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The Hukilau: June 7-11, 2017, at the Hyatt Regency Pier 66 and The Mai-Kai restaurant in Fort Lauderdale. Buy tickets now.
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Previous story: Tiki Tower Takeover to feature Ian Burrell, international flair
Preview Sunday’s finale: The Atomic Grog to explore 60 years of Tiki cocktail history
The Tiki Times: Summer season heats up with The Hukilau, more events
Updated June 7, 2017
As The Hukilau’s organizers and villagers gear up for the 16th annual Tiki weekender in Fort Lauderdale on June 7-11, we have updated the schedule with a new late-night event and definitive band and DJ lineup. In addition, a special drawing and silent auction that will benefit two South Florida charities has just been announced.
The schedule now includes a late-night Blue Hawaii Party featuring DJ James Brown’s Sweat at the host Pier 66 hotel to give attendees another option on Thursday night. Also look for a showing of the classic Elvis movie of the same name near the pool on the hotel’s Royal Palm Lawn. The South Florida DJ, along with Tampa’s DJ Lounge Laura Taylor, have also been added to other events throughout the five days of festivities. Saturday’s final band lineup for The Mai-Kai is also posted.
We’ve also noted the sold-out events, which now include Marina the Fire Eating Mermaid’s Wednesday night swimshow, Will Anders’ craft symposium and the Three Dots and a Dash cocktail class on Saturday.
UPDATED Check the daily schedule below | Official website
The Hukilau has also launched a new initiative to give back to the Florida hospitality community and aid endangered coral reefs . It’s called “See Aloha,” according to organizers, “because we believe that in life you find what you’re looking for, and we choose to see the aloha that is around us everywhere.” The Hukilau is making an initial donation of $2,000 and asking villagers to help the cause and at the same time enter a drawing for some outstanding prizes.
The prizes in the drawing include Mai-Kai gift certificates, bottles of sponsor rums, and passes to The Hukilau 2018. The grand prize is a collection of eight different Tiki mugs from some of The Hukilau’s guest pop-up bars, plus serial #1 of this year’s event mug from Tiki Tony and Eekum Bookum.
In addition, Crazy Al Evans is contributing an amazing collection of art pieces from his Tiki artist friends that will be up for bid at a silent auction. You can also bid to win a Mystery Drink presentation at The Mai-Kai from none other than “Mystery Guy” Crazy Al himself.
The beneficiaries are the education foundation of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and the Miami Dade Reef Guard Association. The education foundation works with more than 200 Florida high schools to prepare students for a career in hospitality. Reef Guard’s mooring buoy plan has aided the installation and maintenance of 42 mooring buoys to date, allowing divers and fisherman to enjoy the reefs without risking damage to them with an anchor. Villagers at Pier 66 should check the daily schedule, on-site signage and official announcements for more on the drawing and silent auction.
Here’s another official glassware sneak preview fromm Tiki Tony:
Recent press coverage
MeduSirena Marina to get The Hukilau off to a swimming start! (Tiki Trail)
Updated May 20, 2017:
New band added, sneak peek at official mug and glassware
A new band has been added to the entertainment lineup: The Hula Girls from Southern California. A veteran of The Hukilau 2013 and a fixture on the Tiki event circuit, this up-tempo “hulabilly” band mashes up hapa-haole, Tiki and surf music and filters it through a late 1950s and early ’60s rockabilly and rock ‘n roll soundscape. Unfortunately The Dead Rocks will not be able to make the trip from Brazil due to travel and visa issues. Look for the acclaimed instrumental surf trio at The Hukilau 2018.
The official event mug by Tiki Tony is based on the infamous shrunken skulls in The Mai-Kai’s Samoa dining room. It’s being produced by John Mulder and Eekum Bookum. Tony is also working on glassware and T-shirt designs.
Recent press coverage
The Hukilau returns to Fort Lauderdale’s Mai-Kai in June (Miami New Times)
Updated April 28, 2017:
New website launches, more bands and cocktail classes, full schedule released
The Hukilau’s all-new website went live last week with full details on the 16th annual gathering of the Tiki tribe in Fort Lauderdale. Highlights include more music and entertainment, more Okole Maluna Cocktail Academy classes, the full lineup of bands and pop-up bars participating in Friday night’s High Tide party, more bars added to the Rum Island Pool Party, a new symposium, and a detailed daily schedule.
Here’s a rundown on everything new that we gleaned from the totally redesigned and updated website. Keep an eye out for even more info to be announced in the coming weeks.
ENTERTAINMENT: Several new bands and performers were announced. Returning for another year are four South Florida favorites: Roots rockers Slip and the Spinouts and classic surf guitarist Skinny Jimmy Stingray. Area DJ James Brown’s Sweat will also be back to spin some funky tunes. Of course, King Kukulele also returns for the 16th straight year as on-stage host and emcee.
HIGH TIDE PARTY: The full lineup and details on the Friday night main event were officially annouced. The music will include a new addition, Slip and the Spinouts, along with an outstanding bill of previously announced bands: Stolen Idols (Tampa), The Mermers (Gainesville), Surfrajettes (Canada), and a new addition, The Hula Girls. Also performing will be burlesque queen Angie Pontani. And the icing on the cake is the announcement of eight guest pop-up bars, giving the party even more bang for your buck: Flask & Cannon (Jacksonville), Hidden Harbor (Pittsburgh), Pagan Idol (San Francisco), the Sip ‘n Dip Tiki Lounge (Great Falls, Mont.), Slowly Shirley (New York City), S.O.S. Tiki Bar (Atlanta), Three Dots and a Dash (Chicago), and UnderTow (Phoenix). All are also participating in the Tiki Tower Takeover and/or Rum Island Pool Party (see below). In addition to full access for multi-day passholders, the party is also now available for day guests for $99 (including one cocktail from each bar). There’s also a new Surf’s Up Friday/Saturday Combo pass ($129) that includes the party, plus Saturday’s Tiki Treasures Bazaar (including rum tastings) and main event at The Mai-Kai. The combo pass also includes passholder prices for symposiums and cocktail classes.
RUM ISLAND POOL PARTY: In addition to the six bars announced earlier (Flask & Cannon, Hidden Harbor, Pagan Idol, Sip ‘n Dip Tiki Lounge, S.O.S. Tiki Bar, UnderTow) the Friday afternoon party (with extended hours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) will also feature two bars from the Tiki Tower Takeover: Slowly Shirley (New York City) and Three Dots and a Dash (Chicago). The pool party is exclusive for multi-day South Seas, Big Kahuna, Aloha, and Luau passholders. Drinks are no extra charge.
COCKTAIL WORKSHOPS: Three new Okole Maluna Cocktail Academy classes taught by The Hukilau’s guest mixologists have been announced. Kevin Beary and Julian Cox of Three Dots and a Dash in Chicago will host “What Just One Rum Can’t Do” on Friday and Saturday. Scotty Schuder of Dirty Dick in Paris presents “On the First Day God Made the Daiquiri” on Friday. And Adam Henry and Max Stein of Hidden Harbor in Pittsburgh will present “The Art and Science of Tiki Garnish” on Friday and Saturday. Previously announced was Daniele Dalla Pola of Nu Lounge Bar in Bologna, Italy, and his “Pineapple Paradise” class on Friday and Saturday. All cocktail classes are $49 and include multiple drinks and your own set of bar tools to take home. Theses classes are limited in size so sign up now and don’t miss out.
SYMPOSIUMS: One new symposium has been added: “Black Velvet in Paradise” ($20 passholders, $40 non-passholders), presented by Ron Ferrell on Friday at 4 p.m. Enjoy a visual history of this unique style of painting Polynesia and its introduction into Tiki bars. Also included is a special surprise from The Hukilau’s featured artist, Tiki Tony. The three previously announced symposiums feature Ian Burrell (The History of Rum in 10 Cocktails), Tim “Swanky” Glazner (Mai-Kai: Untold Stories With Swanky), and Mike Skinner (Nautical Tiki). Also scheduled are two classes featuring performers from The Mai-Kai: Learn to Dance the Hula and Learn to Play the Ukulele (with Ty Olopai).
SCHEDULE: A full five-day schedule is now posted, with a detailed rundown on all the major happenings. We’ve also updated our schedule below. Among the highlights not already mentioned above include a first-timers welcome reception on Thursday, rum tastings on Friday and Saturday, plus the full schedule for Saturday’s main event at The Mai-Kai. And don’t miss Sunday’s lost cocktails presentation by The Atomic Grog.
More pages to check out:
* Tickets: This new page provides a simple overveiw of what you get with every class of ticket, plus a step-by-step guide to all your reservations. There’s also now a link to buy day passes and single-event tickets.
* Hotel accommodations: Everything you need to know about Pier 66, including on-site locations for “food & grog,” parking rates, directions to the hotel, plus more. In addition, the B Ocean Resort has been added as the official secondary hotel. It’s ideal if you prefer beachside accommodations away from the action, or a location close to The Wreck Bar and its famous mermaid shows.
* Volunteers: Interested in donating your time and effort to The Hukilau? You’ll be rewareded with event passes. Get more info and fill out the online form.
* Sponsors: Get your product or service in front of the Tiki masses. Click here for more on how to become a sponsor.
Updated April 6, 2017:
Mermaid shows now on sale; Classes, symposiums and pop-up bars announced
Tickets to see MeduSirena, aka Marina the Fire Eating Mermaid, and her pod of aquaticats at The Wreck Bar at the B Ocean Resort went on sale April 1. There are two events on the schedule: An adults-only burlesque-themed swimshow on Wednesday, June 7; and an all-ages show on Thursday, June 8. Tickets are limited, so get yours now! Here are more details on the two shows:
MeduSirena’s After Dark Burlesque Swim Review: Wednesday, June 7, at 10:30 p.m. ($20) – Enjoy a private, guaranteed seat to see this exclusive performance for guests of The Hukilau. Marina calls the concept of this show “aqua burlesque,” a distinctive style she recently brought back to The Wreck Bar. “I’ve always wanted to revive that facet of burlesque performances, and had done them throughout the years, but to actually have a running swimshow took some time to achieve,” she said. Expect Vegas-style costuming and a cabaret-style performance, not unlike last year’s Glamour Girl Swimshow (see photos).
MeduSirena’s South Seas Swimshow: Thursday, June 8, at 2 p.m. ($20) – You’ll get a guaranteed seat for MeduSirena’s only afternoon performance during The Hukilau, a tropical-themed show that pays tribute to the hotel’s rich history. For its first five decades, the B Ocean Resort was the legendary Yankee Clipper, home in the 1950s and ’60s to the Polynesian Room and its South Seas stage show. Keep an eye out for the special guests expected to drop in.
Note: The Wreck Bar will host its regularly scheduled Friday and Saturday night performances at 6:30 (all-ages mermaid show) and 9:30 (21-and-older burlesque show) at no extra charge, but these will not be enhanced for The Hukilau (nor feature reserved seating), and it’s also possible that Marina may not perform due to other commitments at The Hukilau.
Also recently announced are several new, special classes that will give villagers a chance to enhance their Tiki skills:
* There will be four or more Okole Maluna Cocktail Academy classes offered by some of The Hukilau’s special guest bartenders. The first announced is “Pineapple Paradise” with Daniele Dalla Pola of Nu Lounge Bar in Bologna, Italy. He’ll be teaching the proper way to open a coconut and pineapple, plus the basics of orgeat and ginger syrups. You’ll also learn to make some of his favorite cocktails: Vicious Virgin #2, the Caribe Welcome, and the Pina Paradise. The class will offered on Friday, June 9. Dalla Pola was previously annouced as one of the mixologists participating in The Hukilau’s signature Tiki Tower Takeover on Thursday, June 8 (see preview).
* Ty Olopai, one of the top ukulele performers at The Mai-Kai, will be giving lessons on the basics of the classic Hawaiian instrument. Classes ($15) will be offered multiple times throughout the day on Friday exclusively for passholders. Instruments will be provided.
* Hula classes will also be offered throughout the day on Friday for $15 for passholders. One of The Mai-Kai dancers will teach the basics of the enchanting dance on the Royal Palm Lawn near the Pier 66 pool. Grass skirt included.
March 2017 updates:
Symposiums on sale, pop-up bars announced, plus more!
Since the announcement of the all-new Tiki Tower Takeover lineup, the East Coast’s largest and longest-running Tiki weekender has been teasing us with lots of new announcements on its Facebook page, including symposium tickets, pop-up bars, and three more headlining bands. The Tiki cocktail summit in the revolving rooftop lounge at Pier 66 is also now sold out. Following a wrap-up of all the recent news.
Bars popping up from coast to coast to join The Hukilau
In addition to the sold-out Tiki Tower Takeover’s all-star lineup of world-class bars (France’s Dirty Dick, Italy’s Nu Lounge Bar, Chicago’s Three Dots and a Dash, New York City’s Slowly Shirley), plans call for high-profile Tiki establishments from across the country to mix up cocktails at several special events during The Hukilau. The Tiki Tower Takeover is sold out, but there will be plenty of opportunities to sample drinks from a wide array of mixologists throughout the long weekend.
In separate announcements March 1 and March 3, these bars from the eastern and western U.S. were confirmed:
Flask & Cannon from Jacksonville Beach, Fla. – While it may not look like a classic Tiki bar, this 2-year-old craft cocktail oasis certainly can pull off the drinks with the best of them. From a vast spirits selection, to a wide assortment of mugs, to such classics as a flaming Scorpion Bowl, the bartenders at Flask & Cannon put all the pieces together into a perfect modern Tiki cocktail experience. They recently competed in The Art of Tiki, a cocktail throwdown featuring bars from around the country at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival.
Hidden Harbor from Pittsburgh – Part of a new breed of neo-Tiki bars, this modern cocktail haven takes the genre in a new direction for the next generation. Everything Hidden Harbor does pushes the envelope just the right amount, from the molecular mixology of “Weird Science Wednesday,” to the brighter decor. That’s not to say Hidden Harbor isn’t deeply rooted in classic Tiki. The bar staff has a soft spot for authentic Mai-Kai classics on their “Tiki Time Machine” menu, and a 7-foot carving by Crazy Al Evans graces the small space. It’s such a fully realized concept, it’s hard to believe it’s been open only since January 2016.
S.O.S. Tiki Bar from from Decatur, Ga. – Opening quietly under the radar in November 2015, this small space that supports the attached Victory restaurant has focused on expertly crafted cocktails, to much acclaim. Off the beaten path yet not far from Atlanta, S.O.S. offers a laid-back tropical and Tiki atmosphere (featuring indoor and outdoor seating) to enjoy a wide variety of classic Tiki drinks, plus an array of small bites. Another of the new breed of bars that are taking classic Tiki and adding just the right amount of modern cocktail craftsmanship. Representing S.O.S. will be bar manager Josh Martin and head bartender Bobby Dudley.
Pagan Idol from San Francisco – Bursting onto the scene in February 2016, this classically themed Tiki haven seems to have nailed every detail: From the drinks, to the decor, to the music, to the staff. Appealing to both hardcore Tikiphiles and San Franciscio’s legendary cocktail culture, Pagan Idol is poised to join an elite group of must-see bars across the country. It already cracked the Top 10 in the annual list of the top Tiki bars in the world on Critiki.com.
* Related: Pagan Idol location was once a Tiki Bob’s (Critiki News)
Sip ‘n Dip Tiki Lounge from Great Falls, Mont. – The old-timer in the group, this institution at the foot of the Rocky Mountains is one of a select few bars in the world with its own mermaid show. Windows in the bar have provided a scenic view of the aquatic performances in the pool at the attached O’Haire Motor Inn since 1962. A renowned tourist attraction (the tiny Sip ‘n Dip has been featured in GQ Magazine), it also has a loyal local crowd that never gets tired of the Tiki-meets-Disney fantasy atmosphere. Making the trek to Fort Lauderdale are longtime managers Donnie and Marcy Johnson.
UnderTow from Phoenix – A true “underground” Tiki bar, this desert oasis is tucked into a small subterranean space beneath Sip Coffee & Beer Garage. But don’t let the secret location fool you. UnderTow has already made a splash on the Tiki scene after opening in August, hosting events featuring cocktail luminaries such as Martin Cate of Smuggler’s Cove and Georgi Radev of Mahiki in London. The elaborate nautical interior decor (created by Tiki Diablo) comes with its own detailed back-story. The drink menu is just as meticulously curated, featuring classic and modern recipes plus custom mugs. UnderTow is wasting no time joining the Tiki party at events across the country. Last month, bartender Libby Longlott traveled to the South Beach Wine & Food Festival to compete in The Art of Tiki.
Most of the bars are new to the scene and eager to prove their mettle. This shapes up to be a great opportunity for The Hukilau’s villagers to sample some of the best cutting-edge cocktails from a new generation of bars.
The bars will be featured at events throughout the weekend. The big event for the pop-up bars is Friday’s Rum Island Pool Party, the sequel to last year’s Tiki Road Trip Pool Party. On Friday afternoon, bartenders will be pouring signature cocktails poolside at Pier 66 while a DJ spins an eclectic mix of exotic tunes and villagers relax between events. Admission to the party is included in all multi-day passes.
Bars will also pop up at Friday night’s High Tide event at Pier 66 in the Panorama Ballroom, which is also included in the price of weekend passes. Some of these visiting bartenders will also participate in special cocktail workshops.
Now on sale: Ian Burrell teaches rum and cocktails, symposiums, arts & crafts
Tickets to three symposiums plus two arts & crafts classes were made available March 1, including a rum and cocktail history lesson with international rum ambassador Ian Burrell. Previously announced as host of the sold-out Tiki Tower Takeover, the founder of the UK RumFest, will be making a rare appearance at U.S. Tiki event. One other new host (historian Mike Skinner) was announced, along with the three that had been mentioned in our previous news update (Tim “Swanky” Glazner, Tom Fowner and Will Anders). These are the first new options since tickets first went on sale last year. You can order tickets to all of the following now via The Hukilau’s TicketLeap page. Prices do not include added fees. All events listed below will take place at Pier 66.
Symposium: The History of Rum in 10 Cocktails with Ian Burrell ($40 passholders, $60 non-passholders) – Friday, June 9, at 2 p.m. History doesn’t need to be boring. The global rum ambassador will take The Hukilau’s villagers on a journey through time via 10 classic cocktails. One of the world’s most distinctive spirits spokesmen (and a five-time nominee for brand ambassador of the year), Burrell is sure to entertain as well as educate in this headlining symposium. Of course, guest will be able to drink along with the lessons thanks to cocktails provided by The Hukilau’s bar team.
* More on Ian Burrell: Take 5 interview
* At The Hukilau 2011: Rum Rat Pack | Rum Barrel Challenge
Symposium: The Mai-Kai’s Untold Stories with Tim “Swanky” Glazner ($20 passholders, $40 non-passholders) – Friday, June 9, at noon. Join the author of Mai-Kai: History and Mystery of the Iconic Tiki Restaurant as he leads a panel discussion with current and former employees of The Mai-Kai. Hear the real history from the people who lived it at the historic 60-year-old restaurant.
Symposium: Nautical Tiki with Mike Skinner ($20) – Saturday, June 10, at 11 a.m. The noted Tiki researcher, historian and presenter will share his research into this integral part of Polynesian Pop history. Find out how Poly Pop was influenced by adventures on the high seas and the exploration of the South Pacific. You’ll also discover new details on how the legendary HMS Bounty is linked to The Molokai lounge at The Mai-Kai.
Craft class: Weave Your Own Palm Hat with Tom Fowner ($20) – Friday, June 9, at 10 a.m. The South Florida artist and carver returns in 2017 to show villagers how to make a stylish and practical hat, perfect for the Rum Island Pool Party and other sun-drenched festivities.
Craft class: Carve Your Own Pendant with Will Anders ($20) – Saturday, June 10, at 10 a.m. The craftsman responsible for some of the new giant carved Tikis at The Mai-Kai guides guests in creating their own small, wearable icon. The ticket to both craft classes includes all the materials.
Three bands join entertainment lineup, more to come
Several new bands were confirmed in separate announcements. They join the previously announced Canadian instrumental surf band The Surfrajettes as the major “out-of-town” bands on the schedule. Here’s a look at the newly added groups:
The Mermers – This four-piece from Gainesville, Fla., emerged in late 2015, filling a void by specializing in the darker side of surf. Featuring classic instrumentation plus organ and even theremin, the band puts an eerie twist on instro surf. As the Facebook page succinctly puts it: “Think of a black and white horror movie being filmed on the beach, and the soundtrack that would go with it.” They will be performing at Friday’s High Tide Party in their debut at The Hukilau.
The Stolen Idols – How often do you hear classic exotica, performed live as it should be – with full instrumentation and reverence for the original arrangements? Created by longtime Tiki and exotica devotee Drew Farmer, The Stolen Idols from Tampa are a breath of fresh air in today’s music scene. A recent album, Moonlight Offerings, is a 21st century take on the jazz-influenced style invented in the mid-20th century by Martin Denny, Les Baxter and others. The Stolen Idols formed in 2008 and made their debut at The Hukilau in 2009, but they haven’t been back since 2010. Catch them at the High Tide event on Friday and The Mai-Kai on Saturday.
The Hukilau schedule Updated May 31
Organizers have posted a day-by-day schedule on the official website. Here’s a quick and dirty version for your perusal. Note that all events are subject to change.
Wednesday, June 7
* Noon-6 p.m. – Registration at Pier 66
* 8 p.m. – Pre-Party in The Molokai Bar at The Mai-Kai featuring DJ James Brown’s Sweat. (South Seas and Big Kahuna passholders)
* 10:30 p.m. – MeduSirena’s After Dark Burlesque Swim Review at The Wreck Bar at the B Ocean Resort (sold out)
Thursday, June 8
All events at Pier 66 unless noted
* 10 a.m.-10 p.m. – Registration and info desk open
* 2 p.m. – MeduSirena’s South Seas Swimshow at The Wreck Bar at the B Ocean Resort [Tickets]
* 3:30-4:30 p.m. – First Timers Welcome Reception (Crystal Atrium)
* 4-7 p.m. – Tiki Tower Takeover in the Pier Top Lounge. Enjoy special cocktails crafted by four world-class bars. (Sold out)
* 5:30-10 p.m. – Kickoff Party and Tiki Treasures Bazaar Grand Opening in the Crystal Atrium and Ballroom. Be the first to see all the vendors while you sample rum and cocktails. Live performance by The Mermers at 7 p.m. (Multi-day passes or Thursday Night Pass)
* 8:30 p.m. – Dive-In Movie: Blue Hawaii on the Royal Palm Lawn (free).
* 10 p.m.-1 a.m. – Blue Hawaii Party in the Panorama Ballroom featuring DJ James Brown’s Sweat. Admission ($25) includes cocktails from Blue Chair Bay Rum.
* 10 p.m. – The Rat Pack in the Saturn Lounge. Go back in time as the Pier Top Lounge is transformed into a mid-century cocktail party where you can sip Martinis, take in the view, and be entertained by Frank, Dean, and Sammy. [Tickets]
Friday, June 9
All events at Pier 66
* 10 a.m.-10 p.m. – Registration and info desk open
* 10 a.m.-7 p.m. – Tiki Treasures Bazaar in the Crystal Atrium and Ballroom. Shop and mingle with the dozens of vendors selling their wares, plus sample rums and cocktails in bars hosted by sponsors. Music by DJ Lounge Laura Taylor. (Passholders only)
* 10-11:30 a.m. – Craft class: Weave Your Own Palm Hat with Tom Fowner [Tickets]
* 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. – Okole Maluna Cocktail Academy. Guest bartenders give you tips and tricks on how to make your own Tiki cocktails at home. [Tickets]
* 11 a.m.-5 p.m. – Rum Island Pool Party. Enjoy cocktails from eight special guest bars from across the United States. Music by DJ James Brown’s Sweat. (South Seas, Big Kahuna, Aloha or Luau Pass)
* Noon-4 p.m. – Classes: Learn to dance the hula and play the ukulele. [Tickets]
* 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. – The Hukilau Rum Tasting – Meet your Maker. Sample some fine spirits in a small setting as company representatives tell you how they were created. [Tickets]
* Noon-1:30 p.m. – Symposium: The Mai-Kai’s Untold Stories with Tim “Swanky” Glazner [Tickets]
* 2-3:30 p.m. – Symposium: The History of Rum in 10 Cocktails with Ian Burrell [Tickets]
* 4-5:30 p.m. – Symposium: Black Velvet in Paradise with Ron Ferrell [Tickets]
* 5:30 p.m. – Book and autograph signing in the Tiki Treasures Bazaar featuring Tiki Tony, Swanky, MeduSirena, plus bands such as The Surfrajettes.
* 8 p.m. – High Tide Party featuring live music from The Surfrajettes, The Hula Girls, The Mermers, Stolen Idols, Slip and the Spinouts. Burlesque by Angie Pontani, Lila Starlet and Jayne Champagne. Plus eight pop-up bars. (South Seas, Big Kahuna, Aloha, Luau, and Friday/Saturday passes)
Saturday, June 10
* 10 a.m.-3 p.m. – Registration and info desk open
* 10 a.m.-3 p.m. – Tiki Treasures Bazaar in the Crystal Atrium and Ballroom. Shop and mingle with the dozens of vendors selling their wares, plus sample rums and cocktails in bars hosted by sponsors. Music by DJ Lounge Laura Taylor. (Open to the general public)
* 10-11 a.m. – Craft class: Carve Your Own Pendant with Will Anders (sold out)
* 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Symposium: Nautical Tiki with Mike Skinner [Tickets]
* 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. – Okole Maluna Cocktail Academy. Guest bartenders give you tips and tricks on how to make your own Tiki cocktails at home. [Tickets]
* 12:30 p.m. – High End Rum Tasting with Ian Burrell [Tickets]
Main Event at The Mai-Kai
* 4:30 p.m. – First happy hour, The Mermers perform in The Molokai
* 5 p.m. – Seating for first dinner show (sold out)
* 5:30 p.m. – The Surfrajettes perform in The Molokai
* 6:45 p.m. – Announcements and first dinner show (sold out)
* 7 p.m. – Second happy hour, The Surfrajettes perform in The Molokai
* 8:30 p.m. – Stolen Idols perform in Tahiti dining room
* 9 p.m. – Seating for second dinner show
* 6:45 p.m. – Announcements and second dinner show
* 10:30 p.m. –The Hula Girls perform in the Tahiti dining room
* 11 p.m. – Skinny Jimmy Stingray performs in The Molokai
(The Mai-Kai is limited until 11 p.m. to passholders with dinner reservations)
Sunday, June 11
* Noon to 4 p.m. – The Hukilau Finale at The Mai-Kai featuring three special “lost cocktails” plus appetizers in The Molokai bar and live music by Skinny Jimmy Stingray. (All ticket-holders welcome)
* 1:30 p.m. – “The Menus of The Mai-Kai: 60 Years of Tiki Cocktail History,” a special presentation in the main dining room by Jim “Hurricane” Hayward on the history of The Mai-Kai’s cocktail menus and their evolution over time.
New Tiki mug design selected
The Hukilau’s villagers have answered the call and picked a favorite to become the official 2017 mug, designed by Tiki Tony and produced by Eekum Bookum. Results of an online poll of a dozen different designs were tallied. Which was the winner?
Looks like a new shrunken skull mug is in the works. More to come soon.
Passes, daily tickets, rooms still available
Weekend passes are selling fast – especially those on the top end of the price range that are more limited. Prices start at $159 for the three-day Luau Pass, rising to $179 for the four-day Aloha Pass and $189 for the five-day Big Kahuna Pass (sold out). The all-encompassing South Seas Pass is $379, but it gives you access to just about everything. Five-day passes are limited due to the capacity of The Molokai bar at The Mai-Kai, site of the Wednesday night kickoff party. Note: Prices listed do not include added fees.
>>> Full guide to multi-day passes
NEW: Day passes and single-event tickets
The Tiki Tower Takeover is officially sold out, but tickets to the Thursday late-night party featuring the “The Rat Pack in the Saturn Lounge” are still available for $55. “Frank, Dean and Sammy” will be flying in for one night only to serve up martinis, showgirls and more in the Pier Top Lounge.
Saturday night dinner reservations at The Mai-Kai are also filling up fast. The first dinner show seating sold out as of Feb. 22, though there is a waiting list. Seats are still available for the second dinner show and can be booked through The Hukilau website.
Also, don’t forget to book your room at Pier 66 while The Hukilau’s special rate is still available. The 60-year-old hotel with its vintage 1960s-era tower offers rates ranging from $129 for a standard “double” room in one of the two-story buildings that overlook the marina, to $226 for a tower suite. Click on the hotel accommodations link on The Hukilau website. There’s also a link to book a room at the official secondary hotel, the the B Ocean Resort.
Volunteers are always need to help out with the event and earn free passes. Click here for more info on how to join the team. Vendors are also being sought for the Tiki Treasures Bazaar. Email [email protected] to find out more.
More on The Atomic Grog
* Explore 60 years of Tiki cocktail history through the menus of The Mai-Kai
* Tiki Tower Takeover to feature rum ambassador Ian Burrell, international flair
* The Hukilau tickets go on sale, co-founder Tiki Kiliki steps down
The Hukilau 2016 photo recaps
Day 1: Pre-Party at The Mai-Kai, The Wreck Bar mermaid show
Day 2: Savage Jungle Swimshow, Tiki Tower Takeover, Kickoff Party and Tiki Treasures Bazaar, Shag’s SkyLounge, After Party at Kreepy Tiki
* Full coverage of The Hukilau