{"id":37883,"date":"2026-03-05T19:29:59","date_gmt":"2026-03-06T00:29:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/?p=37883"},"modified":"2026-05-25T23:04:45","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T03:04:45","slug":"mai-kai-kicks-off-2026-with-new-food-and-drink-menus-special-events","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2026\/03\/05\/mai-kai-kicks-off-2026-with-new-food-and-drink-menus-special-events\/","title":{"rendered":"Mai-Kai kicks off 2026 with new food and drink menus, special events"},"content":{"rendered":"

Posted March 5, updated April 28, 2026<\/em><\/p>\n

You could forgive the owners, management and staff of the Mai-Kai<\/a> for taking a deep breath and resting on their laurels in early 2026 after a spectacular 2025, the first full year back in business after a four-year hiatus and $20 million restoration of the historic South Florida restaurant. Luckily for fans of the 69-year-old Polynesian palace, that’s not the case. Not by a long shot.<\/p>\n

\"More<\/a>
More than a year after reopening, the Mai-Kai’s lush landscaping is thriving. The signature cannibal carvings bid guests farewell. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward, February 2026)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Business is booming as the Mai-Kai remains laser-focused on improving the cocktails, food and entire guest experience. Last year ended with a bang, culminating with a memorable anniversary celebration<\/a> featuring more than 20 past on-stage performers from the Mai-Kai Islanders. This came on the heels of an elaborate themed overlay and creative cocktail menu for the Christmas holidays.<\/a>
\n• 2025 Mai-Kai recaps: Exclusive ongoing coverage<\/a> | Bar and cocktail news<\/a><\/p>\n

The new year brought a new selection of modern tropical drinks, plus some creative takes on old classics. Also in January, the Mai-Kai launched a weekly schedule of themed specials, including In the Biz Mondays, Tiki Tuesdays, Wahine Wednesdays, and Karaoke Night on Thursdays. Live bands continue to entertain Molokai Bar guests on Fridays, and more activities for kids are part of the early Sunday festivities (along with a monthly meet-up for classic car owners.)<\/p>\n

\"Skinny<\/a>
Skinny Jimmy Stingray and his band perform in the Molokai on Feb. 27. They return to rock the bar on March 20. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Jump to the latest news below<\/B><\/FONT>
\n• Cocktail menu: Modern tropics added, classics enhanced<\/a> | New drink ratings<\/a>
\n• Food menu: Breaking down the latest updates<\/a>
\n• Preview, recap: Weekly and special events<\/a><\/p>\n

A new food menu was introduced in February, updated with a half-dozen new dishes from chef Justin Sherrer. The Mai-Kai hosted several high-profile events,<\/a> starting with a Miami Rum Congress pre-party featuring multiple rum brands and special tastings. During the nationally acclaimed South Beach Wine & Food Festival, Sherrer participated in Miami while general manager and beverage director Cory Starr hosted a sold-out Tiki cocktail master class in the Bora Bora Bar.<\/p>\n

\"Bartender<\/a>
Bartender Justin Rivera leads guests in creating cocktails during a master class hosted by the Mai-Kai as part of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival on Feb. 21. Students created their own garnish. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This story will cover all of the above while also offering a preview of upcoming events, plus more. Stay tuned for stories on other major projects around the Mai-Kai property, including the restoration of a 60-year-old tiki icon and construction of a new event center and back-of-house facilities.<\/p>\n

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The Mai-Kai Trading Company gift shop has also received an upgrade with an updated layout and new merchandise. It’s also the exclusive seller of Mai-Kai Rum No. 1,<\/a> the ground-breaking spirit introduced in November and now featured in many of the Mai-Kai’s cocktails.<\/p>\n

\"Mai-Kai
\nLatest Mai-Kai news<\/B><\/FONT>
\n• Mai-Kai Rum No. 1: Everything you need to know about signature spirit<\/a>
\n• Historic carving restored, Mai-Kai reimagination continues<\/a><\/p>\n

Also in the works is an update to the Polynesian Islander Revue,<\/a> the oldest continually-running authentic South Seas stage show in the United States (including Hawaii). Lono Hanohano, the show emcee and restaurant’s Polynesian cultural director, offered some insights in a video posted on Instagram<\/a> in late January.<\/p>\n

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