Pompano Beach on June 7. Lauritzen and Rewi are returning for the 69th anniversary events Dec. 27-28. A photo of Lauritzen hangs in the back-of-house “hall of fame” (right). (Photos by Hurricane Hayward)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kainoa Lauritzen<\/strong>, who will perform Saturday, is perhaps the most recognized Polynesian dancer in Mai-Kai history. She was the lead dancer and poster girl for much of her career, which spanned 30 years (1971 to 2001). Lauritzen recently participated in a smaller reunion event at the Mai-Kai during The Hukilau in June.<\/p>\n

Nani Maka<\/strong>, who will perform as a special guest on Sunday, is a Hawaiian hula dancer who worked for both the Mai-Kai and the Yankee Clipper’s Polynesian Room in the 1950s and ’60s. Her image was captured by famed photographer Bunny Yeager, and she later appeared on the big screen, most notably in the B-movie Pagan Island<\/a><\/em> (1961). Maka remains an icon of Polynesian dance and has made numerous appearances at events such as The Hukilau over the decades.<\/p>\n

\"Nani<\/a>
Nani Maka is shown in a classic Bunny Yeager shot and an early Mai-Kai photo. At The Hukilau 2014, she performed with Japan’s Sweet Hollywaiians. (Photos from MaiKaiHistory.com, Atomic Grog archive)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One of Saturday’s highlights is sure to be the return of MeduSirena<\/a> (aka Marina the Fire Eating Mermaid), who is best known for her retro aquatic performances at the Yankee Clipper<\/a> from 2005 to 2024. The former Mai-Kai dancer and Mystery Girl (2000-2003) will perform a special show with the theatrical drum troupe Samkoma<\/a>, a spinoff of the Ronin Taiko group she leads with husband Roy Anderson. Among the musicians in Samkoma is longtime Mai-Kai entertainer Conrad Teheiura Itchener<\/a> (aka Kabuki).<\/p>\n

\"Mai-Kai<\/a>
Mai-Kai dancer Malia in the early 2000s. Today she’s better known as Marina (aka MeduSirena), a member of the Ronin Taiko and Samkoma drum groups. (Photos provided by Marina Anderson)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Before Saturday’s meet-and-greet, guests can purchase vintage pictures of many of the performers in the gift shop and have them autographed. Provided by Kern Mattei, here’s an official list of entertainers expected to attend the meet-and-greet and\/or perform on stage, along with the decade they started:<\/p>\n

1950s <\/strong>– Polynesian dancer Nani Maka.<\/p>\n

1970s<\/strong> – Fire dancer and emcee Sonny, Polynesian dancer Kainoa.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
The Mai-Kai’s performers have long been front and center in all of the restaurant’s promotional efforts. (Official photos)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1980s<\/strong> – Fire knife dancer RJ Rewi, Polynesian dancers Nalani and Viola.<\/p>\n

1990s<\/strong> – Tolu (fire knife dancer and musician); Kalua (daughter of Nalani and kids show alumni); Glenda (Polynesian dancer) and daughter Nai’a (current Polynesian dancer and first female fire knife dancer at the Mai-Kai); musician Hansen; and fire knife dancers Alex, Mileto, Ueva, and VJ (a former world champion).<\/p>\n

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A post shared by The Mai-Kai Restaurant (@the_maikai_restaurant)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n