The first weekend in June brought a blast of stormy weather to South Florida, but the second weekend promises an entirely different – and much more festive – tropical disturbance. The Hukilau will inundate the Fort Lauderdale area beachfront with four days of rum-soaked activities, rockin’ surf bands and special guests from across the worldwide Tiki revival.
The 20th Polynesian Pop celebration is scheduled for Wednesday through Sunday, June 9-12, at the Beachcomber Resort & Club in Pompano Beach. Highlights include Friday’s luau on the beach and Saturday’s giant Tiki marketplace. Pool parties will feature music by top underground bands (The Surfrajettes, The Intoxicators, The Manakooras) and cocktails served up by 16 Tiki bar teams from near and far.
By Thursday, the hurricane season’s first potential tropical system will be long gone. Weekend forecasts call for rain chances around 30 to 40 percent with high temperatures near 90, a typical early summer weekend in balmy South Florida.
The Hukilau 2022: Daily recap, photos and video UPDATED
The 20th Tiki weekender featured four days of live music, educational seminars, cocktails and rum tastings, plus lots more.
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The Hukilau 2022 – Quick Links
Tickets | Schedule | Vendors | Music | Symposiums
* Social media: Instagram | Facebook page and group
Most of The Hukilau’s events and social gatherings take place poolside and under shaded thatched huts at the beachside resort. Organizers are prepared in case of bad weather with back-up plans to move some events indoors, but coverings in the outdoor areas can shield guests during typical rainy days.
The event is not yet sold out, so check the tickets page at TheHukilau.com for pass availability. The best bet for locals and late arrivals is the one-day Palm Pass ($129), which includes Saturday’s Rum Island Pool Party and Tiki Treasures Bazaar, plus the evening bungalow parties. Online sales will continue to be available, but walk-ups will also be accommodated on Saturday.
Other options include the multi-day Aloha (Friday-Saturday) and South Seas (Thursday-Saturday) passes. Many symposiums and special events are included in the price of the top-tier passes. All guests receive complimentary craft cocktails from some of the world’s best bartenders as well as tastings of sponsor rums.
Two of the guest bars – Austin’s Tiki Tatsu-Ya (Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar) and Chicago’s Three Dots and a Dash (World’s Best Spirits Selection for The Bamboo Room speakeasy) – were just named top 10 finalists for Spirited Awards at this year’s Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans. Several others are past nominees.
Previous story: See our past coverage of the full bar lineup
If you’re still looking for a room, it’s worth checking the Beachcomber first. The resort is close to selling out, but a few rooms are often held back for last-minute release. There’s also the possibility of cancellations at any time. Call (954) 941-7830 for reservations, and be aware that you’ll need to show proof of an event pass at check-in.
Don’t fret if all of the 150-odd rooms at the Beachcomber are taken, however. The beachfront along scenic State Road A1A is loaded with options, including many small boutique hotels and motels. The official alternate hotel is the Ocean Beach Resort & Suites, a half-mile to the north. Call (954) 942-2030 and mention The Hukilau for a special rate.
The move last year to the Beachcomber was party due to necessity because of the pandemic. It provided much outdoor space, along with a smaller room count as well as fewer expenses. Past host hotels have included massive properties such as the Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina, which closed for a multi-year refurbishment immediately after The Hukilau 2019.
But the change did not come without some sense of serendipity. The Hukilau, after all, is named for an oceanside gathering of family and friends for a giant fishing festival.
“This is what The Hukilau is meant to be,” organizer Richard Oneslager said in a recent interview. “We’re on the ocean, doing business with a family-run property.”
The entire hotel is reserved for The Hukilau, which both limits its size and makes for a more immersive event. It’s a “complete escape to a Tiki paradise,” Oneslager said, referring to the experience as “our own little world.” Because there are no outsiders, “everyone around you is part of the show,” he said. Very few events can offer that complete package.
Oneslager said there are no plans to grow more than a modest 5 or 10 percent. He said he likes the current configuration, which gives villagers the opportunity to meet new friends, but still have an intimate experience.
Previous story: More on the hotel and event history
“Having the whole property to ourselves is a big thing,” he said. While he won’t give an exact number, Oneslager said the total number of passes sold this year will be less than 750. That aligns The Hukilau more with the many medium-sized multi-day events rather than the giant Tiki Oasis in San Diego.
The Tiki Times: The Atomic Grog’s exclusive events guide
In addition to all the major highlights on the schedule and noted below, Oneslager continues to add fun, last-minute features. He mentioned the return of Tiki miniature golf as well as a series of outdoor “Ohana-Rama” games that you can play at your leisure or join a competition. There will also be a Tiki bingo event Saturday to benefit the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s educational foundation.
There was a flurry of announcements in the final weeks of preparations. As we count down to the 20th worldwide gathering of Tikiphiles in South Florida, here are some updates not covered in our previous stories:
>> Jump to news below:
PRE-PARTY: Wednesday night welcome at Esotico Miami
SYMPOSIUMS: Learn from rum, cocktail and Tiki VIPs
THE MAI-KAI: A taste of exclusive cocktails, gallons to go
MUSIC: Surfrajettes, Manakooras release new albums
TIKI TREASURE BAZAAR: Browse the full list of 26 marketplace vendors
Previous coverage
The Hukilau announces entertainment lineup as tickets go on sale for 20th Tiki weekender
* The Hukilau returns to June, oceanfront resort near Fort Lauderdale
PRE-PARTY: Wednesday night welcome at Esotico Miami
A welcome party will be hosted on Wednesday, June 8, by longtime Hukuilau participant Daniele Dalla Pola and his team at Esotico Miami. The latest in a popular series of rum dinners is geared toward The Hukilau with sponsor Chairman’s Reserve providing the distinctive cane spirits from St. Lucia.
The four-course meal will be paired with three Chairman’s Reserve cocktails and a flight of three rums: Forgotten Cask, Legacy, and 1931. The dishes include such tempting treats as St. Lucia Pepperpot and banana bread pudding with Chairman’s rum sauce. [See the full menu]
Appropriate party tunes will be provided by Vincent Minervino and Magdalena O’Connell of Hi-Tide Recordings, familiar faces at The Hukilau and owners of the record label that continues to release some of the best vintage-style music on the market.
After establishing his Tiki reputation with Nu Lounge Bar in his native Italy, Dalla Pola and his Miami partners opened Esotico in August 2019. It has received numerous local accolades for its craft Tiki cocktails and exotic food, providing the Magic City with a much-needed tropical oasis with an edge.
Click here for tickets to the dinner, which is scheduled for 7:30 to 11 p.m. If tickets sell out, you’re still welcome to swing by Esotico and enjoy the regular menu, along with the bar’s extensive rum and cocktail offerings. Don’t miss out on this rare Hukilau gathering in Miami.
SYMPOSIUMS: Learn from rum, cocktail and Tiki VIPs
The Hukilau was the first national Tiki event to host educational symposiums, and these high-profile events have always been a key part of the experience. This year is no exception.
Premium symposiums and classes (separate ticket required)
$1,000 Rum Tasting with Ian Burrell – Join the global rum ambassador for a reprise of this popular event that features robust tastings of a flight of rums that have a combined value of $1,000. Burrell, an award-winning spirits educator, recently joined forces with industry friends to release the world’s first Afro-Caribbean rum, Equiano. Saturday at 5 p.m. (sold out).
How to Make Punch Like Captain Kidd – Who better to school us on the fascinating history of the great social drink than the author of the influential Punch: The Delights (and Dangers) of the Flowing Bowl. James Beard Award-winning author David Wondrich will regale us with the communal drink’s rich history, provide potent samples, and teach us how to make a proper 18th-century bowl of punch. Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
The Okole Maluna Cocktail Academy with Ian Burrell – Bringing together spirits, mixology and “edu-tainment” in one robust package, the London-based rum ambassador has taken his craft to the next level with masterclasses and seminars on every continent around the world. His latest class for The Hukilau is sure to be both fun and informative. Saturday at 11 a.m.
* Related: Take 5 with Ian Burrell | More blogs featuring Ian Burrell
Events for Aloha and South Seas passholders
Alfred Shaheen: Iconic Hawaiian Textiles – Artist Margo Scott of Rocket Betty Designs pays tribute to the largest and most innovative mid-century aloha wear manufacturer in Hawaii. Hear from a popular modern designer about the influence of Shaheen’s designs and what makes them collectible. Friday at 2 p.m.
A New History of Rum Until 1900 – David Wondrich, editor-in-chief of the acclaimed Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails, delves deep into the complex history of cane spirits. Guests will taste their way through this interactive presentation by one of the cocktail world’s most respected authors and teachers. Friday at 3:30 p.m.
* Eat My Globe podcast: Interview with David Wondrich
Designing Immersive Environments – Learn how to make your home or commercial bar extraordinary with expert tips and guidance from Rodney Ray, creative director, concept designer and primary fabricator for Florida-based HeadHunter Props. Ray specializes in scenic material chemistry and composition, consulting on theme park projects in Florida, California and abroad. Friday at 5 p.m.
The Mai-Kai Presentation and Meet-and-Greet – Villagers will get an exclusive glimpse behind the scenes at the renovations plans for The Mai-Kai during this interactive symposium on Saturday. Join Bill Fuller as he expands on the recently released details and talks about the new vision for the historic restaurant that has been an integral part of The Hukilau experience since 2003. Guaranteed seating for South Seas passholders, remaining space and standing room for Aloha passholders. Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
Rum Amok with Ian Burrell – There’s no telling what’s in store for guests at this late addition to the schedule hosted by one of the world’s foremost experts on cane spirits. Two things are certain: It will involve rum, and it will be fun.
Spike’s Breezeway Cocktail Hour Live – Be a part of Spike Marble’s weekly YouTube show as he records live during The Hukilau with his usual high-spirited humor and special guests. Marble, frontman of Southern California “hulabilly” band The Hula Girls, started utilizing his skills in photography, videography and graphic design early in the pandemic, to much acclaim. Saturday at 12:30 p.m.
Tiki Treasures: The Wild, Weird and Wonderful Things You Discover When You Pull Your Head Out of Your Glass – Jeff Ballard, host of Tiki Trail live and creator of the Tikicomber app, takes you beyond the cocktails, mugs and soundtracks to uncover the unusual artifacts found in Tiki bars around the world. For more than two years, Ballard has hosted a weekly (now monthly) Zoom event online that brings together artists, mixologists, musicians, and all manner of creative folks from the worldwide Tiki scene. Symposium attendees will be treated to the Tiki Trail Zombie, created by The Atomic Grog. Friday at 11 a.m.
As you enjoy all the delicious cocktails during the symposiums and around the event all weekend, be sure to toast The Hukilau bar team for making it all happen.
TheHukilau.com: Click here for a rundown on all the symposiums, tastings, classes, and events
EXCLUSIVE: The Mai-Kai’s renovation plans include reimagined entryway, new event space
When The Mai-Kai completes a multimillion-dollar renovation, guests of the historic restaurant will be treated to several major enhancements, including a more immersive arrival experience and a new banquet hall.
THE MAI-KAI: A taste of exclusive cocktails, gallons to go
While it’s unfortunate to be without The Mai-Kai during The Hukilau for a second year in a row, excitement is building for the planned reopening of the Polynesian palace later this year. As noted above, the head of the new ownership team will be giving villagers a sneak preview during a symposium on Saturday.
Takeout cocktails returned in April with quarts and gallons of four of The Mai-Kai’s most popular drinks: Barrel O’ Rum, Black Magic, Jet Pilot, and Mai Tai. Also available: The last bottles of The Real McCoy 12-year-old Distillers Proof Mai-Kai Blend, a signature rum from Barbados made especially for The Mai-Kai.
But Hukilau guests need not wait until the next public offering on Father’s Day weekend. Passholders can order all of the above for pick-up at The Mai-Kai on Sunday, June 12. Keep an eye out during The Hukilau for a special tasting of the signature rum.
In addition, a few of The Mai-Kai’s classic cocktails that have not been available since the October 2020 closing will be served during The Hukilau. We’re told that the Thursday night welcome party will feature the Mai-Kai Swizzle while guests at Friday’s luau will be treated to the Mutiny. Click on all of the cocktails above for The Atomic Grog’s review, ratings and tribute recipes.
MUSIC: Surfrajettes, Manakooras release new albums
The band we’re most excited about seeing at The Hukilau is making its event debut: the Southern supergroup known as The Manakooras. Based in Charlotte, N.C., the band includes members of Aqualads, The Intoxicators, The Penetrators, and Satan’s Pilgrims.
The Manakooras stand out from the surf music crowd by combining steel guitar and elements of Hawaiian and exotica music to their mellow but rollicking musical stew. Fittingly, the band’s name comes from the classic tune Moon of Manakoora. Popularized in the 1930s as an exotic Hawaiian standard, the song was later covered by instro surf pioneers The Ventures. The band will be performing Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 5 p.m.
The band’s first full album for New Jersey’s Hi-Tide Recordings, Jungle of Steel, will see its official release during The Hukilau on June 10.
A limited-edition first pressing on “jungle green” vinyl, featuring cover art by Chris Wilkinson, has already sold out in advance. But some lucky villagers will be able to pick up a copy during a poolside album-release event on Friday around 9 p.m. Also expect future releases online. And if you’re not a purist, you can always download the full 12-song album when it becomes available via Bandcamp on Friday (June 10).
Other musical acts scheduled to perform poolside and around the Beachcomber Resort:
The Surfrajettes (Toronto) – They took the surf music world by storm with their engaging live shows. Now, the four ladies from north of the border are ready to rock the rest of the musical universe. After several high-profile cruise appearances, The Surfrajettes are hitting the road and taking their music to the masses following the April 22 release of their debut album, Roller Fink, on Hi-Tide Recordings. Friday at 4 p.m. and Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
The Intoxicators (Tallahassee) – Returning to The Hukilau for a 16th time, the instro surf rockers never fail to rev up the crowd and enhance the event’s party atmosphere with their wide range of covers and originals. Thursday at 7 p.m. and Friday at 1 p.m. Also expect the band’s alter ego, The Disasternauts, to also swing by. The simian supergroup will fittingly close out the entertainment schedule. Saturday at 8 p.m.
King Kukulele (Southern California) – After missing The Hukilau just once in 18 years, the Tiki scene’s master of ceremonies returns to fill that role like nobody else can. King Kukulele may just be a haole with a ukulele, but he makes any event complete with his positive vibes, corny comedy and ad libs.
Skinny Jimmy Stingray (Deerfield Beach) – Making a rare appearance at the host hotel after years of performing at The Mai-Kai during The Hukilau, this local instrumental power trio always brings plenty of energy to the party. Featuring a ton of new original tunes, the guitarist and his band have begun dipping their toes into rockabilly to augment their traditional instro surf standards. Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
Don’t forget the DJs. Between bands, you’ll hear great surf, lounge and exotica tunes all weekend long courtesy of Minervino and O’Connell of Hi-Tide, Spike Marble of The Hula Girls and Spike’s Breezeway Cocktail Hour, Brian Crum of The Intoxicators, and South Florida’s own James Brown’s Sweat.
TheHukilau.com: Click here for streaming audio, photos and more information on the musical entertainment
TIKI TREASURE BAZAAR: Browse the full list of 26 marketplace vendors
Tiki marketplaces may be common on the West Coast, but The Hukilau offers East Coast collectors a unique opportunity to pick up vintage collectibles from a wide range of artists and vendors. Villagers can shop for everything from curated art, to mugs, to hand-made lamps, to Tiki carvings and much more. The Tiki Treasures Bazaar, a mainstay of the event for decades, will be held on one day only: Saturday, June 11. South Seas passholders get early access at noon, followed by all other villagers at 1 p.m. The general public can attend from 3 until the marketplace closes at 7 p.m.
Here’s the full list of the 26 participating artists and merchants, their specialty items, plus links to official sites when available.
Aloha Art and Alligators – Vintage Hawaiiana, Tiki and fashion accessories.
Big Mike’s Tiki Gods – Hawaiian shirts, Tiki collectibles, original art and prints.
Deco Dermot – Tiki mugs, postcards, hula girl figures, bric-a-brac, Hawaiian shirts.
Dead Serious Cash Customs – Leis, hair flowers, headbands, necklaces, Tiki and rockabilly purses.
Devi & Co.– Handmade tropical jewelry.
Eekum Bookum – Custom Tiki mugs by John Mulder.
The Honu – Branded swizzles, T-shirts, mugs, hats, and stickers from the Dunedin, Fla., restaurant and Tiki bar.
Kymm! Bang – Gravel art, jewelry, barware, accessories.
Livin A Dream – Authentic Hawaiian clothing, Hawaiiana trinkets, vinyl records.
Luau Lads – Cocktail mixers, tropical-themed apparel, drinkware and accessories.
Mimi’s Baubles – Vintage tablecloths and linens, retro clothing, home decor.
The Modern Historic – Records, vintage clothing, and housewares.
Nautical Wheeler – Surfboards, skim board tables, nautical collectibles.
Nice Work by Laz – Tiki carvings.
Retro Tiki Design – Mid-century and Tiki-inspired artwork, swizzle sticks, ornaments, wood engraved pieces.
Sew Cute and Quirky – Wallets, purses, bags, organizers and home décor items.
The Shrunken Monkey – Ceramic artifacts, home bar lightning, exotic props and decor.
Smash Fire Designs – Tiki and mid-century modern inspired handmade jewelry.
Taboo Relics – Handmade ceramic exotica, Tiki swag lamps, Tiki mugs.
Tee-Ki Togs – Polynesian-inspired pendants, earrings, necklaces and pins.
Tiki Diablo – Hand-crafted Tiki mugs, glassware, custom bar design and decor.
Tikiphile – Original Tiki-inspired paintings, decorative ceramic Tiki tiles, ceramic mugs, glassware.
Todd Tiki – Necklaces, signs, carvings, palm fronds.
Tom Fowner – Hand-carved Tikis, pendants and more.
Tropical Impressions – Tropical and Tiki-themed artwork and homemade jewelry.
Vienna Boutique Gifts – Hand-crafted, scented soaps.
TheHukilau.com: Click here for photos and more information on all the vendors
Media coverage
* The Hukilau returns for annual Tiki takeover at Pompano Beach’s Beachcomber Resort (Miami New Times)
The Hukilau 2021 recap
The Hukilau 2021: Daily recap, photos and video
The Hukilau returned to the picturesque Fort Lauderdale area oceanfront for an 18th time Sept. 16-19 for four days of Polynesian Pop paradise in America’s vacationland.
Zombie party is final challenge for The Hukilau villagers
The Hukilau finale featured live surf music and deadly cocktails at the “Hereafter Party at Death or Gory in Hellray Beach.”
The Hukilau: Past coverage
Photos: 10 highlights from The Hukilau 2019 in Fort Lauderdale
* 2019: Photos and video from social media
* 2018 social media recap | More highlights
* 2017 daily recaps, news, photos and video | More highlights
* More recaps: 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2002-2008
More on The Atomic Grog
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