Updated June 2
The Hukilau 2023, coming June 8-11 to an oceanfront South Florida resort, is shaping up to be a Tiki cocktail lover’s dream event. In addition to sampling drinks from more than a dozen top bartenders from around the world, guests can learn from some of the industry’s preeminent experts – including Jeff “Beachbum” Berry and David Wondrich.
More below: What’s new | Music | Symposiums | Schedule | Tickets | Hotels | History | More to come
RELATED: The Hukilau announces 17 guest Tiki bar teams
NEW: The Hukilau 2023 countdown: Full schedule and updates as 21st Tiki weekender approaches
Berry, a New Orleans bar owner and influential author, is returning to The Hukilau for the first time since 2016. Wondrich, an award-winning author and cocktail historian, is back for a second straight year. They will be joined by several other past presenters making their return to the event: Cocktail Wonk blogger and author Matt Pietrek; and New York City bartender Garret Richard, who also has a book in the works.
“Having Beachbum Berry back again is real exciting for us,” said event organizer Richard Oneslager. “In the cocktail would, you couldn’t have two luminaries bigger than David Wondrich and Jeff Berry.”
To top off the boozy offerings, Spike Marble will be on hand for a live recording of his Spike’s Breezeway Cocktail Hour video show. Also expect sponsored nightly parties, rum tastings, and more opportunities for spirited fun, all complimentary with an event pass.
The full lineup of bars and bartenders has yet to be announced, but we can confirm that two legendary brands – The Mai-Kai and Don the Beachcomber – will be attending and slinging drinks at pop-up bars throughout the event at the Beachcomber Resort.
The Hukilau 2023 – June 8-11 at the Beachcomber Resort & Club in Pompano Beach. Featuring live music (The Hula Girls, The Intoxicators, The Disasternauts, Shorty’s Swingin’ Coconuts, The Swingin’ Palms, Skinny Jimmy Stingray, Dan Cunningham), symposiums (Jeff “Beachbum” Berry, David Wondrich, Matt Pietrek, Garret Richard, Spike Marble, Tiki Tom-Tom), guest bars, rum tastings, pool parties, beach parties, Tiki Treasures Bazaar, plus more.
* TheHukilau.com | Instagram | Facebook page and group
Rooms at the resort are already sold out, but a second nearby hotel is available at a special rate. Go to TheHukilau.com to book your accommodations and order event tickets. A South Seas pass gives “villagers,” as The Hukilau lovingly calls its attendees, reserved seating at all symposiums, plus early access to other events, a VIP lounge, plus more. The mid-level Aloha Pass covers all of the Thursday-Saturday events, plus free cocktails all weekend. The budget-friendly Palm Pass gets you into Saturday’s marketplace and pool party, plus evening bungalow parties.
Live music from some of the Tiki scene’s top surf and exotica bands is another signature of the event. Among those scheduled to appear at the daily and nightly poolside parties are California’s The Hula Girls and Shorty’s Swingin’ Coconuts; and Florida’s The Intoxicators, The Disasternauts and Skinny Jimmy Stingray.
Saturday’s Tiki Treasures Bazaar will feature dozens of vendors of vintage and retro-inspired goods, from mugs and aloha shirts to carvings and artwork. The Beachcomber’s scenic locale right on the Atlantic Ocean will also provide the perfect setting for daily beach parties Friday and Saturday with special entertainment. One of the parties will feature Polynesian dancers with ties to The Mai-Kai, while the other will include popular Elvis tribute performer Dan Cunningham from South Florida.
Here are details on of The Hukilau’s special guests, plus info on tickets, the daily schedule and more.
What’s new: Daily beach parties, expanded facilities
Wednesday’s pre-party at Esotico Miami is not new, but it’s on the official schedule this year. Acclaimed mixologist and owner Daniele Dalla Pola is a longtime participant at The Hukilau, going back to his memorable Tiki Tower Takeover appearances in 2017 and 2018. Last year, he served up a four-course meal featuring three cocktails and a flight of three rums. Expect nothing less this year, along with a chance to check out the new adjoining Tiki speakeasy, Kaona Room.
The Friday evening luau has been replaced on the schedule by the daily beach parties on Friday and Saturday. A special menu of food will be available for purchase during the parties.
Top-tier passholders will find an expanded South Seas Lounge, relocated to a bigger space in the main lobby area with more food, along with exclusive cocktails. Passholders will be able to fortify with a continental breakfast, lunch and hot hors d’oeuvres in the evening. The lounge will also feature meet-and-greets with event VIPs, such as artists, speakers, and musicians.
Demand is expected to be high for some of the symposiums, so the large tented courtyard that hosts Saturday’s vendor marketplace will also be used on Friday for the most in-demand presentations. Speakers will also continue to hold presentations inside the two beachside thatched huts.
Music: Tiki supergroups take center stage
Live music continues to be a centerpiece of The Hukilau, with another solid lineup set for 2023. An eclectic assortment of bands will be featured on the main poolside stage, plus daily beach parties.
Returning to The Hukilau for the first time since 2019, Southern California’s The Hula Girls are one of the Tiki scene’s most popular special event party bands. Frontman Spike Marble leads a tight “hulabilly” foursome joined on stage by the group’s signature hula dancers. Check out their most recent release, a self-titled 2020 EP on the Hi-Tide Recordings label.
It wouldn’t be The Hukilau without The Intoxicators, the Tallahassee-based instrumental surf combo that will return in 2023 for their 17th appearance. From classic covers to powerful originals, the band always delivers memorable performances featuring songs from throughout an extensive back catalog.
Bearing a striking resemblance to The Intoxicators but featuring a primal energy unlike any other band, The Disasternauts are another band that’s synonymous with The Hukilau. The simian supergroup, which traces its mysterious history back to the space program on Florida’s east coast, always lights up the stage, as they did as last year’s Saturday night headliner (see video).
Shorty’s Swingin’ Coconuts are a new surf-Tiki supergroup from Long Beach, Calif., led by guitarist Shorty Poole (bassist in The Hula Girls) and featuring members of Big Sandy & his Fly Rite Boys, and The Dave & Deke Combo. The group’s debut EP, Mai Tai Hi-Fi, was released in April 2022 by Hi-Tide Recordings. Stay tuned for more info on the band’s debut album, due to be released at The Hukilau.
The Swingin’ Palms are making a second appearance at The Hukilau, following a well-received debut in 2019. Despite being located in Albany, N.Y., the band perfectly captures the mood of the South Seas with its Tiki-tinged Hawaiian instrumentals. A self-titled debut EP was released in 2019 by Hi-Tide.
Skinny Jimmy Stingray doesn’t have far to travel to The Hukilau. The veteran surf guitarist hails from nearby Deerfield Beach, where he and his three-piece band hone their chops and bring their instrumental sounds to many area events, from car shows to rockabilly festivals. Making his eighth appearance at The Hukilau, Stingray will once again keep fans of the traditional surf sound and style happy with his flawless mix of classic covers and originals.
Dan Cunningham is a mainstay in South Florida with his Elvis tribute performances around the region. He has showcased the King’s Hawaiian period multiple times at The Hukilau over the years (most recently in 2021), and also has been one of the few artists invited to perform on the main stage during a dinner show at The Mai-Kai. Catch Cunningham headlining one of The Hukilau’s daily beach parties.
NEW: A late addition to the lineup is The Ohana Hawaiian Jazz Trio, a three-piece group featuring lap steel guitar, acoustic guitar, and stand-up bass.
In addition to the bands, the tropical mood will be enhanced by a crew of specialty DJs, such as Hi-Tide Recordings owners Vincent Minervino and Magdalena O’Connell. Expect a few more performers and DJs to be announced soon. Note: Previously listed on the website, The Tikiyaki Orchestra will not be attending this year.
* Check The Hukilau website for the latest list of performers.
Symposium presenters: Berry, Wondrich top cocktail-centric lineup UPDATED
The Hukilau has been shifting away from a primary focus on history and Tiki pop culture, and more toward Tiki bars and cocktails, for quite a few years now. This emphasis was solidified during the five years (2015-2019) at the Pier Sixty-Six Hotel, where some of the world’s top bartenders flocked to participate in the memorable Tiki Tower Takeover events and Okole Maluna Cocktail Academy classes.
This has also coincided with a measurable surge in high-quality Tiki bars opening nationwide, so it should be no surprise that this popular aspect of modern Tiki culture is now a main attraction at The Hukilau. The trend has continued at the Beachcomber over the past two years, with many respected industry VIPs tending bar, teaching classes, and just enjoying the comraderie.
Which brings us to 2023, and a lineup of presenters that rivals any major cocktail event in the world. Oneslager has pulled out all the stops in assembling a “murderer’s row” of spirts and Tiki experts:
UPDATED: Jeff “Beachbum” Berry is the author of six seminal books on Tiki cocktails and culture, and the owner of Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29 in New Orleans. For many years, Berry was a fixture at The Hukilau, where he perfected his wildly popular cocktail symposiums and influenced a generation of up-and-coming bar professionals and enthusiasts alike. He’ll be returning after a seven-year absense to host his own signature symposium, “Tiki’s Big Bang: The Hard-hitting History of Planter’s Punch.” Berry will also team up with David Wondrich for a world-premiere presentation that’s sure to be both entertaining and enlightening: “Thrillas From Manila: Famous Filipino Tiki Barmen.”
* More on Beachbum Berry on The Atomic Grog
UPDATED: David Wondrich, an award-winning author and cocktail historian from New York City, has been at the forefront of the craft cocktail movement for more than two decades. The latest example of his seminal work is the The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails, a monumental 860-page encyclopedia that he contributted to and edited (with Noah Rothbaum). A former English professor and Esquire Magazine correspondent, Wondrich has written four classic books and co-hosts the Fix Me a Drink podcast with Rothbaum. Returning to The Hukilau for the second year in a row, Wondrich will do a presentation on tropical drinks in the pre-Tiki era, and also host a hands-on class on the El Presidente. He’ll also team up with Berry for a new presentation on Filipino bartenders mentioned above.
Author and blogger Matt Pietrek brings a wealth of knowledge to The Hukilau, drawing from his two self-published books (Minimalist Tiki and Modern Caribbean Rum) and award-winning Cocktail Wonk blog. In his second appearance at The Hukilau, Pietrek will present a symposium on classic tropical drink recipes, past vs. present. He will also participate in a panel discission on book publishing and teach a cocktail class.
For Southern California’s Matt “Spike” Marble, Tiki is not just a passion and a career. It’s a way of life. The multi-talented musican-photographer-artist has been at ground zero of the modern Tiki revival, fronting The Hula Girls and promoting his own events. In recent years, he turned the COVID pandemic into a new side gig as host of the popular Spike’s Breezeway Cocktail Hour on YouTube (every Friday at 9 p.m. Eastern). In addition to his duites with The Hula Girls, Marble will record another live show at The Hukilau with several special guests during the Sunday brunch.
UPDATED: Don’t let the youthful appearance of master bartender Garret Richard fool you. He’s a mainstay of the New York City cocktail scene and a veteran particpant at The Hukilau, most recently in 2017. In recent years, he has taken the mantle of NYC’s Tiki torchbearer, assuming the helm of the cocktail program at the Sunken Harbor Club in Brooklyn. A student of both modern techniques and cocktail history, Richard is co-writer (with The Rum Reader publisher Ben Schaffer) of an ambitious new book, Tropical Standard: Cocktail Techniques & Reinvented Recipes, released in May. At The Hukilau, Richard will teach a cocktail class, participate in a panel discussion on publishing (with Pietrek and Tiki Tom-Tom), and serve a drink during a bungalow party. He’ll also be a guest on Spike’s Breezeway during the Tiki Brunch on Sunday.
UPDATED: Tiki Tom-Tom describes himself as an author, photographer, artist, seamster, educator and wanderer. But first and foremost, he is a “Polynesiac,” which he describes as “a passionate, welcoming, and fun-loving person characterized by an inordinate or ungovernable enthusiasm for Tiki.” During the dark days of COVID, Tiki Tom-Tom channeled this enthusiasm into a whirlwind cross-country trip visiting 75 home Tiki bars, documenting his travels on his blog. His stunning photos and captivating stories will be published in The Polynesiacs: Tiki at Home, an upcoming hard-cover book set for publication in May from Matt Pietrek’s Wonk Press and available now for presale. At The Hukilau, Tiki Tom-Tom will host “Polynesiacs: Navigating a Home Tiki Bar Build,” a workshop with information and tips he gleaned from writing his book. He’ll also participate in the panel discussion on publishing mentioned above.
NEW: A new presentation was confirmed in May, “Rebuilding Paradise: The Mai-Kai Comes Back to Life.” “Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller, the creative director of the restoration project, will share his first-hand experiences and take guests behind the scenes with the latest news and photos from the historic restaurant.
Check The Hukilau website for the latest list of presenters.
Schedule: From a Wednesday rum dinner to a Sunday brunch
WEDNEDAY: Welcome dinner and pre-party at Esotico Miami. All guests must purchase a separate ticket ($99 plus $20 gratuity) for this special event. The ticket includes a multi-course dinner with rum pairings, live entertainment, and shuttle transportation to and from the Beachcomber.
THURSDAY: Welcome reception and opening-night party with pop-up bars and live music, plus bungalow parties and more TBA.
FRIDAY: Pool party, beach party, pop-up bars, live music, symposiums and classes, bungalow parties, plus more TBA.
SATURDAY: Tiki Treasures Bazaar, pool party, beach party, pop-up bars, live music, symposiums and classes, bungalow parties, plus more TBA.
SUNDAY: Tiki brunch and farewell party featuring Spike Marble and live music from The Swingin’ Palms.
Keep an eye out for the full schedule, coming soon.
Tickets & passes: Three options for villagers
The Hukilau’s premiere South Seas pass is all-inclusive, meaning all seminars and special events are included with the exception of some of the smaller cocktail classes. It also includes a host of other benefits, which explains its appeal and tradition as the first to sell out. Note that tickets increased $20-$30 from last year. Passholders must be age 21 and older.
* Click here to order your tickets and passes now
South Seas Pass ($599 + $18.60 service fee): These top-tier passes include full access to Thursday’s kickoff and bungalow parties; Friday and Saturday pool parties, beach parties, and bungalow parties; and Sunday’s brunch. All of these daily events include complimentary cocktails from more than a dozen top Tiki bars. Also included: Guaranteed seating at symposiums, early access to Saturday’s Tiki Treasures Bazaar, plus an exclusive tour of The Mai-Kai (subject to access restrictions due to construction). Passholders have their own South Seas Lounge (featuring “light bites and exclusive cocktails”). Not included: Cocktail classes TBA and Wednesday’s pre-party at Esotico Miami.
Aloha Pass ($359 + $12.40 service fee): This mid-level pass includes all the daily Thursday-Saturday parties, plus Saturday’s bazaar. Aloha passholders also have access to all the symposiums and The Mai-Kai tour on a space-available basis. Not included: Wednesday pre-party and Sunday brunch, which can be added as separate tickets.
Palm Pass ($149 + $7.70 service fee): Essentially a one-day pass for Saturday, this is designed for locals or those with just one day free to enjoy The Hukilau. Includes admission to Saturday afternoon’s pool party and Tiki Treasures Bazaar, plus the evening bungalow parties. Both parties feature complimentary cocktails, bands and other entertainment. Seminars are not included. Wednesday pre-party and Sunday’s brunch could be added as separate tickets. If you want to attend the Thursday and Friday events, you’ll need an Aloha or South Seas Pass.
There are also separate tickets on sale for Wednesday’s rum dinner and pre-party at Esotico ($118.80) and Sunday’s Tiki brunch ($59). The brunch is included in South Seas passes.
In addition to the symposiums that are included in the price of the top passes, there will also be three to five Okole Maluna Cocktail Academy classes that will require a separate ticket. These are more intimate seminars featuring some of the guest bartenders and presenters. They should be announced after the guest bars are named.
The hotels: Beachcomber sells out faster than expected
The East Coast’s longest running Tiki weekender relocated to the cozy Beachcomber Resort & Club in Pompano Beach in COVID-restricted 2021, taking advantage of the open oceanfront spaces and smaller capacity than the past hotels. Besides the intimate feel, it gave villagers the opportunity to take over the entire hotel and result in total Tiki immersion.
This scenario is more comparable to some of the mid-sized resorts that host Tiki events across the country, and less like the giant hotels that The Hukilau had often called home. This smaller size was not an issue in 2021 and even 2022, when it took months to fill all the rooms.
But this year, the Beachcomber sold out in record time (less than 48 hours), catching the organizers off guard. To our knowledge, this was the fastest hotel sellout in the history of The Hukilau. Faster than even the days at the compact Bahia Cabana, when Shag and Los Straitjackets were headliners.
It should be noted that other events in small venues, such as Tiki Caliente and Ohana: Luau At The Lake, also recently sold out extremely fast. There’s a definite pent-up demand for events in the wake of COVID infections and restrictions contining to ease.
But just because the 140-room capacity at the Beachcomber was maxed out, that didn’t mean tickets were sold out. Many are still available since the event space can accommodate many more guests than those who fill the rooms.
Past years have seen many locals attend, along with out-of-towners who choose to stay at other nearby hotels, motels, and B&Bs. There’s also still one last chance if you have your heart set on staying at the Beachcomber: Join the waiting list via the online contact page. Last year, quite a few rooms became available during the lead-up to the event.
To the organizers’ credit, they quickly added a second hotel at a special rate: the new Plunge Beach Resort (opened in 2017), an oceanfront boutique hotel about 2 miles south of the Beachcomber in Lauderdale By the Sea. “It has a great vibe,” Oneslager said of the stylish oceanfront resort.
The current rate is $219 per night, plus a $20 resort fee. Free transportation to and from the Beachcomber will be provided. That rate may go up once the initial room block is filled.
You can book a room at the special rate via a link on The Hukilau website. You can also call 407-536-2763, but be sure to use group code “HUKI” to get that price.
Of course, you’re free to make your own accommodations elsewhere in the area. On the north Broward County beachfront, there are many options within walking distance or a short rideshare trip from The Hukilau.
As the hub of activity, it’s hard to beat the Beachcomber, which helps explain the fast sellout. Rooms are spread across several buildings in the family-owned facility, many with pool and/or ocean views. The main building is just nine stories, so you don’t feel like you’re in a concrete canyon. There are small bungalows for room parties, two pools, a private beach, plus vast beachside courtyards.
As usual, The Hukilau villagers will have the place to themselves for three days and nights. It’s a fully immersive environment that may not be the South Pacific, but probably the next best thing.
The Hukilau: 20 years of Polynesian Pop
This year will mark the 21st live event since The Hukilau launched in 2002 (the 2020 event was lost to COVID). This makes it the second longest-running Tiki event in the world after Tiki Oasis in San Diego (2001). Portland’s Tiki Kon, which also debuted in 2002, has announced that this summer’s event will be its last full-blown weekender.
Here’s a look back at The Hukilau’s past host venues:
2002 – Hilton hotel and Trader Vic’s in Atlanta
2003 – Holiday Inn hotel and The Mai-Kai restaurant in Fort Lauderdale
2004 – Bahia Mar Beach Resort, Bahia Cabana Beach Resort and The Mai-Kai
2005 – Bahia Mar and The Mai-Kai
2006 – Yankee Clipper hotel and The Mai-Kai
2007 – Yankee Clipper, Bahia Cabana and The Mai-Kai
2008 – Yankee Clipper, Bahia Cabana and The Mai-Kai
2009 – Bahia Cabana and The Mai-Kai
2010 – Bahia Mar, Bahia Cabana and The Mai-Kai
2011 – Bahia Mar, Bahia Cabana and The Mai-Kai
2012 – Best Western Oceanside Inn, Bahia Cabana and The Mai-Kai
2013 – Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel (Yankee Clipper) and The Mai-Kai
2014 – Bahia Mar and The Mai-Kai
2015 – Hyatt Regency Pier 66 and The Mai-Kai
2016 – Hyatt Regency Pier 66 and The Mai-Kai
2017 – Hyatt Regency Pier 66 and The Mai-Kai
2018 – Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina and The Mai-Kai
2019 – Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina and The Mai-Kai
2020 – Canceled due to COVID
2021 – Beachcomber Resort & Club
2022 – Beachcomber Resort & Club
2023 – Beachcomber Resort & Club
The Hukilau was founded by Tiki enthusiasts Christie “Tiki Kiliki” White and Tim “Swanky” Glazner as a modern version of the traditional Hawaiian gathering of family and friends for a giant festival of fishing. Their vision was to attract lovers of Tiki culture from all over the world for a unique, vintage-styled celebration.
The event picked up momentum after moving to South Florida, home of The Mai-Kai, in its second year. While the hotels changed over the years, the level of talent never waned. Many legends as well as the top names of the Tiki revival made the annual pilgrimmage, including: Billy Mure, Yma Sumac, Robert Drasnin, Waitiki, Sven Kirsten, Shag, Bosko, Wayne Coombs, Bamboo Ben, Tiki Diablo, Jeff “Beachbum” Berry, Ian Burrell, Martin Cate, Brother Cleve, King Kukulele, Kevin Kidney and Jody Daily, Dawn Wells, Marina the Fire Eating Mermaid, Ìxtahuele, Los Straitjackets, The Martian Denny Orchestra, Left Arm of Buddha, Sweet Hollywaiians, Alika Lyman, Surfer Joe, The Surfrajettes, and many more.
White took the reins and ran the event with a firm hand from 2005 through 2016. After assuming financial ownerhip of The Hukilau in 2015, Oneslager took over fully with the booking and organizing roles in 2017. No longer a newbie, he’s now in his sixth year as the event’s head honcho.
Oneslager, a Colorado entrepreneur who is also an outside investor in The Mai-Kai’s refurbishment, has been a steady influence during recent turbulent times. Through the COVID years and The Mai-Kai’s closing and reimagination, The Hukilau has kept the light burning and rum flowing for fans of classic Tiki and Polynesian Pop.
TBA: More entertainment and symposiums, guest bars and cocktail classes
Expect more details to be announced soon, including the 2023 event mug and merchandise. Multiple featured artists from past events will be contributing designs to a special set of glassware.
Oneslager said he’s working on adding more symposiums on non-cocktail topics. Also expect more entertainment to join the lineup soon.
Okole Maluna Cocktail Academy classes, taught by guest bartenders and presenters, will also be added. These will require ala carte tickets.
The Tiki Treasures Bazaar is expanding from the small pool and large tented courtyard to include some of the nearby bungalows in an effort to add even more vendors. Fans are also being added to cool down the tent space.
Click here to see the vendors that are confirmed so far. More will be added soon. Vendors, volunteers and sponsors are still being sought. You can express your interest via the contact page on TheHukiau.com.
Oneslager promises the same quality and quantity of pop-up bars as last year, when 15 of the world’s top bar teams plied their trade all weekend. “We have some new bars coming, and a lot of our previous bars returning,” he said.
We know The Mai-Kai and the new Don the Bechcomber (led by beverage director Marie King) will be involved, but we’ll have to wait to hear the full lineup. Check the official site for updates, and keep an eye on social media. At least one attendee has already leaked the news:
We’ll post more updates and news as the event approaches. Sign up for email alerts on the official website and be the first to find out.
THE HUKILAU: PAST COVERAGE
The Hukilau 2022: Daily recap, photos and video
The 19th Tiki weekender featured four days of live music, educational seminars, cocktails and rum tastings, plus lots more.
The Mai-Kai’s new owner reveals renovation plans during The Hukilau
Tiki enthusiasts got preview of refurbishment of the 65-year-old landmark during a discussion at annual event in June.
* Full 2022 coverage
* 2021: Daily recap, photos and video | Zombie party is final challenge | Full coverage
* 2020: Virtual events honor The Hukilau, help those in need
* 2019: 10 highlights and photos | Social media recap | Full coverage
* 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 EVENT COVERAGE
UPDATES: The Tiki Times: Exclusive events guide
Check the calendar for all of the major happenings around the world, from Tiki weekenders to rum festivals to marketplaces and music fests.
>>> SEE ALL OF THE TOP 2023 EVENTS
The Year in Tiki 2022: Take a trip back to the year’s top events
Relive the year’s top happenings with photos and video, social media posts, plus promotional artwork and links to official sites.
MORE ON THE MAI-KAI
The Mai-Kai renovations, April 2023: Bora Bora building comes down as restoration efforts pick up steam NEW
The structural footprint of the historic South Florida restaurant changed dramatically with the demolition of a long-dormant building. Meanwhile, work accelerated restoring the vintage dining rooms and rebuilding the back of house.
>>> EXCLUSIVE NEWS, PHOTOS AND VIDEO
EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: Behind the scenes at The-Mai-Kai as restoration ramps up in 2023
With work accelerating on the exterior, craftsmen meticulously restore the historic South Florida restaurant’s elaborately themed interior guest areas in exacting detail.
>>> LATEST NEWS ON THE RENOVATIONS
>>> REBUILDING PARADISE: Typhoon Tommy leads restoration efforts
The Mai-Kai officially begins work on first phase of $8.5 million renovation projects
With three key building permits in hand, the new ownership group is finally moving full-steam ahead on major construction projects that will restore and reshape the historic Polynesian restaurant.
New details on The Mai-Kai renovations, new merchandise revealed at Inuhele 2023 in Atlanta
New images and renderings of the historic restaurant’s multimillion-dollar refurbishment unveiled during presentation at Tiki weekender. Attendees also got a sneak preview of new mugs and other merchandise along with a new signature rum.
Historic preservation board approves The Mai-Kai’s renovation plans, clearing way for project to move forward
Landmark Polynesian restaurant allowed to remove old building, make other enhancements in sweeping plan to reimagine 66-year-old, 2.7-acre property.
The Mai-Kai turns 66 as work progresses on multiple renovation projects
There are many reasons to be hopeful that the 67th anniversary in 2023 will be the first since 2019 when we’ll once again be able to gather inside the historic South Florida restaurant to appreciate its grandeur and beauty.
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.