{"id":38667,"date":"2026-06-04T22:11:40","date_gmt":"2026-06-05T02:11:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/?p=38667"},"modified":"2026-06-04T22:23:12","modified_gmt":"2026-06-05T02:23:12","slug":"the-hukilau-2026-at-the-mai-kai-updated-stage-show-special-menus-cocktail-ratings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2026\/06\/04\/the-hukilau-2026-at-the-mai-kai-updated-stage-show-special-menus-cocktail-ratings\/","title":{"rendered":"The Hukilau 2026 at the Mai-Kai: Updated stage show, special menus, cocktail ratings"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Mai-Kai<\/a> is rolling out the red carpet for The Hukilau<\/a> this week as hundreds of revelers roll into South Florida for the 24th annual weekender that celebrates vintage and modern Tiki culture. Headquartered at the oceanfront Beachcomber Resort in nearby Pompano Beach, the June 3-7 event includes four days and nights at the historic restaurant.
\nJump to more below<\/B><\/FONT>
\n• Special cocktail menu to include four retired classic<\/a>
\n• Updated Atomic Grog cocktail rankings, history<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Musicians<\/a>
Musicians and performers from the Mai-Kai’s Polynesian Islander Revue welcome guest bartenders to a special dinner in the restaurant’s Tahiti Room on Wednesday, June 3. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The event’s “villagers,” some who travel from around the world to attend, will be treated to bands and guest pop-up bars, a brand new Mai-Kai dinner show, a special theatrical drum show, new food and cocktails (featuring a menu of lost classics), plus the exclusive Florida appearance of retro pop culture humorist Charles Phoenix. [See the full schedule below]<\/a><\/p>\n

Last year was the first time The Hukilau returned with full-blown events to the reopened Mai-Kai since 2019, before the four-year closing and $20 million restoration.<\/a> The 2025 event was highlighted by the unveiling of two large Tiki carvings<\/a> in the entry area. The tikis have already become iconic photo spots for guests.<\/a><\/p>\n

The Hukilau preview stories<\/strong><\/font>
\n• Tiki weekender loaded with bands, bartenders and guest speakers<\/a>
\n• The Hukilau honors a legend, welcomes new faces to 24th annual Tiki weekender<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Skinny<\/a>
Skinny Jimmy Stingray performs in the Molokai Bar during The Hukilau 2026 kickoff party on Wednesday, June 3. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Returning villagers will find the Mai-Kai continuing to upgrade and enhance its 2.7-acre tropical wonderland and vintage 26,000-square-foot building, est. 1956. A classic 62-year-old carving was recently restored<\/a>, the gift shop has been enhanced,<\/a> and a new event center<\/a> is starting to take shape.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, executive chef Justin Sherrer and beverage director Cory Starr<\/a> continue to upgrade the food and beverage programs. Updated menus (food<\/a> and cocktails<\/a>) were released earlier this year. For The Hukilau, Sherrer and Starr (who is also the restaurant’s general manager), have teamed up to release an exclusive event menu featuring four dishes and four cocktails available only June 4 through June 7. [Full preview below]<\/a><\/p>\n

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As for the Polynesian Islander Revue,<\/a> the oldest continually-running authentic South Seas stage show in the United States (including Hawaii) will receive its first major update since the November 2024 reopening. [See video]<\/a> A new Polynesian cultural director, Lono Hanohano<\/a>, took the helm in August and presided over a spectacular reunion of past performers as part of the 69th anniversary celebration in December.<\/a><\/p>\n

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A post shared by Greater Fort Lauderdale (@visitlauderdale)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n