The Hukilau 2024 preview & flashback: Inside (and outside) The Mai-Kai with Tiki carver Will Anders
Posted on by Hurricane Hayward

The Hukilau 2024 preview & flashback: Inside (and outside) The Mai-Kai with Tiki carver Will Anders

Updated July 5

There’s probably no better tour guide through the exotic landscape of carvings, masks and other Oceanic art contained within The Mai-Kai than Will Anders. The South Florida artist first explored the historic property as a child in the ’60s, became its exclusive cigarette vendor for decades, then transitioned into an artistic career that saw him carve the most significant large tikis added during the new millennium.
See below: Audio walking tour with Will Anders, Kern Mattei (2018)

Mai-Kai from the Outside In with Will Anders
RECAP: Mai-Kai from the Outside In with Will Anders
The South Florida artist gave The Hukilau a fascinating, insightful presentation that took a look inside his career and his contributions to the historic restaurant over the past 20 years.
More Hukillau 2024 recaps
* The Atomic Grog’s photos, video and memories
* Live coverage, photos and video from social media

Artist Will Anders is a self-taught expert at recreating Mai-Kai carvings in cement using molds made from the originals. (Photos by Tiki Tom-Tom for Polynesiacs: Tiki at Home)
Artist Will Anders is a self-taught expert at recreating Mai-Kai carvings in cement using molds made from the originals. (Photos by Tiki Tom-Tom for Polynesiacs: Tiki at Home)

But some of his most important contributions to the restaurant’s 2.7-acre property aren’t original creations at all. Over the past 20 years, Anders took on a unique role as a sort of “keeper of the tikis.” If you see a small or medium-sized figure or art piece in the back garden and other outdoor areas, it’s likely it was replicated by Anders in his nearby compound with his own cement mix using molds curated by the founding owners.

It’s a fascinating story that will be explored during a presentation on June 8 at The Hukilau, the annual Tiki weekender that has been joined at the hip with The Mai-Kai since 2003. Anders will share a tale or two during The Mai-Kai from the Outside In, which will reveal the artist’s back-story, his carving tips, his approach to creating cement tikis, plus lots more.

The Atomic Grog is honored to be hosting this exclusive look at Mai-Kai history with Anders. It starts early (10:30 a.m.), the perfect way to kick off The Hukilau’s Saturday schedule. We may even have a special cocktail for attendees to enjoy and start their day right. The presentation is included in all multi-day passes.

Carvings by Will Anders featured at The Mai-Kai include King Kai (left) and Hiroa Nui, shown sporting new coats of sealant in June 2023. His Hawaiian Lono (left) stands with tikis carved by fellow Florida artists Jeff Chouinard and Tom Fowner at the entrance to The Mai-Kai in September 2021. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward)
Carvings by Will Anders featured at The Mai-Kai include King Kai (left) and Hiroa Nui, shown sporting new coats of sealant in June 2023. His Hawaiian Lono (left) stands with tikis carved by fellow Florida artists Jeff Chouinard and Tom Fowner at the entrance to The Mai-Kai in September 2021. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward)

Below you’ll find more info on The Hukilau and Anders, including photos and audio of a special walking tour we conducted with manager Kern Mattei in 2018. The walk-through of much of The Mai-Kai property in suburban Fort Lauderdale was recorded for an episode of Marooned: A Texas Tiki Podcast. Now, as the restaurant nears the final stages of its multi-year, multimillion-dollar restoration project, it’s an interesting look back at the state of the property around six years ago.

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, Daniele Dalla Pola, Spike Marble, Marie King, Lucky Munro), 20+ guest cocktail bars, pool parties, Tiki Treasures Bazaar, plus more.
* The Hukilau on social media: Instagram | Facebook page and group
Previous coverage: Symposiums, vendors and more announced for 22nd Tiki weekender June 6-9

Mai-Kai from the Outside In – Saturday (June 8), 10:30 a.m.
Don’t rush inside – learn about the history of the gardens and tikis outside from artist and carver Will Anders. Forty years of personal Mai-Kai stories up to and including the current restoration of the historic tikis. Will’s tales are woven with threads of passion and reverence, offering a glimpse into the soul of this sacred sanctuary. So, linger a while, and let the whispers of history caress your senses, for in these moments of reflection lies the true essence of our enchanted realm. – From TheHukilau.com

Will Anders teaches a carving class during The Hukilau 2016 in the lounge at the top of the Pier 66 hotel. (Photo by Sherill Gross)
Will Anders teaches a carving class during The Hukilau 2016 in the lounge at the top of the Pier 66 hotel. (Photo by Sherill Gross)

In addition to his long history with The Mai-Kai, Anders has been associated with The Hukilau for decades. His art pieces gained a cult following after he showed them in the Tiki Treasures Bazaar. He then began sharing his knowledge as a presenter and instructor. His hands-on classes have included DIY – Carving 101 (2016) and Carve Your Own Tiki Pendant (2017- 2019).

Anders is a true old-school artist with no website and little social media presence. You can easily find him, however, on the Tiki Central message board, where his long-running “Will carve” thread is chock full of photos of his latest work. For a deeper history on The Mai-Kai’s Tiki carvings, click here.

Some wider exposure came recently when Anders was featured in Polynesiacs: Tiki at Home, the popular book on home bars and collectors from author Tiki Tom-Tom, published by Wonk Press in 2023. The peek inside Anders’ home studio tells the origin story of the veteran carver, who discovered The Mai-Kai in sleepy Oakland Park, Fla., as a bike-riding youth who had to be chased from the Tiki gardens by restaurant staff.

As Tiki Tom-Tom tells it: “Will was nine years old, living just a few blocks away with his parents. His family, like many others, were Jersey transplants. For Will, it was the beginning of a lifelong love affair with tikis at the Mai-Kai.”

Just a few of the many tikis created by artist Will Anders in his home studio. (Photos by Tiki Tom-Tom for Polynesiacs: Tiki at Home)
Just a few of the many tikis created by artist Will Anders in his home studio. (Photos by Tiki Tom-Tom for Polynesiacs: Tiki at Home)

The affair later included decades of seemingly mundane work: Filling the cigarette machine inside the historic restaurant. But this was not only a thriving business for Anders, it kept him coming back to study more than just the cocktails. He became enamored with the rich decor and artistry of The Mai-Kai, especially the large carved tikis.

Anders became a carver relatively late in life at age 40, but just in time to put his indelible stamp on The Mai-Kai. His early carvings caught the attention of management, and he eventually contributed two giant tikis to the rear garden: King Kai and Hiroa Nui. A notable third carving became part of a trio that greets guests under the porte-cochère.

Anders and fellow contemporary carvers Tom Fowner and Jeff Chouinard are the latest in a long line of artists who have contributed to the authentic look and feel of The Mai-Kai. Much of the indoor artwork, including the contributions of the late LeRoy Schmaltz and Oceanic Arts, is currently being lovingly restored by Mai-Kai creative director “Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller and artist Scott “Flounder” Scheidly.

A few vintage outdoor carvings remain, including a 1960s tiki by the legendary Barney West. But Florida’s unrelenting heat, humidity and tropical weather have not be kind to many others. Founding owners Bob and Jack Thornton also accumulated a vast array of original pieces from the South Pacific.

Some of the outdoor Tiki statues cast in cement by artist Will Anders. The Mai-Kai showed this image during a January 2023 meeting of Oakland Park's Historic Preservation Board
Some of the outdoor Tiki statues cast in cement by artist Will Anders. The Mai-Kai showed this image during a January 2023 meeting of Oakland Park’s Historic Preservation Board.

Luckily, at some point, the owners came up with the idea of creating rubber molds of the smaller outdoor pieces, then casting them in cement. This not only created more durable versions of the originals, it also preserved them for future generations to enjoy. But even cement can fall victim to brutal storms and deterioration.

As years passed, the molds were forgotten. But they were discovered in the restaurant’s warehouse just as Anders was honing his new craft. He convinced management to let him take some molds home to nearby Wilton Manors and take a stab at creating replacement Tiki statues. After finding the perfect mix (1 part cement, 2 parts sand, 3 parts gravel), Anders was off to the races.

“Over the next ten to fifteen years, Will would methodically check out each mold, produce the tiki or war club or paddle of that one mold, and bring them back,” the story in Polynesiacs says. “Over time, he fully replenished the gardens of The Mai-Kai with more than two hundred tikis.”

Here are some examples of his recent work, posted in February by Anders on his Tiki Central thread:

Empty molds of Mai-Kai Tiki figures, waiting to be filled.
Empty molds of Mai-Kai Tiki figures, waiting to be filled.

A day after pouring the cement for The Mai-Kai figures, Anders waits for the molds to harden. He'll "unmold" them in the morning after they sit another night.
A day after pouring the cement for The Mai-Kai figures, Anders waits for the molds to harden. He’ll “unmold” them in the morning after they sit another night.

After the tikis bound for The Mai-Kai dry for a day or so, they get their initial paint job.
After the tikis bound for The Mai-Kai dry for a day or so, they get their initial paint job.

Anders’ role in keeping The Mai-Kai gardens lush with fresh tikis will be a central topic during his presentation at The Hukilau 2024. We hope to see you there!

Flashback: The Mai-Kai audio walking tour with Will Anders

The Mai-Kai Walking Tour on Marooned: A Texas Tiki Podcast

In July 2018, The Atomic Grog was joined by carver Will Anders and manager Kern Mattei for a 70-minute walking tour inside and outside The Mai-Kai, captured by David Phantomatic for Marooned: A Texas Tiki Podcast. It’s sort of a cross between a Mai-Kai history lesson and a Tiki museum audio walking tour.

We’ve had the audio to enjoy since it was posted in May 2019, but for the first time we’re now pairing the podcast with photos. Some were taken that day, while others are from the same general timeframe. Use them as reference and to augment the audio. The resulting audio-visual tour below provides a great look back at the state of The Mai-Kai in 2018-2019, just before the pandemic and roof collapse in late 2020 that led to the extended closing and current restoration.

Make yourself a Mai-Kai cocktail (or two) and take a trip back in time with us for this immersive experience. The $15 million renovation and reimagination will change some of the areas covered in the tour (notably the porte-cochère), but much of the inside and the Tiki Garden are being restored exactly as they were.

Click here to listen to the podcast or use the player below.

00:00 – 02:39 / Intro

02:40 – 05:59 / Porte-cochère

The Tiki carvings by Florida artists Will Anders (left), Tom Fowner, and Jeff Chouinard were installed in May 2016. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward, May 2019)
The Tiki carvings by Florida artists Will Anders (left), Tom Fowner, and Jeff Chouinard were installed in May 2016. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward, May 2019)

06:00 – 13:04 / Sidewalk along Federal Highway

The last remaining large tiki carved by Barney West stands on the northeast corner of the property. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward, May 2016)
The last remaining large tiki carved by Barney West stands on the northeast corner of the property. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward, May 2016)

Extensive water features in front of The Mai-Kai's A-frame along Federal Highway. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward, May 2019)
Extensive water features in front of The Mai-Kai’s A-frame along Federal Highway. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward, May 2019)

Before and after: "Big Barney," the 15-foot tiki carved by Barney West, stood at The Mai-Kai's southeast corner from the early 1960s until it fell victim to Hurricane Irma in 2017. (Photos: 2015 provided by Mike Hooker, 2019 by Hurricane Hayward)
Before and after: “Big Barney,” the 15-foot tiki carved by Barney West, stood at The Mai-Kai’s southeast corner from the early 1960s until it fell victim to Hurricane Irma in 2017. (Photos: 2015 provided by Mike Hooker, 2019 by Hurricane Hayward)

13:05 – 17:17 / Front entrance

The front entrance to The Mai-Kai. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward, May 2019)
The front entrance to The Mai-Kai. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward, May 2019)

Tiki ash trays near the entrance to The Mai-Kai were created by Anders. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward at The Hukilau, June 2016)
Tiki ash trays near the entrance to The Mai-Kai were created by Anders. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward at The Hukilau, June 2016)

17:18 – 27:59 / The Molokai bar

A view from just inside the entrance to The Molokai. (Official photo / Go11Events.com)
A view from just inside the entrance to The Molokai. (Official photo / Go11Events.com)

The rear corner of the lounge includes remnants of the old Oahu dining room. (Photo by Jim Neumayer, September 2016)
The rear corner of the lounge includes remnants of the old Oahu dining room. (Photo by Jim Neumayer, September 2016)

A closer view of the back "poop deck" area of The Molokai. The furniture throughout the bar and restaurant was designed by Al Kocab, who was also responsible for early promotional ads and artwork. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward, October 2016)
A closer view of the back “poop deck” area of The Molokai. The furniture throughout the bar and restaurant was designed by Al Kocab, who was also responsible for early promotional ads and artwork. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward, October 2016)

Old props and decor from the 1962 movie Mutiny on the Bounty can be found throughout the nautical-themed bar. (Photos by Sven Kirsten, December 2016)
Old props and decor from the 1962 movie Mutiny on the Bounty can be found throughout the nautical-themed bar. (Photos by Sven Kirsten, December 2016)

Tikis and masks cast in cement by Anders keep an eye on the cocktails in The Moloklai bar. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward, 2017-2018)
Tikis and masks cast in cement by Anders keep an eye on the cocktails in The Moloklai bar. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward, 2017-2018)

28:00 – 31:49 / Lobby, restrooms and gift shop

The Mai-Kai main entrance, looking toward the showroom. The Mai-Kai Trading Post and restrooms are to the right. (Photo from Tiki Central, circa 2014)
The Mai-Kai main entrance, looking toward the showroom. The Mai-Kai Trading Post and restrooms are to the right. (Photo from Tiki Central, circa 2014)

The gift shop took over the space formerly occupied by the Bangkok dining room. (Flickr photo by Parrillada, circa 2010)
The gift shop took over the space formerly occupied by the Bangkok dining room. (Flickr photo by Parrillada, circa 2010)

31:50 – 38:15 / Showroom seating

The Tonga Room (right) was added during the early 1970s expansion. (Photo from Tiki Central, circa 2014)
The Tonga Room (right) was added during the early 1970s expansion. (Photo from Tiki Central, circa 2014)

The showrooms include vintage jade tile and poles carved by Oceanic Arts. (Photo by Kevin Upthegrove at The Hukilau, June 2016)
The showrooms include vintage jade tile and poles carved by Oceanic Arts. (Photo by Kevin Upthegrove at The Hukilau, June 2016)

The New Guinea dining room is one of the oldest at The Mai-Kai. (Photo by Michael Blain Masterson at The Hukilau, June 2018)
The New Guinea dining room is one of the oldest at The Mai-Kai. (Photo by Michael Blain Masterson at The Hukilau, June 2018)

The prime seating for the nightly Polynesian Islander Revue, aka the Garden, was originally an open-air dining area. (Photo by Heather McKean at The Hukilau, June 2018)
The prime seating for the nightly Polynesian Islander Revue, aka the Garden, was originally an open-air dining area. (Photo by Heather McKean at The Hukilau, June 2018)

The Hawaii Room during The Hukilau 2015. (Atomic Grog photo)
The Hawaii Room during The Hukilau 2015. (Atomic Grog photo)

The Mai-Kai's Moorea dining room. (Photo by Jim Neumayer, September 2016)
The Mai-Kai’s Moorea dining room. (Photo by Jim Neumayer, September 2016)

38:16 – 42:05 / Back dining rooms

The Tahiti Room features windows that look out into the Tiki Garden. (Official photo / Go11Events.com)
The Tahiti Room features windows that look out into the Tiki Garden. (Official photo / Go11Events.com)

One of the most distinctive features of the Samoa Room is a shadowbox containing shrunken skulls from the South Pacific. (Photo by Sven Kirsten, December 2016)
One of the most distinctive features of the Samoa Room is a shadowbox containing shrunken skulls from the South Pacific. (Photo by Sven Kirsten, December 2016)

42:06 – 1:06:08 / Outdoor Tiki Garden

Just outside the back door, the Lanai is The Mai-Kai's most remote area to be seated for dinner. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward, April 2016)
Just outside the back door, the Lanai is The Mai-Kai’s most remote area to be seated for dinner. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward, April 2016)

Anders restored all of the swords that adorn the building created for the Chinese ovens in the 1960s. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward, May 2019)
Anders restored all of the swords that adorn the building created for the Chinese ovens in the 1960s. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward, May 2019)

Tikis cast in cement by Anders sit amid the waterfalls and lush gardens. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward, May 2019)
Tikis cast in cement by Anders sit amid the waterfalls and lush gardens. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward, May 2019)

Guests who walk the path through The Mai-Kai's outdoor garden can spot dozens of tikis cast in cement by Anders. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward, May 2019)
Guests who walk the path through The Mai-Kai’s outdoor garden can spot dozens of tikis cast in cement by Anders. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward, May 2019)

David Phantomatic interviews Anders and Kern Mattei in front of the artist's first carved tiki to be installed at The Mai-Kai. The replica of the signature <a href="https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2011/07/02/mai-kai-cocktail-review-mara-amu/">Mara Amu mug</a>, which is made of architectural foam, was added to the garden in 2015 (right). (Photos by Hurricane Hayward, Tiki Kiliki)
David Phantomatic interviews Anders and Kern Mattei in front of the artist’s first carved tiki to be installed at The Mai-Kai. The replica of the signature Mara Amu mug, which is made of architectural foam, was added to the garden in 2015 (right). (Photos by Hurricane Hayward, Tiki Kiliki)

Anders talks about the creation of King Kai during the recording of <em>Marooned</em>. The tiki - which was carved from a 10-foot-tall, 6,000-pound Florida Black Olive tree trunk - joined the garden in May 2016 (right) and had to be lifted over the fence by forklift. The artist created the base using cement and remnants of foundations of long-lost carvings (aka "tombstones"). <a href="https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2016/06/09/king-kai-leads-procession-of-new-tikis-into-the-mai-kai/">[See story]</a> (Photos by Hurricane Hayward)
Anders talks about the creation of King Kai during the recording of Marooned. The tiki – which was carved from a 10-foot-tall, 6,000-pound Florida Black Olive tree trunk – joined the garden in May 2016 (right) and had to be lifted over the fence by forklift. The artist created the base using cement and remnants of foundations of long-lost carvings (aka “tombstones”). [See story] (Photos by Hurricane Hayward)

Hiroa Nui, installed in late 2016, has become the a signature photo spot in the garden. At left, Mattei and Anders discuss the Tiki's orgins. At right, Anders shows Phantomatic how the base evolved over the years. To the far right is one of the many cement tikis. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward, July 2018)
Hiroa Nui, installed in late 2016, has become a signature photo spot in the garden. [See story] At left, Mattei and Anders discuss the tiki’s orgins. At right, Anders shows Phantomatic how the base evolved over the years. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward, July 2018)

An old Barney West carving now cast in cement (left) stands nearby an original wood carving by the California artist. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward, July 2018)
An old Barney West carving now cast in cement (left) stands nearby an original wood carving by the California artist. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward, July 2018)

1:06:09 – 1:10:52 / Indoor Tiki garden and showroom

Tiki carvings are abundant in the winding path behind the stage. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward, June 2014)
Tiki carvings are abundant in the winding path behind the stage. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward, The Hukilau 2014)

The pathway behind the Samoa Room offers a unique view of the showroom. (Photo by Barron Elam, The Hukilau 2016)
The pathway behind the Samoa Room offers a unique view of the showroom. (Photo by Barron Elam, The Hukilau 2016)

A view of The Mai-Kai's massive showroom from the back of the Tonga Room. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward, April 2016)
A view of The Mai-Kai’s massive showroom from the back of the Tonga Room. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward, April 2016)

1:10:53 – 1:12:20 / Outro

More on Will Anders and The Mai-Kai

Tiki carver Will Anders with two of his most notable contributions to The Mai Kai: King Kai (left, 2016) and Hiroa Nui (2017). (Photos by Hurricane Hayward)
2017: New giant carved tiki added to The Mai-Kai’s outdoor garden for 60th anniversary
2016: ‘King Kai’ leads procession of new tikis into The Mai-Kai

More from Marooned: A Texas Tiki Podcast

The Atomic Grog on Marooned: A Texas Tiki Podcast
2018: The Atomic Grog talks Mai-Kai cocktails, history

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>>> COMPLETE COVERAGE FROM THE ATOMIC GROG

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THE HUKILAU: 2024 PREVIEW

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The Hukilau 2024 preview: Symposiums, vendors and more announced for 22nd Tiki weekender June 6-9
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THE HUKILAU: PAST COVERAGE

2023

The Hukilau highlights: Photos and memories from 2023 Tiki weekender in South Florida
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 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

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MORE UPCOMING EVENTS

The Tiki Times events calendar
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.

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