Updated July 5
Proving that the modern Tiki scene is truly a worldwide phenomenon, The Hukilau has lined up one of the most geographically diverse groups of musicians, cocktail and rum experts, bartenders, and special guests in recent memory.
2024 EVENT RECAPS
* The Hukilau highlights: The Atomic Grog’s photos, video and memories
* Live coverage, photos and video from social media
When the East Coast’s longest-running Polynesian Pop weekender returns for its 22nd gathering in South Florida this June, its guests (aka villagers) will not only get an exclusive experience at the historic Mai-Kai, they will have a rare opportunity to traverse the globe … Hukilau-style.
Where else can you taste spirits with London’s “Rum Ambassador,” then rock out with a Russian band while enjoying tropical drinks from a Paris bartender? Follow that up with classic cocktails and a Tiki history class with an acclaimed New Orleans author and bar owner, poolside parties featuring mixologists from Los Angeles to Cozumel, and live surf and exotica music from Italy and Spain.
You would be hard pressed to find a more diverse group of entertainers and experts at a retro-themed Tiki event. The Hukilau’s organizers are also making a conscious attempt this year to include symposiums that spotlight the cultural diversity prevalent in today’s worldwide Tiki bar scene.
All this – plus a chance to be among the first to see the restored Mai-Kai – await guests at the June 6-9 event. With the restaurant in the final stages of its multi-year, multimillion-dollar refurbishment, it’s unclear if it will be fully open. But even if not, The Hukilau ticket-holders will get exclusive access and a tour. Note: An Aloha or South Seas pass is required to join the tour. [More info]
Event tickets are now available via TheHukilau.com website. Rooms are also available for booking at the host hotel, the oceanfront Beachcomber Resort.
Following is a sneak preview:
The Hukilau – June 6-9 at the Beachcomber Resort & Club in Pompano Beach. Featuring live music (Messer Chups, Surfer Joe, L’Exotighost, Slowey and the Boats, Lords of Atlantis, The Intoxicators, The Disasternauts, The Mermers, Skinny Jimmy Stingray), symposiums and classes (Jeff “Beachbum” Berry, Ian “Rum Ambassador” Burrell, David Wondrich, Matt Pietrek, Spike Marble), 20+ guest cocktail bars, pool parties, Tiki Treasures Bazaar, plus more.
More info below: Bands | Presenters | Guest bars | Special events | Hotel
* The Hukilau on social media: Instagram | Facebook page and group
MORE PREVIEWS
* The Mai-Kai restoration work expands, sneak previews offered at The Hukilau
* Inside (and outside) The Mai-Kai with Tiki carver Will Anders
* Symposiums, vendors and more announced for 22nd Tiki weekender June 6-9
This will be the event’s fourth straight year at the lush and tropical Beachcomber in Pompano Beach, just northeast of Fort Lauderdale. The boutique hotel offers a laid-back atmosphere and beachy vibe, which sets The Hukilau apart. There will also be events at The Mai-Kai, with details still to be determined (more info below).
This is all perfectly appropriate for an event named after a traditional Hawaiian fishing festival, the word derived from huki, meaning pull, and lau, meaning leaves. At these large gatherings – celebrated in song by Don Ho and many others – family and friends would join together to cast a net from shore, pulling it back with their catch. At the Polynesian Pop equivalent, the event casts an alluring net that attracts passionate enthusiasts from around the world.
Three event passes are available: The top-tier South Seas Pass ($599 + fees), the mid-level Aloha Pass (379 + fees), and the Saturday-only Palm Pass ($169 + fees). The South Seas price is the same as last year, while the others increased by $20. There are also plans to enhance the exclusive South Seas passholder lounge, with upgraded food and guest bartenders making regular appearances. A graphic on the website breaks down what’s available with each pass.
Here’s a rundown on the musical performers, presenters and bars that are confirmed for The Hukilau 2024. Future stories will include the Tiki Treasures Bazaar vendors, event merchandise, plus more. John Mulder of Eeekum Bookum will once again be designing and producing the official mug.
THE HUKILAU 2023: The Atomic Grog’s highlights, photos and memories
BANDS: Headliners include top names in global surf scene
The first three will be making their debut at The Hukilau. The others are returning favorites.
Messer Chups (Saint Petersburg, Russia) – Formed in 1998 and led by guitarist Oleg “Guitaracula” Gitarkin and bassist Sveltlana Zombierella, this spooky surf band has been busy touring the globe over the past several years. You can pre-order two new vinyl LPs and an EP in the Hi-Tide Recordings store.
L’Exotighost (Madrid, Spain) – Spicing up the exotica gene with new flavors and textures, this modern ensemble employs theremin, marimba, shamisen and upright bass. The band has released two albums: La Ola Oculta (2020) and Kamongo (2022, available via Hi-Tide).
Lords of Atlantis (United States) – A new instro surf supergroup featuring members of the Madeira, Aqualads, The Space Cossacks, The Blair-Pongracic Band, The Manakooras, and The A-Men. A self-titled debut album was released in 2023 on Tabu Recordings.
Surfer Joe (Livorno, Italy) – Guitarist Lorenzo Valdambrini, aka Surfer Joe, is the international ambassador for the instrumental music genre, traveling the globe for more than 100 shows a year and hosting his own signature event (the Surfer Joe Summer Festival) in his hometown. He has self-released a vast catalog of recordings, including seven LPs, five EPs and two 7-inch singles.
Slowey and the Boats (Philadelphia, Pa.) – Featuring steel guitar, piano and upright bass as well as guitar and drums, this veteran group has been bringing its breezy sounds to audiences since 2012. You can pick up three LPs, a single and merch via the Hi-Tide shop.
The Intoxicators (Tallahassee, Fla.) – It wouldn’t be The Hukilau without this veteran instrumental combo that will be making its 18th appearance in 2024. Their energetic live shows are a staple at events across the Southeast U.S., featuring choice covers and songs from their self-released albums.
The Disasternauts (Cape Canaveral, Fla.) – A simian supergroup with sketchy origins that may or may not have something to do with the U.S. space program. Always full of primal energy and aggression, this instrumental surf band is guaranteed to take the stage by storm.
The Mermers (Gainesville, Fla.) – A four-piece horror surf/hardcore exotica band with two albums (from 2016 and 2022) to its credit, as well as many live shows across the region.
Skinny Jimmy Stingray (Deerfield Beach, Fla.) – The Hukilau’s hometown instrumental surf band, this three-piece led by the namesake guitarst hails not far from the Beachcomber. They bring vintage approach to the genre, mixing original tunes with surf classics.
In addition to the bands, expect to hear DJs spinning tunes between sets, including Hi-Tide Recordings owners Vincent Minervino and Magdalena O’Connell.
PRESENTERS & SPECIAL GUESTS: Authors, experts highlight educational programming
The full lineup of seminars and presentations will be detailed in future stories. Here are the top confirmed speakers, all Hukilau veterans and some of the world’s top experts in their fields.
Jeff “Beachbum” Berry (New Orleans, La.) – The author of six seminal books on Tiki cocktails and culture, and the owner of Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29 in New Orleans. “The Bum” is also the creator of Beachbum Berry’s Sippin’ Santa, the seasonal pop-up with more than 50 locations across North America.
* More on Beachbum Berry on The Atomic Grog
Ian Burrell (London) – The self-appointed global rum ambassador and host of the long-running UK RumFest is a charismatic spokesman for the spirit, spreading the gospel and teaching classes at events far and wide. He’s also a founder of the new Equiano rum brand, a distinctive blend of rums from Africa and the Caribbean, its name inspired by a legendary freedom fighter. Burrell is confirmed for two premium experiences: His signature “$1,000 Rum Tasting” and a presentation titled “RUMMMBlings Around the Globe.” Tickets are $59 each and are available now.
David Wondrich (New York City) – An award-winning author and cocktail historian who has documented the craft cocktail movement for more than two decades. His many books include the The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails (2021) as well as the seminal Imbibe! (2007) and Punch (2010).
Matt Pietrek (New Orleans, La.) – A blogger and award-winning author known for his books on cocktails (Minimalist Tiki) and spirits (Modern Caribbean Rum) is quickly becoming an in-demand publisher with Wonk Press (created with his wife, Carrie Smith). Pietrek also finds time to write about rum on Substack and speak at industry events around the country.
Spike Marble (Southern California) – The unassuming host of Spike’s Breezeway Cocktail Hour on YouTube (every Friday at 9 p.m. Eastern) is now a spirits entrepreneur with the release of a signature Breezeway blend in association with Hamilton Rum. He’s leaving his band, The Hula Girls, at home this year but we can expect plenty of appearances by the multi-talented musican-photographer-artist. He’s hosting “Spike’s Breezeway Tiki Brunch” on Sunday featuring a live recording of his show.
Tickets are also available now for several special events ($59 each) hosted by members of The Hukilau’s bar team: “Rum & Cigars” with Carlos Cuarta; and “There’s a Hole in my Barrel: Rum-free Tiki” with Phoebe Esmon, Lucky Munro and Amie Ward.
GUEST BARS: Bartenders flock from near and far to sling tasty cocktails
Some adjustments will be made to the previously free-flowing array of cocktail offerings that villagers can enjoy every day and night during The Hukilau. A move to a token system will hopefully eliminate some issues, most notably waste and shortages during some times. But organizers say that everyone with a pass will have plenty of tokens to be able to indulge freely, on top of samples available during symposiums and other events.
This year’s lineup of 20 guest Tiki bar teams includes six attending the event for the first time, plus 14 that have appeared previously. This list is subject to change, so keep an eye out for further updates, plus detailed info on the official website.
Making their Hukilau debut:
Cocomama Tiki Room (Cozumel, Mexico) – A tropical oasis near the busy cruise port that’s popular with locals and tourists alike for its drinks served in locally made Tiki mugs.
Kahala Koa (Arlington Heights, Ill.) – A tropical getaway in the Chicago suburbs that opened in 2020, most notable for being attached to a pizza restaurant. The decor and cocktails are 100% vintage Tiki, however, along with the welcoming spirit of aloha.
Max’s South Seas Hideaway (Grand Rapids, Mich.) – A throwback to the grand Tiki palaces of the mid-century – created by owners Mark Sellers, Martin Cate and Gecko in 2019 and wowing guests ever since.
The Mermaid (Los Angeles) – A woman-owned cocktail bar in the Little Tokyo district featuring a fun atmosphere, tropical cocktails and a seaside-inspired menu of small bites.
Strong Water (Anaheim, Calif.) – An award-winning craft cocktail bar and restaurant with an immersive nautical/shipwrecked theme, and world class tropical drinks and food.
Swizzle (Dallas) – One of the leaders of the exploding Texas scene, this bar and restaurant celebrates classic Tiki culture with an eye toward authenticity, serving tasty cocktails along with Hawaiian and Filipino dishes inspired by family traditions.
Back for another round:
Bar Tiki (Clearwater Beach, Fla.) – Returning for a second year, the team from this waterfront rooftop bar in southwest Florida (open since late 2021) mixes up classic cocktails with a twist along with their creative original concoctions.
Dirty Dick (Paris, France) – Owned and operated by mixologist Scotty Schuder, an American with a passion for Tiki cocktails, this divey tropical bar is located in a former brothel in the heart of the city of light, a distinctive guidepost on the modern cocktail scene. Schuder will also join Daniele Dalla Pola for “CON Tinental Tiki,” a premium presentation.
Doc Parks (San Francisco) – An influential bartender who helped create and manage the cocktail programs at California’s Pagan Idol, Zombie Village, and Wilfred’s Lounge. More recently, he’s helping revive the recipe for the mysterious cocktail ingredient passionola, in association with a recently released book. At The Hukilau, he’ll be joined by special guest Adrian Castaneda from Caribbean Club in Barcelona, Spain.
Don the Beachcomber (Madeira Beach, Fla.) – The excitement level is high after the recent debut of the first new bar and restaurant inspired by Tiki godfather Donn Beach after the brand was purchased by a Tampa-based restaurant group. With a cocktail program created by beverage director Marie King, the sky is the limit as plans move forward for more locations across the state (and country). King is also hosting a premium cocktail class – “One of Sour, Two of Sweet”.
* Don the Beachcomber announces new bar concept, three upcoming locations in Florida (April 2024)
* Don the Beachcomber grand opening in Florida is a smashing success (February 2024)
Hidden Harbor (Pittsburgh) – A modern craft cocktail bar that pays homage to Tiki’s past while also pushing the envelope with new cocktails and techniques, all with a distinctive mid-century design aesthetic.
The Honu (Dunedin, Fla.) – A tropical bar and Hawaiian restaurant located just north of Tampa in a quaint converted house with a beach cottage feel. Opened in 2019 by a female ownership team, the venue was expanded in 2022 to include an exclusive rum bar.
Kaona Room (Miami) – With the unfortunate closing of Esotico Miami, this formerly hidden speakeasy next door is now the Magic City’s flagship Tiki bar, led by the son of founder Daniele Dalla Pola. While Daniele attends to business overseas, Billy Dalla Pola keeps the flamboyant cocktails alive at this dark and cozy bar. Look for father and son to be reunited at The Hukilau. Daniele will also host a premium presentation with Scotty Schuder called “CON Tinental Tiki.”
* Related: Beyond Esotico Miami: Kaona Room and Daniele Dalla Pola’s cocktail and rum adventures
Luau Lads (Jacksonville, Fla.) – The bartending duo of Michael Bloom and Kurt Rogers are mainstays on the Florida scene with numerous special appearances, plus their own products and event (Castaway With the Luau Lads) every summer.
The Mai-Kai (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) – Villagers have been treated to poolside cocktails from the historic Polynesian palace over the past several years during the $15 million renovation project. This year, drinks will be served during the exclusive tours of the restaurant for Aloha and South Seas pass holders. [More details below]
OhiOhana – The Midwest’s hotbed state for tropical cocktails will be represented by bartenders from four different establishments: Porco Lounge & Tiki Room (Cleveland), Huli Huli (Powell), Tiki Tiki Bang Bang (Cincinnati), and Tiki Underground (Cuyahoga Falls). The only Hukilau newbie is Huli Huli. Expect to see parties featuring all four, plus a symposium on Tiki in the Buckeye State.
* Where to have the full Tiki bar experience in Ohio (Columbus Navigator)
Remora (Salt Lake City) – A new Tiki concept from the team behind the ACME Bar Company, which last year launched Suckerfish as a temporary pop-up. The cocktails are the handiwork of Sam Miller and Mikey Edwards, who operated their own pop-up called Island Time with a focus on Tiki classics with lots of flair.
S.O.S. (Decatur, Ga.) – A secluded Tiki bar in the Atlanta suburbs with a mid-century modern and Polynesian vibe, serving retro cocktails and small bites.
Tonga Hut (Los Angeles) – The oldest Tiki bar in Los Angeles (est. 1958) – with a second location in Palm Springs – is a longtime favorite among Tikiphiles for its well-crafted cocktails and welcoming atmosphere.
VenTiki (Ventura, Calif.) – Open since 2013, this island oasis northwest of Los Angeles is a fixture on the West Coast scene, featuring traditional and modern cocktails, Polynesian-inspired cuisine, and both indoor and outdoor seating.
SPECIAL EVENTS: Camp Tiki Wachee and The Mai-Kai offer fun and focused getaways
South Florida’s Bare Bones Tiki will return with even more creative (and fun) Camp Tiki Wachee activities throughout the weekend. Expect to find arts and crafts classes, bungalow parties, a scavenger hunt, poolside “dive-in movie,” plus more. These talented mixologists also create some of the best cocktails of the weekend.
Of course, the million-dollar question remains: “What’s happening at The Mai-Kai?” With the multi-year, multimillion-dollar restoration in the home stretch, the historic restaurant will be available for exclusive tours for Aloha and South Seas passholders. [More info]
The Hukilau’s owner and lead organizer, Richard Oneslager, offered more details during a panel discussion in Orlando on April 5. “If I were a betting man, and I am, I would say it’s not going to be open for business when The Hukilau is in town June 6-9. But we will be doing a tour. I think it’s actually going to be more fun to get a sneak peek and behind-the-scenes tour before it actually opens. It’s going to be a lot of fun to get everybody over there.”
NEW: The Mai-Kai restoration work expands, sneak previews offered at The Hukilau (May 2024 update)
The $15 million project continues to engulf the 2.7-acre historic property as event passholders are treated to special tours of fully restored indoor guest areas.
>>> EVENT PREVIEW, EXTENSIVE UPDATES AND PHOTOS
THE BEACHCOMBER: Oceanfront venue features scenic surroundings
This will be the fourth straight year The Hukilau has centered its activities at the 140-room Beachcomber Resort & Club, a picturesque hotel steps from the Atlantic Ocean on Florida’s southeast coast. Though it lacks large convention spaces, it makes up for it with its charm and intimacy.
The bands play on a covered stage at the end of the main pool. Classes and symposiums are held under thatched huts and tents across the property. Vendors set up under the large canopy in the courtyard adjacent to the resort’s second pool. Room parties are held in bungalows that surround the courtyard. Guest bars also pop up around both pools and other areas throughout the Beachcomber.
It’s all easily accessible and very close to guest rooms, which are spread across several buildings in the family-owned facility. Many have pool and/or ocean views.
Click here for info on how to book a room. Note that since The Hukilau has blocked out the entire hotel, you must book all three nights (Thursday-Saturday). A second hotel, the Plunge Beach Resort, is also available at a special rate. It’s also on the Pompano Beach oceanfront, less than 2 miles to the south. The booking link is on the same page.
New for 2024: Some of the premium classes and symposiums – such as “RUMMMBlings Around the Globe” with Ian Burrell and “One of Sour, Two of Sweet” with Marie King – will be held at a new venue: The nearby Renaissance II Tower at 1370 S. Ocean Blvd. It’s less than a quarter-mile away and provides intimate indoor space for some of The Hukilau’s special events.
In addition to the Beachcomber Resort, several other area hotels have been secured with special rates for Hukilau villagers. These will be announced as the Beachcomber nears capacity.
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: 2024 PREVIEWS
Inside (and outside) The Mai-Kai with Tiki carver Will Anders
The South Florida artist shares his experiences creating authentic Polynesian art – both large and small. Includes a preview of The Hukilau presentationm, plus an audio-visual waking tour from 2018.
The Hukilau 2024 preview: Symposiums, vendors and more announced for 22nd Tiki weekender June 6-9
The East Coast’s longest-running Polynesian Pop weekender features an all-star lineup of musical, mixological and scholarly talent for its annual gathering in South Florida.
THE HUKILAU: PAST COVERAGE
2023
The Hukilau highlights: Photos and memories from Tiki weekender
The 21st annual event featured four days of nonstop music, cocktails and education on modern and historic Polynesian Pop at the oceanfront Beachcomber Resort in South Florida.
MORE: The Hukilau 2023 live coverage, photos and video from social media
* Full 2023 coverage
2022
The Hukilau 2022: Daily recap, photos and video
The 20th 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
* Full 2022 coverage
PREVIOUS YEARS
- 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 UPCOMING EVENTS
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.
MORE ON THE MAI-KAI
EXCLUSIVE: The Mai-Kai Restoration Guide
Check out all the latest news, photos, video and deep details on the refurbishment and reopening of South Florida’s Polynesian Palace.
>>> COMPLETE COVERAGE FROM THE ATOMIC GROG
MORE ON DON THE BEACHCOMBER
BREAKING NEWS: Don the Beachcomber announces new bar concept, three upcoming locations in Florida
Everything you need to know about the expansion of the iconic restaurant brand, including a full recap and photos from Tiki-a-Go-Go in Orlando, plus new renderings and info on the new sites.
>>> LATEST INFORMATION, PHOTOS, MORE
Super excited to see everyone!