LATEST NEWS & UPDATES

Mai-Kai summer 2026 update: New mugs and menus, more events and entertainment NEW

The historic Polynesian restaurant continues to ramp up events, add new specials and entertainment, enhance its menus and merchandise, and basically create the perfect escape to paradise.
EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE: New cocktails, food and events
Jump to the latest updates
• New mugs and cocktails, menu updates
• Return to Paradise with August special events
• More bands, familiar face re-energize Molokai Lounge
• Happy hour food specials, main menu update
• July recap: Events spotlight Tahitian culture, enhanced entertainment
See also: Mai-Kai Restoration & Reopening: Full story and photo archive

LATEST EVENT COVERAGE

The Tiki Times: Exclusive events guide UPDATED

Check the calendar for all of the major happenings around the world, from Tiki weekenders to rum festivals to marketplaces and music fests, plus lots more.
• Online events, vlogs | Ongoing live events
Event recaps: Photos, video and artwork

Photos and recap: The Hukilau 2026 takes over oceanfront resort; bonus cocktail recipes

Tikiphiles from around the world gathered for a long weekend of Polynesian Pop revelry June 3-7. Check out our full coverage from the oceanfront Beachcomber Resort.
Cocktails ratings, reviews: We tasted 44 drinks; see the sweet 16
Bonus recipes: Coral Reef Cooler | Endless Summer | Sunken Pearl
At the Mai-Kai: The Hukilau honors a legend, welcomes Charles Phoenix

The Hukilau 2026: Live coverage, photos and video from the Beachcomber Resort and Mai-Kai

See all the action from five days of nonstop entertainment, education, cocktails and camaraderie at the 24th annual Tiki weekender in South Florida.
Direct links to highlights: Photo & video recaps | Pool parties & bands | Mai-Kai events | Friday's luau | Tiki Treasures Bazaar | Daily highlights

MAI-KAI COCKTAILS

UPDATED: Cult classic Demerara Float returns for another encore

After it reappeared at the Mai-Kai during The Hukilau, we celebrate this 90-year-old Donn Beach classic with new vintage glassware, a newly published ancestor recipe, and our latest tribute recipe.
FULL STORY: From Don the Beachcomber to the Mai-Kai and beyond
UPDATED: Ancestor recipes | Tribute recipes
See also: Okole Maluna Society - The Mai-Kai Cocktail Guide

The Atomic Grog's Mai-Kai cocktail ratings and history
• Ratings of all the Mai-Kai cocktails on the current menus (Updated June 2026)
• Mai-Kai cocktail ancestry: History of the classics (Updated June 2026)

Mai-Kai news & events: Updated Polynesian show, vintage cocktails at The Hukilau in June; special events in July

The 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.
Jump to the latest updates
Breaking news: Mai-Kai owner takes over historic Jungle Queen riverboat
Event previews: July spotlights Tahitian culture, vendor marketplace
Photos, video: Heritage: A Polynesian Legacy, the Mai-Kai's updated dinner show
Event recaps: The Hukilau honors a legend, welcomes Charles Phoenix | More recent happenings
Reviews, ratings: Classic cocktails return, new food debuts
See also: Mai-Kai Restoration & Reopening: Full story and photo archive

The Hukilau 2026 at the Mai-Kai: Updated stage show, special menus, cocktail ratings

The Mai-Kai is rolling out the red carpet for The Hukilau this week as hundreds of revelers roll into South Florida for the 24th annual weekender that celebrates vintage and modern Tiki culture.
Direct links: Special cocktail menu includes four retired classics
• Updated Atomic Grog cocktail rankings, history

The Hukilau 2026 preview: Tiki weekender loaded with bands, bartenders and guest speakers

Villagers look forward to live music and entertainment, seminars and classes, 20 guest bars, plus five days relaxing at the Beachcomber Resort and Mai-Kai restaurant during the June 3-7 event.
2025 recap: We tasted 45 cocktails; here are the Top 15
Bonus recipes: You Remind Me of the Babe (Bar Tiki) | Blackbeard's Ghost (Aku Aku) | Peach Emoji (Tiki Tatsu-Ya)

Tikitaly spices up European cocktail and retro culture scene

Now in its second year, "spaghetti exotica fest" attracts movers and shakers from around the world for seminars, concerts, Tiki carving, and many opportunities to taste top-notch drinks and spirits.

Mai-Kai updates: The Hukilau welcomes Charles Phoenix, past event recaps, appetizer ratings

The East Coast's longest-running Polynesian Pop event returns June 3-7 with an expansive schedule that includes three days and nights at the Mai-Kai, including a special presentation by "the King of Retro." FULL STORY
Jump to the latest news
Event recaps: Pirates, kids, cars and cocktails
Food ratings: Reviews of all the Mai-Kai's apps

Mai-Kai's classic Tiki carving restored as reimagination continues

Take an inside look at the restoration of the vintage carving by artist Tom Fowner, including exclusive photos and step-by-step guide to his work.
• GET THE FULL STORY
Direct links: Barney West tiki revived | Photos, in-depth recap
MORE: Gift shop revamped, new guest space in the works
Full coverage: Mai-Kai restoration story and photo archive

The Hukilau 2026 honors a legend, welcomes new faces to 24th annual Tiki weekender in South Florida

The 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.

Mai-Kai kicks off 2026 with new food and drink menus, special events

The historic South Florida restaurant remains laser-focused on improving the cocktails, food and guest experience.
UPDATES: Full coverage of Mai-Kai 2026 news and events
Jump to the latest news
• Cocktail menu: Modern tropics added, classics enhanced | New drink ratings
• Food menu: Breaking down the latest updates
• Preview, recap: Weekly and special events
• Okole Maluna Society - The Mai-Kai Cocktail Guide
See also: Mai-Kai Restoration & Reopening: Full story and photo archive

Gone too soon: Danny 'Tiki Diablo' Gallardo left indelible mark on Polynesian Pop revival

The Los Angeles-based carver, ceramicist, designer and builder created a body of work that spans a quarter century and touched nearly everyone involved in the subculture born in his native Southern California.
OBITUARY: Tiki Diablo was respected and beloved for artistry and humility
Direct links: The mugs of Tiki Diablo | Friends, fans remember Danny Gallardo

Countdown to Don the Beachcomber biography begins with fundraiser, early special edition

Searching for Don the Beachcomber is the long-awaited exploration of the life and times of Tiki's founding father by Tim "Swanky" Glazner.
PREVIEW: Details on the book story, including sample pages
Bonus cocktail recipe: Beachcomber's Silver

SEE BELOW: Past news, events

SPECIAL FEATURES

Mai-Kai Rum No. 1: Everything you need to know about historic restaurant's signature spirit

Answers to common questions about the new 100-proof blend from Barbados and Jamaica, bottled exclusively for the Mai-Kai. CLICK HERE FOR THE FAQ
New cocktail recipes: Daiquiri No. 1 | Hammerhead Bite
• Okole Maluna Society - The Mai-Kai Cocktail Guide

Photo and video tour: The 16 most iconic photo spots at the Mai-Kai

Learn 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 the historic Tiki temple.
SEE THE TOP 16: Jump straight to the tour, tips and tricks
FULL COVERAGE: Latest news and exclusive coverage of the Mai-Kai

Mai-Kai Restoration & Reopening Guide

Check out all the latest news, photos, video and deep details on the refurbishment and return of South Florida's Polynesian Palace.
• FULL COVERAGE FROM THE ATOMIC GROG

Answers to frequently asked questions about the Mai-Kai

Check out our handy guide featuring all the basics you need to know to plan your next trip to the South Florida landmark.
UPDATES: Official information, tips and advice for guests

COCKTAIL GUIDES

Okole Maluna Society: The Mai-Kai Cocktail Guide

Hurricane Hayward reviews and rates the historic restaurant's current and past tropical drinks, plus reveals a treasure trove of ancestor and exclusive tribute recipes.
• A DEEP DIVE INTO THE COCKTAILS OF THE MAI-KAI
• List of all 100+ recipes

Atomic Grog Cocktail Recipes, A through Z

A comprehensive list of every recipe we've posted on the site since 2011.
• COMPLETE LIST OF 250+ DRINKS

EXCLUSIVE: See The Atomic Grog's full Tiki-a-Go-Go 2026 symposium and new encyclopedia of Florida Tiki

Thanks to the great turnout for "Florida Tiki: The Good, the Bad and the Future of Polynesian Pop in the Sunshine State," we're sharing the full seminar slideshow on the blog along with the results of the voting for the state's top Tiki location. We also released the first edition of the 24-page booklet that details the 150 historic and current sites across Florida. FULL STORY
• See the Florida Tiki: The Encyclopedia of Polynesian Pop in the Sunshine State
• Find out who won the balloting for favorite current bar or restaurant
• See an online version of the presentation
Preview: Tiki-a-Go-Go seminar to explore the past, present and future of Florida Tiki

LIVE COVERAGE: Photos and video from Tiki-a-Go-Go in Orlando
This year's gathering was loaded with some of the biggest names in the Tiki scene and loaded with activities.
PREVIEW:The five best things at the action-packed event

Miami Rum Congress expands to include more events and spirited education

The annual spirits festival continues to grow and add related activities and days, culminating this year with the first Rhum Week Miami, running Thursday through Monday, Feb. 5-9.
PREVIEW: Complete rundown of all the events
Direct links: Pre-party, seminar at the Mai-Kai | Rum Congress highlights
• Tiki Master Cocktail Competition | More rum events
Social media coverage: Photos, video from Miami Rum Congress and related events

ALL PAST COVERAGE

The Atomic Grog Archive

Check out the top stories and special features from the blog dating back to our 2011 launch.
Past stories by year: 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018
More archives: Take 5 interviews | More memorable stories

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