{"id":39439,"date":"2026-08-30T00:44:08","date_gmt":"2026-08-30T04:44:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/?p=39439"},"modified":"2026-08-30T00:44:08","modified_gmt":"2026-08-30T04:44:08","slug":"event-spotlight-monster-moku-conjures-up-a-good-time-for-dark-minded-tikiphiles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2026\/08\/30\/event-spotlight-monster-moku-conjures-up-a-good-time-for-dark-minded-tikiphiles\/","title":{"rendered":"Event spotlight: Monster Moku conjures up a good time for dark-minded Tikiphiles"},"content":{"rendered":"

Polynesian Pop and Tiki culture have a long association with dark imagery: Cocktails served in skull mugs, black velvet and other artwork evoking mysterious landscapes, flaming torches and exotic drums lurking in the background of mysterious bars. The first iconic Tiki drink was the Zombie, threatening to turn its imbibers into the living dead.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
The revelry at the first Monster Moku in September 2025 was centered around the “Coffin Pool.” (Official photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In modern times, the Tiki landscape has greatly expanded to include theming inspired by classic horror movies, lowbrow and rockabilly culture, a new wave of deadly drinks, and social groups united around dark themes such as “Goth Tiki.” The first Tiki weekender to fully embrace everything dark and campy is poised to host its second gathering deep in the lair of themed Halloween entertainment: Orlando, Florida.<\/p>\n

Monster Moku<\/strong><\/a> will celebrate what it calls “the Darker Side of Tiki in a Tropical Scaradise” for three days and nights at the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Theme Park Resort<\/strong>, not far from SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream and Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights. It’s structured like other Polynesian Pop events with live music, seminars, a vendor marketplace, pool parties, and guest pop-up bars.<\/p>\n

One major difference is the inclusion of 10 tattoo artists, who will enhance the edgy atmosphere. Guests are also encouraged to dress up and participate in a creative costume contest. With its horror-themed design and decor, Monster Moku is an event with a distinct image and attitude, setting it apart from the many weekenders on the modern Tiki calendar.<\/a><\/p>\n

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

About Monster Moku<\/h3>\n

The focus of this fledgling event is no surprise when you consider it’s the brainchild of HeadHunter Ray<\/strong><\/a>, aka Rodney Ray of HeadHunter Props and Fabrication.<\/a> The Central Florida artist and designer has made his mark in both the theme park and Tiki worlds.<\/p>\n

Ray’s work can be enjoyed in the dark Tiki speakeasy Permanent Vacation<\/a> in Maitland. He’s a key organizer of The Hukilau<\/a> in South Florida, where his immersive room party transformations (see photo)<\/a> and Build Your Own Tiki Bar Conference<\/a> are highlights.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
The Intoxicators have performed at many Florida Tiki events over the past two decades, including The Hukilau in June 2026. The Tallahassee instrumental band will rock Monster Moku in September. (Photo by Eric Anthony \/ @TheThirstyWalrus)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For Monster Moku, Ray is scaring up a wide assortment of entertainment and activities, including a Dive-In Monster Movie, Polynesian Fire<\/a><\/strong> show, and VooDoo Vendor Venue, plus perks including free food for VIP passholders. Guests will also encounter a highly themed environment full of monstrous props from the organizer’s collection.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

To get a taste of what’s in store and meet some of the participants, check out the Monster Moku pop-up event on Monday, Aug. 31, at Aku Aku<\/a> in Orlando featuring guest bartender Devon “Kitty” Lopez<\/a> of Bar Tiki<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Monster Moku at a glance<\/h3>\n
\"Tattoo<\/a>
Tattoo artists offering their services at Monster Moku 2026 include Tahiti Gil and Cast Iron Tattoo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

TICKETS:<\/strong> If you just want to dip your toes into the swamp, you can buy a single-day Saturday pass for $120 that includes access to lectures and panels, the vendor marketplace, bands and entertainment, pool bars, cocktail parties and spirits tastings, a classic car show, and Polynesian show. Event merchandise will be available for purchase, along with a luau dinner and Sunday’s brunch.<\/p>\n

• Click here to buy tickets<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

For the full experience, you’ll want a three-day pass, available at three different levels. For $175, Islanders have access to all of the above plus some special features (costume contest, Dive-In) and discounts. The Zombie ticket ($275) adds some free merchandise and more discounts, plus a vendor preview cocktail reception. Those seeking total immersion can spring for a HeadHunter pass ($500), which includes VIP access to events, free merchandise and gift bag, both the dinner and brunch (a $200 value), plus a VIP bungalow with free food and drinks. The website touts that top-tier passholders will eat and drink free all weekend.<\/p>\n

ROOMS: <\/strong> The link above will also give guests access to a special Monster Moku rate at the DoubleTree Orlando ($133 per night). This includes free parking and no resort fees.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
The Kreepy Tikis (left) and The Patina Turners, shown performing at The Hukilau in June, will stalk the poolside stage at Monster Moku 2026. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Monster Moku highlights<\/h3>\n

LIVE MUSIC: <\/strong> Confirmed for the Coffin Pool main stage are five of Florida’s hardest rocking surf and garage bands with a dark and dangerous vibe: The Disasternauts<\/a><\/strong> (parts unknown), The Kreepy Tikis<\/a><\/strong> (Jacksonville), The Intoxicators<\/a><\/strong> (Tallahassee), The Mermers<\/a><\/strong> (Gainesville), and The Patina Turners<\/a><\/strong> (Fort Myers).<\/p>\n

BARS:<\/strong> All passholders can enjoy free cocktails at the daily pool parties, served by some notable Tiki bartenders from around the country: Aku Aku<\/a><\/strong> (Orlando), Bar Tiki<\/a><\/strong> (Clearwater Beach), The Overlook Lodge<\/strong><\/a> (Cincinnati), Tiki Tiki Bang Bang<\/a><\/strong> (Cincinnati), and Tiki Underground<\/a><\/strong> (Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio). Free drinks will also be available at the VooDoo Vendor Venue Cocktail Party (Zombie and HeadHunter passes) and VIP Bungalow Bars for top-tier passholders.<\/p>\n

\"Clearwater<\/a>
Clearwater Beach’s Bar Tiki will return to Monster Moku in 2026 after making a splash at last year’s inaugural event. (Official photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

VENDORS:<\/strong> Shop until you drop from at least 18 booths offering spooky Tiki art, apparel, jewelry, mugs, and more. Participates include Aloha Atomic, Always Pretty, Big Mike’s Tikis, Black Lagoon Brooklyn, First Man Jewelry, the Greater Florida Lego Users Group, The Green Tiki, HallowQueen Designs, Limitless Broadcasting, Mad About Plaid, Mimi’s Baubles, Pnkys SFX, Steve Bulinski, The Tattooed Society, Thematic Arts, TikiTastic, Untamed Gifts, and Warner Art. The vendor hall will also host live on-stage demos, themed photo-ops, and complimentary cocktails.<\/p>\n

More Monster Moku online<\/strong>
\n• Official website<\/strong><\/a> | Instagram<\/a> | Facebook page<\/a><\/p>\n

**************************<\/B><\/div>\n

MORE UPCOMING EVENTS<\/B><\/font><\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
\nUPDATES:<\/B><\/FONT> The Tiki Times: Exclusive events guide<\/a><\/B>
\nCheck the calendar for all of the major happenings around the world, from Tiki weekenders to rum festivals to marketplaces and music fests.<\/p>\n

**************************<\/B><\/div>\n

RELATED EVENT COVERAGE<\/B><\/font><\/p>\n

\"Photos<\/a>
\nPhotos and recap: The Hukilau 2026 takes over oceanfront resort; bonus cocktail recipes<\/a><\/strong>
\nTikiphiles from around the world gathered for a long weekend of Polynesian Pop revelry June 3-7. Check out our full coverage<\/a><\/strong> from the oceanfront Beachcomber Resort.
\nCocktails ratings, reviews:<\/strong> We tasted 44 drinks; see the sweet 16<\/a>
\nBonus recipes:<\/strong> Coral Reef Cooler<\/a> | Endless Summer<\/a> | Sunken Pearl<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Mai-Kai<\/a>
\nMai-Kai news & events: Updated Polynesian show, historic cocktails at The Hukilau in June; special events in July<\/a><\/strong>
\nThe historic Polynesian restaurant kicked off the summer with hundreds of Tikiphiles from around the world, followed by a constant stream of special events that continues in July with some unique offerings.
\nEvent recap<\/strong> The Hukilau honors a legend, welcomes Charles Phoenix<\/a><\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
\nThe Hukilau 2026: Live coverage, photos and video from the Beachcomber Resort and Mai-Kai<\/a><\/strong>
\nSee all the action from five days of nonstop entertainment, education, cocktails and camaraderie at the 24th annual Tiki weekender in South Florida.
\nDirect links to highlights:<\/strong> Photo & video recaps<\/a> | Pool parties & bands<\/a> | Mai-Kai events<\/a> | Friday’s luau<\/a> | Tiki Treasures Bazaar<\/a> | Daily highlights<\/a><\/p>\n

**************************<\/B><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Polynesian Pop and Tiki culture have a long association with dark imagery: Cocktails served in skull mugs, black velvet and other artwork evoking mysterious landscapes, flaming torches and exotic drums lurking in the background of mysterious bars. The first iconic Tiki drink was the Zombie, threatening to turn its imbibers into the living dead. In … <\/p>\n

Continue reading “Event spotlight: Monster Moku conjures up a good time for dark-minded Tikiphiles”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":39447,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_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},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1],"tags":[1621,203,1790,1562,1836,1815,1606,1837],"class_list":["post-39439","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-bar-tiki","tag-halloween","tag-headhunter-props","tag-intoxicators","tag-kreepy-tikis","tag-monster-moku","tag-orlando","tag-patina-turners"],"yoast_head":"\nEvent spotlight: Monster Moku conjures up a good time for dark-minded Tikiphiles - The Atomic Grog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Orlando gathering celebrates 'the Darker Side of Tiki in a Tropical Scaradise' with three days of immersive entertainment.\" \/>\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\/08\/30\/event-spotlight-monster-moku-conjures-up-a-good-time-for-dark-minded-tikiphiles\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Event spotlight: Monster Moku conjures up a good time for dark-minded Tikiphiles - The Atomic Grog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Orlando gathering celebrates 'the Darker Side of Tiki in a Tropical Scaradise' with three days of immersive entertainment.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2026\/08\/30\/event-spotlight-monster-moku-conjures-up-a-good-time-for-dark-minded-tikiphiles\/\" \/>\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=\"2026-08-30T04:44:08+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Monster-Moku-preview-hero_940.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"940\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"313\" \/>\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=\"8 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\\\/08\\\/30\\\/event-spotlight-monster-moku-conjures-up-a-good-time-for-dark-minded-tikiphiles\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/30\\\/event-spotlight-monster-moku-conjures-up-a-good-time-for-dark-minded-tikiphiles\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Hurricane Hayward\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/d148c3e6891224766841c162ce418ff1\"},\"headline\":\"Event spotlight: Monster Moku conjures up a good time for dark-minded Tikiphiles\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-30T04:44:08+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/30\\\/event-spotlight-monster-moku-conjures-up-a-good-time-for-dark-minded-tikiphiles\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1204,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/d148c3e6891224766841c162ce418ff1\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/30\\\/event-spotlight-monster-moku-conjures-up-a-good-time-for-dark-minded-tikiphiles\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/Monster-Moku-preview-hero_940.jpg?fit=940%2C313&ssl=1\",\"keywords\":[\"Bar Tiki\",\"Halloween\",\"HeadHunter Props\",\"Intoxicators\",\"Kreepy Tikis\",\"Monster Moku\",\"Orlando\",\"Patina Turners\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/30\\\/event-spotlight-monster-moku-conjures-up-a-good-time-for-dark-minded-tikiphiles\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/30\\\/event-spotlight-monster-moku-conjures-up-a-good-time-for-dark-minded-tikiphiles\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/30\\\/event-spotlight-monster-moku-conjures-up-a-good-time-for-dark-minded-tikiphiles\\\/\",\"name\":\"Event spotlight: Monster Moku conjures up a good time for dark-minded Tikiphiles - The Atomic Grog\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/30\\\/event-spotlight-monster-moku-conjures-up-a-good-time-for-dark-minded-tikiphiles\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/30\\\/event-spotlight-monster-moku-conjures-up-a-good-time-for-dark-minded-tikiphiles\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/Monster-Moku-preview-hero_940.jpg?fit=940%2C313&ssl=1\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-30T04:44:08+00:00\",\"description\":\"Orlando gathering celebrates 'the Darker Side of Tiki in a Tropical Scaradise' with three days of immersive entertainment.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/30\\\/event-spotlight-monster-moku-conjures-up-a-good-time-for-dark-minded-tikiphiles\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/30\\\/event-spotlight-monster-moku-conjures-up-a-good-time-for-dark-minded-tikiphiles\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/30\\\/event-spotlight-monster-moku-conjures-up-a-good-time-for-dark-minded-tikiphiles\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/Monster-Moku-preview-hero_940.jpg?fit=940%2C313&ssl=1\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/Monster-Moku-preview-hero_940.jpg?fit=940%2C313&ssl=1\",\"width\":940,\"height\":313,\"caption\":\"Event spotlight: Monster Moku conjures up a good time for dark-minded Tikiphiles\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/30\\\/event-spotlight-monster-moku-conjures-up-a-good-time-for-dark-minded-tikiphiles\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Event spotlight: Monster Moku conjures up a good time for dark-minded Tikiphiles\"}]},{\"@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":"Event spotlight: Monster Moku conjures up a good time for dark-minded Tikiphiles - The Atomic Grog","description":"Orlando gathering celebrates 'the Darker Side of Tiki in a Tropical Scaradise' with three days of immersive entertainment.","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\/08\/30\/event-spotlight-monster-moku-conjures-up-a-good-time-for-dark-minded-tikiphiles\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Event spotlight: Monster Moku conjures up a good time for dark-minded Tikiphiles - The Atomic Grog","og_description":"Orlando gathering celebrates 'the Darker Side of Tiki in a Tropical Scaradise' with three days of immersive entertainment.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2026\/08\/30\/event-spotlight-monster-moku-conjures-up-a-good-time-for-dark-minded-tikiphiles\/","og_site_name":"The Atomic Grog","article_publisher":"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/atomicgrog","article_author":"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/atomicgrog","article_published_time":"2026-08-30T04:44:08+00:00","og_image":[{"width":940,"height":313,"url":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Monster-Moku-preview-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":"8 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2026\/08\/30\/event-spotlight-monster-moku-conjures-up-a-good-time-for-dark-minded-tikiphiles\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2026\/08\/30\/event-spotlight-monster-moku-conjures-up-a-good-time-for-dark-minded-tikiphiles\/"},"author":{"name":"Hurricane Hayward","@id":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/d148c3e6891224766841c162ce418ff1"},"headline":"Event spotlight: Monster Moku conjures up a good time for dark-minded Tikiphiles","datePublished":"2026-08-30T04:44:08+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2026\/08\/30\/event-spotlight-monster-moku-conjures-up-a-good-time-for-dark-minded-tikiphiles\/"},"wordCount":1204,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/d148c3e6891224766841c162ce418ff1"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2026\/08\/30\/event-spotlight-monster-moku-conjures-up-a-good-time-for-dark-minded-tikiphiles\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Monster-Moku-preview-hero_940.jpg?fit=940%2C313&ssl=1","keywords":["Bar Tiki","Halloween","HeadHunter Props","Intoxicators","Kreepy Tikis","Monster Moku","Orlando","Patina Turners"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2026\/08\/30\/event-spotlight-monster-moku-conjures-up-a-good-time-for-dark-minded-tikiphiles\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2026\/08\/30\/event-spotlight-monster-moku-conjures-up-a-good-time-for-dark-minded-tikiphiles\/","url":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2026\/08\/30\/event-spotlight-monster-moku-conjures-up-a-good-time-for-dark-minded-tikiphiles\/","name":"Event spotlight: Monster Moku conjures up a good time for dark-minded Tikiphiles - The Atomic Grog","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2026\/08\/30\/event-spotlight-monster-moku-conjures-up-a-good-time-for-dark-minded-tikiphiles\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2026\/08\/30\/event-spotlight-monster-moku-conjures-up-a-good-time-for-dark-minded-tikiphiles\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Monster-Moku-preview-hero_940.jpg?fit=940%2C313&ssl=1","datePublished":"2026-08-30T04:44:08+00:00","description":"Orlando gathering celebrates 'the Darker Side of Tiki in a Tropical Scaradise' with three days of immersive entertainment.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2026\/08\/30\/event-spotlight-monster-moku-conjures-up-a-good-time-for-dark-minded-tikiphiles\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2026\/08\/30\/event-spotlight-monster-moku-conjures-up-a-good-time-for-dark-minded-tikiphiles\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2026\/08\/30\/event-spotlight-monster-moku-conjures-up-a-good-time-for-dark-minded-tikiphiles\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Monster-Moku-preview-hero_940.jpg?fit=940%2C313&ssl=1","contentUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Monster-Moku-preview-hero_940.jpg?fit=940%2C313&ssl=1","width":940,"height":313,"caption":"Event spotlight: Monster Moku conjures up a good time for dark-minded Tikiphiles"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2026\/08\/30\/event-spotlight-monster-moku-conjures-up-a-good-time-for-dark-minded-tikiphiles\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Event spotlight: Monster Moku conjures up a good time for dark-minded Tikiphiles"}]},{"@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_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p1xHjT-ag7","jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Monster-Moku-preview-hero_940.jpg?fit=940%2C313&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39439","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=39439"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39439\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":39457,"href":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39439\/revisions\/39457"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/39447"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39439"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=39439"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=39439"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}