The 12th edition of The Hukilau returns to its longtime June time slot in 2013, but it’s never too early to sign up for the East Coast’s premiere Tiki event.
If you buy an all-access pass in the waning days of 2012, you’ll automatically be “grandfathered in” to any additional events – such as rum and cocktail tastings – that may require an additional fee if you book later. In past years, some great symposiums and special events were added added as the event approached, so here’s your opportunity to get in on the ground floor.
The Hukilau is scheduled for June 6-9 at Fort Lauderdale’s Sheraton Beach Hotel, aka the “Yankee Clipper.” Go to TheHukilau.com, the official website, to purchase your event tickets now. The site also includes instructions on how to book your room at the Sheraton. There’s a special $119 rate (per night, double occupancy), but you must click on the website link to get this deal.
There are also rooms available next door at the Best Western Oceanside for $109, but if you stay at the Yankee Clipper you get exclusive benefits such as priority seating at symposiums, a private cocktail party, and a free goodie bag that includes a vintage cocktail glass and other one-a-kind souvenirs. Check out the website’s accommodations page for full details.
Organizers of The Hukilau will be making a full announcement of all the scheduled entertainment and special events when the website re-launches in January. But several major names have already been announced, with the latest addition being Southern California’s Ding Dong Devils.
Making their East Coast and Hukilau debut, the band is a wild mix of Tiki, exotica and Polynesian pop style with garage rock, rockabilly, surf, and even burlesque sounds. They will be performing both at the Yankee Clipper and The Mai-Kai. The legendary Polynesian restaurant will, as always, host The Hukilau’s traditional Saturday night main event.
Other performing bands include Tallahassee’s The Intoxicators and California’s The Hula Girls.
Symposiums announced so far are another insightful cocktail presentation by author Jeff “Beachbum” Berry, a tattoo demonstration by Paul Roe of Britishink Tattoos, a Yankee Clipper history lesson from TikiTomD, and a look at the culture of vintage Hawaiian shirts by Gary Moss.
Other scheduled events include the Tiki Treasures Bazaar and a special Hukilau art show to be announced. The Yankee Clipper’s famous Wreck Bar will also host a special edition of Marina the Fire Eating Mermaid’s Underwater Swim Show.
Event tickets range from $20 for some symposiums to $150 for the Yankee Clipper all-access pass that gives you admission to all events.
The Hukilau is also actively seeking vendors for the bazaar as well as sponsors on all levels of participation. Click here for a vendor kit and click here for sponsorship and advertising opportunities.
Previous coverage: Hukilau returns to June, historic ‘Yankee Clipper’ in 2013
Hukilau links
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