{"id":38299,"date":"2026-04-27T19:05:54","date_gmt":"2026-04-27T23:05:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/?p=38299"},"modified":"2026-04-28T13:15:53","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T17:15:53","slug":"mai-kais-classic-tiki-carving-restored-as-restaurants-reimagination-continues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2026\/04\/27\/mai-kais-classic-tiki-carving-restored-as-restaurants-reimagination-continues\/","title":{"rendered":"Mai-Kai’s classic Tiki carving restored as restaurant’s reimagination continues"},"content":{"rendered":"

Like any other historic property, restoration is an ongoing task at the Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show<\/a>. Added to the National Register of Historic Places<\/a> in 2014, the 69-year-old Tiki temple is also one of two historic sites in the city of Oakland Park, Fla.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
The historic carving by mid-century artist Barney West at the Mai-Kai in the 1960s and today. It was painstakingly restored in early 2026. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward \/ March 31, 2026)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Jump to the latest news below<\/B><\/FONT>
\n• Historic carving revived<\/a> | See the restoration, step-by-step<\/a><\/a>
\n• Gift shop revamped, new guest space in the works<\/a><\/p>\n

Much care went into the $20 million restoration project<\/a> during a four-year closing from late October 2020 until November 2024. The results were spectacular, but one major Mai-Kai icon still desperately needed some TLC as we entered 2026.<\/p>\n

We’re happy to report that the vintage tiki by carver Barney West that has greeted guests along Federal Highway since the mid-1960s is now completely restored. It hasn’t looked this good in 30 years after decaying for decades, losing body parts like a zombie corpse.<\/p>\n

\"Artist<\/a>
Artist Tom Fowner speaks at the rededication ceremony for the vintage Tiki carving that he restored at the Mai-Kai. (Photos by “Tiki John” Atkins \/ March 31, 2026)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We can thank artist Tom Fowner<\/a>, who did a massive rebuilding and sculpting job using foam and epoxy putty over several weeks. He then added a new paint job that pays tribute to the tiki’s original redwood finish, just in time for its dedication on March 31. “It’s not identical, but it’s close,” Fowner said.<\/p>\n

We haven’t heard of any accidents on the busy highway, but it’s certain that many arriving guests are doing a double-take when they spot the 10-foot-tall carving, which now looks much as it did more than 60 years ago.<\/p>\n

This story covers the restoration<\/a> by the South Florida craftsman in great detail, including many photos taken before, during and after the work was done. The tiki is significant as one of the last remaining large carvings by West, whose works were installed around the United States during the heyday of Polynesian Pop.<\/p>\n

Previous Mai-Kai coverage<\/strong><\/font>
\n• Mai-Kai kicks off 2026 with new food and drink menus, special events<\/a>
\n• Mai-Kai Rum No. 1: Everything you need to know about historic restaurant’s signature spirit<\/a><\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
The Mai-Kai gift shop is themed like an ornate trading post in Bangkok. The room adjacent to the rear gardens has a Chinese theme that matches its former use. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward \/ Feb. 10 and March 31, 2026)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Part of the nostalgia of the Mai-Kai is driven by the Mai-Kai Trading Company, the gift shop that offers guests unique souvenirs, Tiki mugs, artwork, jewelry, apparel, and lots more. This highly themed space behind the showroom recently received an overhaul, which we’ll explore below.<\/a><\/p>\n

Along with continuing restoration efforts, the Mai-Kai also remains focused on its reimagination. The first phase of this work included a highly immersive new entry driveway, a spectacular fountain that simulates a volcanic caldera, and the perfectly imagined Bora Bora Bar under the refurbished porte-coch\u00e8re. [See video]<\/a><\/p>\n

The second phase is well under way with projects large and small. Some are hush-hush, but one major addition has been hard to ignore. This story will also include some news (plus photos) on the new guest space<\/a> that can be seen rising up in the rear of the Mai-Kai. <\/a><\/p>\n

Historic Tiki carving revived by South Florida artist<\/h3>\n
\"Barney<\/a>
Barney West was a rugged artist who carved enormous icons from his shop, called Tiki Junction, in Sausalito, Calif.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For the past 62 years, the distinctive tiki carved by acclaimed artist Barney West<\/a> has seen a lot from its perch on the northeast corner of the 2.7-acre Mai-Kai property, steps away from the neighboring furniture store.<\/p>\n

The carving likely arrived at the Mai-Kai in early April 1964 with 10 other giant tikis created by West “ranging from one to six tons apiece,” according to an article in the Fort Lauderdale News<\/em>.<\/a> The story calls them “exact replicas and reproductions of the most dramatic statues found in the Polynesian and Melanesian islands.”<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

“The new works at Mai-Kai constitute the largest carved South Seas statuary in the United States, and their addition to the restaurant’s lavish tropical gardens make up what is believed to be the largest and most complete collection of artifacts in this country,” the story said.<\/p>\n

\"Beyond<\/a>
\nPast coverage:<\/strong> Beyond Bora Bora: Reimagination of Mai-Kai entry experience evokes original vision<\/a> (December 2023)<\/p>\n

The tiki has experienced at least 18 hurricanes and tropical storms, numerous gaudy paint jobs, and thousands of photo ops by guests. Meanwhile, every other large carving by West fell by the wayside in the unforgiving South Florida climate.<\/p>\n

Barney, as it came to be known, also stood guard during the historic restaurant’s four years of inactivity during the restoration that culminated with the November 2024 grand reopening. Miraculously still standing after decades of decay, the icon became a symbol of the Mai-Kai’s resilience during the celebratory opening months.<\/p>\n

It was still a notable photo spot<\/a>, but many newer and flashier locations<\/a> now beckoned guests.
\nPhoto and video tour:<\/strong> The 16 most iconic photo spots at the Mai-Kai<\/a><\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
The Mai-Ka’s last large Barney West tiki has long attracted fans for photo ops, including The Hukilau in 2008. That year’s event mug was a likeness of the carving created by Munktiki. (Photos: Tiki Central, Hurricane Hayward)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There were also worries about how much longer it could survive without immediate triage. Different options to preserve the fragile carving were discussed, including moving it to a safer location. But most were determined to be too risky amid fears that any major disturbance would cause it to simply disintegrate.<\/p>\n

Enter artist Tom Fowner<\/a>, the South Florida carver and woodworker whose handiwork can be found all over the Mai-Kai. Along with another area artist, Will Anders,<\/a> he’s most responsible for the upkeep of existing tikis and addition of new carvings over the past decade.<\/p>\n

\"Artist<\/a>
Artist Tom Fowner created the wood panels that adorn the Mai-Kai’s main service bar (left) and carved a new trio of cannibal tikis in 2024. (Photos: Tom Fowner, Hurricane Hayward)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Fowner’s most notable works include the trio of new cannibal carvings<\/a>, one of the three tikis under the porte-coch\u00e8re,<\/a> and the new signature bench in the lobby.<\/a><\/p>\n

After joining the staff full-time, he continued to create new carvings<\/a> that are scattered around the interior. He also spearheaded the Mai-Kai’s transformation during the Halloween season.<\/a> It’s unlikely any othe restaurant in the world, past or present, would have a fulltime Tiki carver on staff, but the Mai-Kai is not just any restaurant.
\nVideo:<\/strong> Hulaween 2025 guided tour of the Mai-Kai with artist Tom Fowner<\/a> <\/a><\/p>\n

See the restoration, step-by-step<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Tom<\/a>
Tom Fowner works on the 1960s Barney West carving on Feb. 14, then shows off the finished restoration on March 31. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In early 2026, Fowner took on the task of reviving Barney. It was decided that it would be restored exactly where it stood, using modern techniques and traditional artistry. The result of Fowner’s work is both inspiring and a huge relief.<\/p>\n

Fowner’s challenging task was accomplished in stages, which we’ll walk through below. He shared photos taken in early January of his initial inspection, which revealed a tiki in distress.<\/p>\n

Its arms were gone, its face had huge chunks missing, and much of the wood was in a serious state of decay. It’s somewhat of a miracle it was still standing, but Fowner said he found it was still “solid,” held up by “sheer determination.”<\/p>\n

\"Restoration<\/a>
1 – The initial inspection. (Photos by Tom Fowner \/ Jan. 5, 2026)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

He noted that it had three lag bolts that were fastened to keep it in place: One in the hips, one in the arms, one in an ear. It was designed and built that way by West using two separate pieces of wood. They were joined together when it was installed on the same base on which it still stands.<\/p>\n

It’s possible West’s unique design was responsible for keeping it together all these years. Other large Tiki carvings that were just one solid piece of wood toppled over long ago. At some point, a “concrete cap” that Fowner said weighed around 100 pounds was added to the top of the tiki’s head, which also helped stabilize it. He was afraid it would collapse if he removed the cap, so he left it in place, adding a lump on top to make it look like the original.<\/p>\n

Fowner faced many challenges. He was constrained by the condition of the carving and by materials he had never worked with. He was also forced to work on the figure in place, often in the blazing sun and teetering on a ladder on the edge of a water feature just steps away from Federal Highway. And, for the most part, he was working solo.<\/p>\n

\"Restoration<\/a>
2 – Stripping paint and stabilizing with resin. (Photos by Tom Fowner \/ Jan. 7-20, 2026)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The artist planned ahead, keeping track of dimensions when he “peeled everything off.” For example, he made notes and left markers of how far the chin, lips and eyes were from each other.<\/p>\n

“I was surprised when I pulled all the paint off,” Fowner said later. “It was two pieces of wood. And for a long time you could see right through it.”<\/p>\n

The tiki is believed to be California redwood, which was West’s primary source for the large logs he carved primarily with a chainsaw. These trees are now rarely used for this purpose since they became endangered and protected by the state. The Save the Redwoods League<\/a> says that more than 96% of the original old-growth giant sequoia range and significant portions of coast redwood forests are now protected in national, state, and private parks.<\/p>\n

\"Restoration<\/a>
3 – Filling with foam. (Photos by Tom Fowner \/ Jan. 28-Feb. 2, 2026)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Next, Fowner had to shore up the cavity of the carving with a hard foam. He wrapped the tiki in plastic so it would keep its shape and shot the foam into the holes.<\/p>\n

Fowner said he filled the entire cavity, creating a solid foundation. Separately, he recreated the arms with styrofoam and wire, then covered them with putty. Which brings us to the fourth step …<\/p>\n

\"Restoration<\/a>
4 – Polygem coating. (Photos by Tom Fowner \/ Feb. 14-27, 2026)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This is when we caught up with Fowner working Feb. 14, his first day using a lightweight epoxy putty made by Polygem. After putty from two different containers is combined, it activates and begins to thicken and harden. He quickly applied it to the entire tiki, section by section.<\/p>\n

After the cured epoxy became rigid, he sanded and textured it using hand tools. “This will make it look pretty,” Fowner said at the time. “This is what will bring it back to what it looked like.”<\/p>\n

He started with the feet and worked his way up to the face, which he had partially recreated with foam. He said he didn’t have a lot of experience with Polygem, so he learned as he went.<\/p>\n

\"Restoration<\/a>
4 – Polygem coating. (Photos by Tom Fowner \/ Feb. 14-27, 2026)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This part of the job took several weeks to complete. The body was done by Feb. 21, and the arms were installed a week later.<\/p>\n

Originally, the arms were uneven. “I made them a little more similar,” Fowner said. “I made the elbows the same height, the wrists the same height.”<\/p>\n

He also sculpted all of the detailed striping, grooves and notches that West carved in the original figure.<\/p>\n

\"An<\/a>
An undated Mai-Kai postcard shows the Barney West carving in its original state.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The sculpting complete, one big question remained. Painting was not done until March 25 while Fowner and the Mai-Kai debated how it should look.<\/p>\n

Original photos show what appears to be raw redwood. West rarely painted his tikis, Fowner said. “His original vision was to carve it and leave it natural. I don’t think there was any paint on it at all.”<\/p>\n

But over the decades, the tiki took on different finishes. The owners likely didn’t give it much thought, Fowner said. Paint was necessary to keep the wood from continuing to chip away.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
The Barney West carving appeared to be overtaken by the jungle in 2003 (left). By 2016, a fresh paint job restored its luster. (Photos: Tim “Swanky” Glazner, Hurricane Hayward)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Fowner determined that at some point in the 1980s, the Mai-Kai’s longtime painting crew asked if they could paint it “Dolphin colors.” These are the aqua, white and orange hues that fans of the Miami Dolphins football team proudly sport.<\/p>\n

Tim Ellis, the third generation owner of Colonial Decorators<\/a> who also worked on the main A-frame mural<\/a>, told Fowner that the request was quickly approved by founding owner Bob Thornton.<\/p>\n

When Dave Levy took over as managing owner after his stepfather’s death in 1989, he was determined to keep things the way they were. Barney was repainted these same colors multiple times until he went into hibernation with the 2020 closing and Levy’s retirement.<\/p>\n

\"Restoration<\/a>
5 – Paint. (Photos by Tom Fowner \/ March 24-25, 2026)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Today, not only are the Miami Dolphins out of favor, but restoring properties to their original state is de rigueur. Fowner and the Mai-Kai’s new managing partner, historic preservationist Bill Fuller of the Barlington Group<\/a>, decided to go with a faux wood finish that pays tribute to the original look.<\/p>\n

“You\u2019re gonna swear it\u2019s real wood,” Fowner promised. He definitely delivered on that promise.<\/p>\n

With improved landscaping surrounding Barney, he’s now back to the top of the list of premiere photo ops at the Mai-Kai. Be sure to venture out to the sidewalk along Federal Highway, turn left and get your photo taken with this rare icon. But no need to rush.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
The Mai-Kai’s Barney West carving looks even better than it did 1968, four years after its installation. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward \/ March 2026)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The mid-century wood carving that received a second chance at life may out-live tikis that haven’t even been carved yet. “It’s a giant piece of plastic now,” Fowner said. “That includes the wood that was inside that’s been turned into epoxy with the resin we put on there.”<\/p>\n

For the first time in decades, Barney’s future is as bright as the Mai-Kai’s.<\/p>\n

More Atomic Grog coverage<\/strong><\/strong><\/FONT>
\n• Answers to frequently asked questions about the Mai-Kai<\/a>
\n• Mai-Kai Restoration & Reopening Guide<\/a>
\n• Okole Maluna Society: The Mai-Kai Cocktail Guide<\/a> <\/a><\/p>\n

Gift shop revamped, new guest space in the works<\/h3>\n

While the Mai-Kai is spectacular in its current state, the owners and management are not content to rest on their laurels. They continue to look for ways to improve and enhance the historic restaurant. The refurbishment of the vintage Tiki carving above is a prime example.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
The relocation of the checkout area of the Mai-Kai gift shop (left) opened up the center of the room for more merchandise displays (and great views). (Photos by Hurricane Hayward \/ Feb. 10, 2026)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Some enhancements are more logistical than artistic, but they still affect guests the same (if not more). One of these is the recent reconfiguration of the Mai-Kai Trading Company gift shop. In January, the highly themed space (which was the Bangkok dining room in the 1970s) began a weeks-long transformation with not only new merchandise and displays, but a change in how guests flow through the room.<\/p>\n

By February, a new floor plan placed the check-out desk on the east wall next to the entry door. This created more space in the center of the room, plus more great views of the showroom. These and other organizational changes were supervised by the store manager, Shelley Dyner.<\/p>\n

On the main level, Dyner created an expansive area dedicated to clothing and merchandise for kids, including aloha shirts made in Hawai\u2019i by the venerable RJC Kalaheo.<\/a> The last time we checked, there were also RJC shirts for adults, along with new Mai-Kai designs from Atomic Tiki and a healthy supply of the signature Mcbiff<\/a> shirts and merch released over the past year.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>
A large section of new merchandise for children in the Mai-Kai Trading Company. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward \/ Feb. 10, 2026)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The open area where the registers once stood is filled with jewelry and other small items. My favorite upgrade is the new neon logo light that illuminates the Mai-Kai Rum No. 1<\/a> display. Don’t forget to pick up a bottle (or case).<\/p>\n

The signature mugs and other collectibles were moved to the upper level. The vintage record collection was expanded, and you can find unique items such as autographed alumni photos and temporary tattoos (by Jeff Kozan of Vatican Tattoo<\/a> in Delray Beach).<\/p>\n

The reorganization not only created a more spacious and coherent space, it also added more merchandise to the expansive shelves. Dyner is always updating the offerings, so be sure to check it out on your next visit. <\/a><\/p>\n

New event center taking shape<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
The A-frame roof of the new event center building is visible from the street behind the Mai-Kai. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward \/ Feb. 21, 2026)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Meanwhile, much more secret projects are in the works at the Mai-Kai, some more noticeable than others. Probably the worst kept secret is the construction of a new event center, its A-frame clearly visible, jutting up from the old kitchen that was destroyed in the 2020 roof collapse.<\/a> We last offered official information on this project back in October,<\/a> when general manager Cory Starr confirmed that work had begun.<\/p>\n

The entire area was cleared of all the temporary kitchen equipment to make room for the event center that Starr later told us will probably hold around 150 to 200 people, depending on seating arrangements. It’s intended to host many different events, large and small. This could include weddings, corporate gatherings, concerts, vendor marketplaces, you name it.<\/p>\n

By December, we spotted the first signs of the A-frame roof rising above the surrounding walls, which held firm when the flat roof over the kitchen collapsed that fateful night in October 2020. This will become the Mai-Kai’s fifth distinctive A-frame structure, joining the towering main showroom building, two smaller A-frames over the Moorea and Tahiti dining rooms, and the porte-coch\u00e8re.<\/p>\n

\"Four<\/a>
Four of the Mai-Kai’s five A-frames are visible from the path in the Mai-Kai’s gardens. At left are the main dining, Moorea and Tahiti rooms. At right is the peak of the new event center roof. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward \/ Feb. 21, 2026)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

All were meticulously restored throughout 2022<\/a> and 2023<\/a> as part of the $20 million project to bring the Mai-Kai back to its former glory. The same company that handled those projects, Tiki King<\/a> of Merritt Island, was brought back to handle the thatching work.<\/p>\n

By mid-January, a fully thatched A-frame was visible from throughout the grounds, featuring a signature beam extension on either end. In a change from the previous projects, we were told that this was done with all natural materials. This makes it more cost effective in the short term, but also more subject to deterioration. In a testament to the company’s work, you really can’t tell the difference in the two materials with a naked eye.<\/p>\n

Viewed from multiple angles, this is clearly now the second largest A-frame at the Mai-Kai. But while the roof appears complete, the event center is not expected to open until the end of 2026, around the time of the Mai-Kai’s 70th anniversary on Dec. 28. In a recent interview, Starr said there is no official timeline and that the project includes “a lot of moving parts.”<\/p>\n

\"Thematically,<\/a>
Thematically, the new A-frame fits perfectly into the background of the Mai-Kai’s jungle-like outdoor gardens. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward \/ Feb. 1, 2026)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Among these is a change of plans from what was detailed in our previous story. The entire new back-of-house structure, including the A-frame, will be fully enclosed and air conditioned. In addition to the event space, the work will transform the food and beverage program’s infrastructure.<\/p>\n

Considering that the Mai-Kai never closes, this work will take time. Since reopening in November 2024, the restaurant has closed just one day – for a staff retreat last August.<\/a> Otherwise, you’ll find the kitchen and bar cranking out food and drinks for hundreds of guests every day and night, holidays included.<\/p>\n

Starr, chef Justin Sherrer and their staffs have their work cut out for them in making this transition, but they have handled things nearly flawlessly so far. Both the food and beverage teams are pushed to the limit some nights due to the small back-of-house, but product quality and speed of service remain high. Once the new facilities are complete, the bar and kitchen should both be able to handle the added capacity of special events, plus more.<\/p>\n

\"Designed<\/a>
Designed by “Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller, the former Chinese oven room is beginning to feature displays of Mai-Kai history. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward \/ March 30, 2026)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As part of this transition, the former Chinese oven room<\/a> that’s now a gateway from the main dining rooms into the outdoor gardens will have several new purposes. It will become one of the entrances into the event center, available as a lobby for larger gatherings.<\/p>\n

Designed by creative director “Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller with many Chinese flourishes as a nod to its former use, the space will also become a museum of Mai-Kai history. [See video]<\/a> Framed photos have already started going up on the walls. Allsmiller said the large west wall will feature a display case that will tell the story of the Mai-Kai through the years via merchandise, mugs and photos.<\/p>\n

The artist created preliminary designs for the event center back in 2022,<\/a> when plans were first approved by the city of Oakland Park. Over time, these plans have changed, but Allsmiller remains involved the project.<\/p>\n

He has some exciting ideas for the interior that we hope to see come to fruition. Continue to watch this space for updates!<\/p>\n

**********************************<\/strong><\/div>\n

RECENT MAI-KAI NEWS<\/strong><\/FONT><\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
\nThe Hukilau 2026 honors a legend, welcomes new faces to 24th annual Tiki weekender in South Florida<\/a><\/strong>
\nThe state’s original Polynesian Pop event returns June 3-7 for an immersive experience at the oceanfront Beachcomber Resort and historic Mai-Kai, which will host a tribute to the late artist Danny “Tiki Diablo” Gallardo.<\/p>\n

\"Mai-Kai<\/a>
\n Mai-Kai kicks off 2026 with new food and drink menus, special events<\/a><\/strong>
\n The historic South Florida restaurant remains laser-focused on improving the cocktails, food and guest experience.
\n• Full coverage of Mai-Kai 2026 news and events<\/a>
\n Jump to the latest news<\/B><\/FONT>
\n• Cocktail menu: Modern tropics added, classics enhanced<\/a> | New drink ratings<\/a>
\n• Food menu: Breaking down the latest updates<\/a><\/p>\n

**********************************<\/strong><\/div>\n

SPECIAL FEATURES<\/strong><\/FONT><\/p>\n

\"Mai-Kai<\/a>
\nMai-Kai Rum No. 1: Everything you need to know about historic restaurant’s signature spirit<\/a><\/strong>
\nAnswers to common questions about the new 100-proof blend from Barbados and Jamaica, bottled exclusively for the Mai-Kai.
\nCLICK HERE FOR THE FAQ<\/a><\/strong>
\nNew cocktail recipes: <\/strong> Daiquiri No. 1<\/a> | Hammerhead Bite<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Answers<\/a>
\nAnswers to frequently asked questions about the Mai-Kai<\/a><\/strong>
\nCheck out our handy guide featuring all the basics you need to know to plan your next trip to the Polynesian palace.
\n• Official information, tips and advice for guests<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>
\n Photo and video tour: The 16 most iconic photo spots at the Mai-Kai<\/a><\/strong>
\nLearn how to get those classic shots on your next trip to the historic South Florida restaurant. We take you on an adventure via new and vintage photos, plus video from Spike’s Breezeway to document the top locations inside and outside.
\nSEE THE TOP 16:<\/strong><\/font> Jump straight to the tour, tips and tricks<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

**********************************<\/strong><\/div>\n

FULL MAI-KAI COVERAGE<\/strong><\/FONT><\/p>\n

\"Mai-Kai<\/a>
\nEXCLUSIVE:<\/B><\/FONT> Mai-Kai Restoration & Reopening Guide<\/a><\/strong>
\nCheck out all past news, photos, video and deep details on the refurbishment and resurrection of the Polynesian palace.<\/p>\n

\"Okole
\nOkole Maluna Society: The Mai-Kai Cocktail Guide<\/strong><\/a>
\nHurricane Hayward reviews and rates the historic restaurant’s current and past tropical drinks, plus reveals a treasure trove of ancestor and exclusive tribute recipes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Like any other historic property, restoration is an ongoing task at the Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2014, the 69-year-old Tiki temple is also one of two historic sites in the city of Oakland Park, Fla. Jump to the latest news below • Historic carving revived … <\/p>\n

Continue reading “Mai-Kai’s classic Tiki carving restored as restaurant’s reimagination continues”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":38298,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[40,41,1831,43,44,12,1575,97],"tags":[767,1786,827,1829,453,122,1500],"class_list":["post-38299","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-art","category-culture","category-florida-tiki","category-history-culture","category-history-mai-kai","category-mai-kai","category-renovations","category-restaurants","tag-barney-west","tag-colonial-decorators","tag-mai-kai","tag-mai-kai-trading-company","tag-tiki-carving","tag-tom-fowner","tag-typhoon-tommy"],"yoast_head":"\nMai-Kai's classic Tiki carving restored as restaurant's reimagination continues - The Atomic Grog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2026\/04\/27\/mai-kais-classic-tiki-carving-restored-as-restaurants-reimagination-continues\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Mai-Kai's classic Tiki carving restored as restaurant's reimagination continues - The Atomic Grog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Like any other historic property, restoration is an ongoing task at the Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2014, the 69-year-old Tiki temple is also one of two historic sites in the city of Oakland Park, Fla. Jump to the latest news below • Historic carving revived … Continue reading "Mai-Kai’s classic Tiki carving restored as restaurant’s reimagination continues"\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2026\/04\/27\/mai-kais-classic-tiki-carving-restored-as-restaurants-reimagination-continues\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The Atomic Grog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/atomicgrog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/atomicgrog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-04-27T23:05:54+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-04-28T17:15:53+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Barney-restoration-_2026-hero-940.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"940\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"339\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Hurricane Hayward\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@theatomicgrog\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@theatomicgrog\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Hurricane Hayward\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"25 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/27\\\/mai-kais-classic-tiki-carving-restored-as-restaurants-reimagination-continues\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/27\\\/mai-kais-classic-tiki-carving-restored-as-restaurants-reimagination-continues\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Hurricane Hayward\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/d148c3e6891224766841c162ce418ff1\"},\"headline\":\"Mai-Kai’s classic Tiki carving restored as restaurant’s reimagination continues\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-04-27T23:05:54+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-04-28T17:15:53+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/27\\\/mai-kais-classic-tiki-carving-restored-as-restaurants-reimagination-continues\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":4115,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/d148c3e6891224766841c162ce418ff1\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/27\\\/mai-kais-classic-tiki-carving-restored-as-restaurants-reimagination-continues\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/Barney-restoration-_2026-hero-940.jpg?fit=940%2C339&ssl=1\",\"keywords\":[\"Barney West\",\"Colonial Decorators\",\"Mai-Kai\",\"Mai-Kai Trading Company\",\"tiki carving\",\"Tom Fowner\",\"Typhoon Tommy\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Art\",\"Culture\",\"Florida Tiki\",\"History\",\"History\",\"Mai-Kai\",\"Renovations\",\"Restaurants\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/27\\\/mai-kais-classic-tiki-carving-restored-as-restaurants-reimagination-continues\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/27\\\/mai-kais-classic-tiki-carving-restored-as-restaurants-reimagination-continues\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/27\\\/mai-kais-classic-tiki-carving-restored-as-restaurants-reimagination-continues\\\/\",\"name\":\"Mai-Kai's classic Tiki carving restored as restaurant's reimagination continues - The Atomic Grog\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/27\\\/mai-kais-classic-tiki-carving-restored-as-restaurants-reimagination-continues\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/27\\\/mai-kais-classic-tiki-carving-restored-as-restaurants-reimagination-continues\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/Barney-restoration-_2026-hero-940.jpg?fit=940%2C339&ssl=1\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-04-27T23:05:54+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-04-28T17:15:53+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/27\\\/mai-kais-classic-tiki-carving-restored-as-restaurants-reimagination-continues\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/27\\\/mai-kais-classic-tiki-carving-restored-as-restaurants-reimagination-continues\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/27\\\/mai-kais-classic-tiki-carving-restored-as-restaurants-reimagination-continues\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/Barney-restoration-_2026-hero-940.jpg?fit=940%2C339&ssl=1\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/Barney-restoration-_2026-hero-940.jpg?fit=940%2C339&ssl=1\",\"width\":940,\"height\":339,\"caption\":\"Mai-Kai's classic Tiki carving restored as restaurant's reimagination continues\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/27\\\/mai-kais-classic-tiki-carving-restored-as-restaurants-reimagination-continues\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Mai-Kai’s classic Tiki carving restored as restaurant’s reimagination continues\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"The Atomic Grog\",\"description\":\"Events, Music, Art, Cocktails, Culture\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/d148c3e6891224766841c162ce418ff1\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":[\"Person\",\"Organization\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/d148c3e6891224766841c162ce418ff1\",\"name\":\"Hurricane Hayward\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/06\\\/Atomic-Grog-logo_200.jpg\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/06\\\/Atomic-Grog-logo_200.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/06\\\/Atomic-Grog-logo_200.jpg\",\"width\":200,\"height\":178,\"caption\":\"Hurricane Hayward\"},\"logo\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/06\\\/Atomic-Grog-logo_200.jpg\"},\"description\":\"A journalist and Florida resident for more than 40 years, Jim \\\"Hurricane\\\" Hayward shares his obsession with Polynesian Pop and other retro styles on his blog, The Atomic Grog. Jim's roots in mid-century and retro culture go back to his childhood in the 1960s, when he tagged along with his parents to Tiki restaurants and his father's custom car shows. His experience in newspaper journalism and more than 20 years as an independent concert promoter have given him a front-row seat in the South Florida scene since the 1970s. He promoted hundreds of rock, punk, and indie concerts under the Slammie Productions banner since the early 1990s. A graduate of the University of Florida's College of Journalism and Communications in 1983, Jim was a longtime editor and web producer for The Palm Beach Post before his retirement in 2022. He earned his nickname by virtue of both his dangerous exotic drinks and his longtime position overseeing tropical weather coverage in his stormy home state. Jim now spends his time mixing cocktails, attending events and writing stories for this blog, which launched in 2011. The Atomic Grog extensively covers events, music, art, cocktails, and culture with a retro slant.\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/theatomicgrog.com\",\"http:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/atomicgrog\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/theatomicgrog\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.pinterest.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/theatomicgrog\",\"https:\\\/\\\/youtube.com\\\/@atomicgrog\"],\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/hurricanehayward\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Mai-Kai's classic Tiki carving restored as restaurant's reimagination continues - The Atomic Grog","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2026\/04\/27\/mai-kais-classic-tiki-carving-restored-as-restaurants-reimagination-continues\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Mai-Kai's classic Tiki carving restored as restaurant's reimagination continues - The Atomic Grog","og_description":"Like any other historic property, restoration is an ongoing task at the Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2014, the 69-year-old Tiki temple is also one of two historic sites in the city of Oakland Park, Fla. Jump to the latest news below • Historic carving revived … Continue reading \"Mai-Kai’s classic Tiki carving restored as restaurant’s reimagination continues\"","og_url":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2026\/04\/27\/mai-kais-classic-tiki-carving-restored-as-restaurants-reimagination-continues\/","og_site_name":"The Atomic Grog","article_publisher":"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/atomicgrog","article_author":"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/atomicgrog","article_published_time":"2026-04-27T23:05:54+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-04-28T17:15:53+00:00","og_image":[{"width":940,"height":339,"url":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Barney-restoration-_2026-hero-940.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Hurricane Hayward","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@theatomicgrog","twitter_site":"@theatomicgrog","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Hurricane Hayward","Est. reading time":"25 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2026\/04\/27\/mai-kais-classic-tiki-carving-restored-as-restaurants-reimagination-continues\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2026\/04\/27\/mai-kais-classic-tiki-carving-restored-as-restaurants-reimagination-continues\/"},"author":{"name":"Hurricane Hayward","@id":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/d148c3e6891224766841c162ce418ff1"},"headline":"Mai-Kai’s classic Tiki carving restored as restaurant’s reimagination continues","datePublished":"2026-04-27T23:05:54+00:00","dateModified":"2026-04-28T17:15:53+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2026\/04\/27\/mai-kais-classic-tiki-carving-restored-as-restaurants-reimagination-continues\/"},"wordCount":4115,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/d148c3e6891224766841c162ce418ff1"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2026\/04\/27\/mai-kais-classic-tiki-carving-restored-as-restaurants-reimagination-continues\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Barney-restoration-_2026-hero-940.jpg?fit=940%2C339&ssl=1","keywords":["Barney West","Colonial Decorators","Mai-Kai","Mai-Kai Trading Company","tiki carving","Tom Fowner","Typhoon Tommy"],"articleSection":["Art","Culture","Florida Tiki","History","History","Mai-Kai","Renovations","Restaurants"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2026\/04\/27\/mai-kais-classic-tiki-carving-restored-as-restaurants-reimagination-continues\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2026\/04\/27\/mai-kais-classic-tiki-carving-restored-as-restaurants-reimagination-continues\/","url":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2026\/04\/27\/mai-kais-classic-tiki-carving-restored-as-restaurants-reimagination-continues\/","name":"Mai-Kai's classic Tiki carving restored as restaurant's reimagination continues - The Atomic Grog","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2026\/04\/27\/mai-kais-classic-tiki-carving-restored-as-restaurants-reimagination-continues\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2026\/04\/27\/mai-kais-classic-tiki-carving-restored-as-restaurants-reimagination-continues\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Barney-restoration-_2026-hero-940.jpg?fit=940%2C339&ssl=1","datePublished":"2026-04-27T23:05:54+00:00","dateModified":"2026-04-28T17:15:53+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2026\/04\/27\/mai-kais-classic-tiki-carving-restored-as-restaurants-reimagination-continues\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2026\/04\/27\/mai-kais-classic-tiki-carving-restored-as-restaurants-reimagination-continues\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2026\/04\/27\/mai-kais-classic-tiki-carving-restored-as-restaurants-reimagination-continues\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Barney-restoration-_2026-hero-940.jpg?fit=940%2C339&ssl=1","contentUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Barney-restoration-_2026-hero-940.jpg?fit=940%2C339&ssl=1","width":940,"height":339,"caption":"Mai-Kai's classic Tiki carving restored as restaurant's reimagination continues"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2026\/04\/27\/mai-kais-classic-tiki-carving-restored-as-restaurants-reimagination-continues\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Mai-Kai’s classic Tiki carving restored as restaurant’s reimagination continues"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/","name":"The Atomic Grog","description":"Events, Music, Art, Cocktails, Culture","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/d148c3e6891224766841c162ce418ff1"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":["Person","Organization"],"@id":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/d148c3e6891224766841c162ce418ff1","name":"Hurricane Hayward","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Atomic-Grog-logo_200.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Atomic-Grog-logo_200.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Atomic-Grog-logo_200.jpg","width":200,"height":178,"caption":"Hurricane Hayward"},"logo":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Atomic-Grog-logo_200.jpg"},"description":"A journalist and Florida resident for more than 40 years, Jim \"Hurricane\" Hayward shares his obsession with Polynesian Pop and other retro styles on his blog, The Atomic Grog. Jim's roots in mid-century and retro culture go back to his childhood in the 1960s, when he tagged along with his parents to Tiki restaurants and his father's custom car shows. His experience in newspaper journalism and more than 20 years as an independent concert promoter have given him a front-row seat in the South Florida scene since the 1970s. He promoted hundreds of rock, punk, and indie concerts under the Slammie Productions banner since the early 1990s. A graduate of the University of Florida's College of Journalism and Communications in 1983, Jim was a longtime editor and web producer for The Palm Beach Post before his retirement in 2022. He earned his nickname by virtue of both his dangerous exotic drinks and his longtime position overseeing tropical weather coverage in his stormy home state. Jim now spends his time mixing cocktails, attending events and writing stories for this blog, which launched in 2011. The Atomic Grog extensively covers events, music, art, cocktails, and culture with a retro slant.","sameAs":["https:\/\/theatomicgrog.com","http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/atomicgrog","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/theatomicgrog\/","https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/atomicgrog\/","https:\/\/x.com\/theatomicgrog","https:\/\/youtube.com\/@atomicgrog"],"url":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/author\/hurricanehayward\/"}]}},"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Barney-restoration-_2026-hero-940.jpg?fit=940%2C339&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p1xHjT-9XJ","jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38299","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=38299"}],"version-history":[{"count":26,"href":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38299\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":38354,"href":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38299\/revisions\/38354"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/38298"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38299"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=38299"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=38299"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}