Updated April 1, 2025
It’s hard to imagine more interest in a restaurant reopening than the hoopla surrounding the return of the historic Mai-Kai after its $20 million rejuvenation in November 2024. More than three years in the making, the restoration and reimagination not only returned the 68-year-old Polynesian palace to its vintage 1970s-era look, it also created an entirely new experience outside and around the grounds. Just as important, it created a solid infrastructure that will ensure its survival for generations to come.
More Atomic Grog coverage
• Latest news and exclusive coverage of the Mai-Kai reopening
• Mai-Kai bar and cocktail news, reviews and exclusive insights
• Paradise Reimagined: Deep Inside the Mai-Kai Restoration NEW
• Mai-Kai timeline, 1956-2024: Iconic restaurant marks 68 years of Polynesian Pop history
• Mai-Kai Restoration & Reopening: Full story and photo archive
The following FAQ was created for the Friends of the Mai-Kai group on Facebook, which includes more than 23,000 members and continues to grow. Due to the overwhelming response, we wanted to provide the most official information we can find, along with our own tips and advice.
MaiKai.com: Check out the officicial FAQ here
If you’re looking for more extensive coverage, including photos and video, just check the AtomicGrog.com homepage and our page dedicated to the Mai-Kai restoration and reopening. There you’ll find news and info going all the way back to the temporary closing in late 2020, along with lots of features in the works.
This page will be updated in tandem with Facebook, containing the latest helpful info for anyone planning a visit to the Mai-Kai. Feel free to follow either, or both. As always, go to MaiKai.com for the most official info and sign up for the email list to receive the latest news. If you have any other questions, join us in the Facebook group or post a question in the comments below.
Official sites and social media
• MaiKai.com | Facebook page | Instagram
Facebook group: Friends of the Mai-Kai
WHAT IS THE MAI-KAI? WHERE IS IT?
A highly immersive Polynesian-themed restaurant, dinner show and tropical bar that reopened in November 2024 following a four-year closing, refurbishment and reimagination estimated to cost more than $20 million. Located in Oakland Park, adjacent to Fort Lauderdale, in Broward County on Florida’s southeast coast. Established in 1956, the Mai-Kai is both a local and national historic landmark. The address is 3599 N. Federal Highway on the west side between Commercial and Oakland Park boulevards. [Google map]
• For more on the history, check out this page at MaiKai.com.
• Go to MaiKaiHistory.com for deep dives and order the book Mai-Kai: History and Mystery of the Iconic Tiki Restaurant by Tim “Swanky” Glazner.
• The Atomic Grog features detailed information on the historic cocktails.
WHEN IS THE MAI-KAI OPEN?
The bars and restaurant, including the dinner show, is open seven days a week from 4 p.m. Monday-Friday, 3 p.m. on Saturday, and 1 p.m. on Sunday.
HOW DO I GET OFFICIAL UPDATES?
Sign up for the email list at MaiKai.com and follow the official social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.
DO I NEED RESERVATIONS?
You can reserve seats for the daily dinner shows (up to 45 days in advance) via the booking engine at MaiKai.com. The reservation system asks you to choose from three three pricing tiers and select your seats (exact location not guaranteed). If you can’t find seats on a particular date and time, try a different party size or a different time/date. Before you make a payment, you can alert the Mai-Kai to any dietary restrictions or special occasions. IMPORTANT: If anyone in your party has special mobility needs (wheelchair, etc.), please add to the reservation notes. Reservations open up occasionally, so please make sure to check back! Groups larger than eight should contact the Mai-Kai to make arrangements via the form on the website.
• Click here or the image below to see the seating chart
Walk-ups may be accommodated, space permitting. Inquire at the front desk upon arrival. There is also plenty of seating available in the bars and Lanai dining area in the outdoor gardens, no reservations needed.
WHAT’S THE CANCELLATION POLICY?
Once a reservation for the show is booked, no refunds, cancellations, or changes are permitted. Get more details at MaiKai.com.
WHAT’S THE COST OF THE DINNER SHOW?
The show prices are variable, based on seating location. Premium seating close to the stage is more expensive. The per-person charge ranges from $23 (standard) to $28 (select) to $33 (premium). At booking, you will be charged a non-refundable fee that covers the cost for all members of your party. A kids meal is included in the cost of the show for children 12 and under. There is no charge for children under age 2, but they need to be included in the total number of your party.
HOW MANY SHOWS ARE THERE PER NIGHT?
Current seating and show times are:
• Monday through Friday: 5 p.m. seating with the show at 6:30, and 8 p.m. seating with the show at 9:30.
• Saturday: 4 p.m. seating with the show at 5:30, 7 p.m. seating with the show at 8:30, and 10 p.m. seating with the show at 11:30.
• Sunday: 1 p.m. seating with the show at 2:30, 4 p.m. seating with the show at 5:30, 7 p.m. seating with the show at 8:30.
WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE?
You can show up as early as you want (within reason). There are two great bars to enjoy before you enter the showroom. You should check in for your show seating around 20 minutes before your reservation time. If you’re running late, your table will be held for 30 minutes past your reservation time.
IS THERE A DRESS CODE?
No tank tops or beachwear is allowed. “Resort casual” is the best description of the overall dress expected of guests. When attending the show, dress as you would at any dinner theater performance.
HOW LONG DOES THE SHOW LAST?
The performance itself is 45 minutes. It takes place after your dinner, typically during dessert. Expect to spend up to three hours in the showrooms. In the true spirit of aloha, it’s a leisurely experience and you won’t be rushed.
ARE SHOWS PERFORMED ON HOLIDAYS?
Yes. The Mai-Kai is open on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and all major holidays.
WHAT’S THE SHOW ALL ABOUT?
The Polynesian Islander Revue dates back to 1961, when Mai-Kai owner and choreographer Mireille Thornton began as one of the original dancers. Today, the revue is a rebirth of the longest running Polynesian dance show in the United States, including Hawaii. It is directed and choreographed by cultural arts & entertainment director Teuruhei Buchin, reflecting the music and culture of each island by interpreting ancient stories through song and dance. Members of the troupe represent many islands in the South Pacific, including Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, New Zealand and the Philippines.
• More details at MaiKai.com
• Past Atomic Grog photos
IS THERE A FOOD AND DRINK MINIMUM?
There is a minimum of one entree per person when booking the dinner show. Meals can be purchased a la carte and include cocktails (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), appetizers and desserts
IS THE MAI-KAI FAMILY FRIENDLY?
Every dinner show performance is fun for the whole family. Table seating in the expansive bar areas is also open to all ages.
CAN I HAVE A MEAL WITHOUT SEEING THE SHOW?
Yes. Both food and drink menus are available at the outdoor Bora Bora Bar and indoor Molokai Bar. No reservations are required for the bars and there are no minimums. In addition, there is outdoor seating available in the Lani, adjacent to the back tiki gardens. Inquire at the front desk about sitting there. The Tahiti dining room is now available for special events. Samoa is the lone non-showroom yet to reopen to the public.
IS THERE A HAPPY HOUR?
Yes. Most signature cocktails are half-priced from opening until 7 p.m. in both bars, seven days a week.
HOW LATE IS THE MAI-KAI OPEN?
Late seatings on most nights will run well past midnight. The bars are typically open until at least midnight, sometimes later.
WHAT’S THE COST OF PARKING?
The fee for valet service is $8, not including tip. There is currently no self parking. There is limited availability, so the use of ride-share services is encouraged. Your arrival is choreographed to take you on a trip to another place and time. The entire Mai-Kai grounds, covering 2.7 acres, was reimagined to feel like a distant South Seas island. After crossing a wooden bridge, you encounter an island shore, a sandy beach, and a lava-spewing volcano, surrounded by dozens of flaming tiki torches. The overall experience rivals that of an exotic themed resort.
Do you drive a classic (pre-1980) car? You can park your show car for free in special spaces set aside nearby the caldera. Your vehicle may even end up featured on the Classics of the Mai-Kai Instagram page.
IS THE MAI-KAI ACCESSIBLE FOR GUESTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS?
Yes. As a result of the renovations, most of the restaurant is now wheelchair accessible, including the walking path through the back gardens. And the new handicapped restroom is themed just as spectacularly as the restaurant.
WHAT FOOD AND DRINKS ARE AVAILABLE?
The Mai-Kai’s culinary team draws inspiration from the bold flavors of Polynesia, showcasing tropical fruits and aromatic spices. The entree menu features chicken, pork, beef and seafood dishes. There is also an expansive appetizer menu of small plates, fried rice, Pad Thai, and a tropical burger. Inquire about other special dietary needs when seated. Many of the tropical rum cocktails are slices of history in themselves, based on recipes that go back to the restaurant’s beginning. Or try some of new beverage director Cory Starr’s original creations featuring tequila, bourbon and other spirits. Click here to see the online menus at MaiKai.com, and check out our blog updates:
NEW: Mai-Kai gives food menus a major facelift with all new bar, dining room dishes (April 2025)
• New Bora Bora Bar menu just a taste things to come
• Is it 1956 or 2024? Forward-thinking Mai-Kai menus sport retro flair
WHAT’S THE COST OF THE MENU ITEMS?
Prices vary widely. Appetizers start at $14, and entrees range from $18 to $45. There are four items on the kids menu for $12 each. Signature cocktails range from $16 for a mild tropical drink (2 oz of spirit) to $25 for the Barrel ‘O Rum and other strong drinks featuring up to 4 ounces of rum. Most cocktails are 50 percent off during happy hour.
SPECIAL OCCASIONS
Be sure to add in your notes that you have a birthday or anniversary if you’re attending the show.
– You can provide your own cake, with a $25 charge per cake for cutting and serving.
– You can bring your own wine, subject to a $25 corkage fee.
ARE PETS PERMITTED?
Only service dogs are allowed.
WHERE ARE THE BARTENDERS?
Since 1956, Mai-Kai cocktails have been crafted in service bars, never in front of customers, to keep the recipes secret. It’s a tradition that goes back to Don the Beachcomber, the seminal 1930s tropical landmark that launched the career of the Mai-Kai’s original head mixologist, Mariano Licudine. Many of the drinks still served today are secret recipes from 80 or 90 years ago. Cocktails are made fresh to order by an army of bartenders, served in custom glassware with unique ice features. All driniks feature high-quality spirits, fresh juices and proprietary house-made syrups. In a change from tradition, you can now catch a glimpse of the main service bar in action via a window in the gift shop.
Mai-Kai Cocktail Guide: Reviews, ratings, recipes and more
WHERE IS THE GIFT SHOP?
The Mai-Kai Trading Post is located near the restrooms, directly behind the showroom. This ornate space is chock full of branded merchandise, signature mugs, Polynesian artwork and collectibles, gift cards, plus much more. If you’re making a special trip just to visit the gift shop, you can tell the valet.
DOES THE MAI-KAI SELL GIFT CARDS?
Yes. They’re available in the gift shop as well as online here.
WHERE IS MY PHOTO?
If your photograph was taken by the official photographer, it should appear in one of the albums on the official Facebook page.
HOW DO I CONTACT THE MAI-KAI?
For specific questions about reservations or other issues, call (954) 563-3272 or email .
CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES
LATEST MAI-KAI UPDATES
Official sites and social media
MaiKai.com | Facebook | Instagram
More on social media
• Facebook: Friends of the Mai-Kai group
• Instagram: Classics of the Mai-Kai
The Atomic Grog on social media: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Bluesky
COMPLETE COVERAGE FROM THE ATOMIC GROG
NEW: Mai-Kai gives food menus a major facelift with all new bar, dining room dishes
The historic Polynesian restaurant has launched a fully revamped food menu, including many new entrees and the return of some classic appetizers.
NEWS, ANALYSIS: Photos, breakdown of the new menus
FULL COVERAGE: Latest news and exclusive coverage of the Mai-Kai reopening
February-March 2025 update: Artists continue working on Mai-Kai design projects
Highlights of ongoing restoration efforts, including the return of historic waterfalls, installation of new tiki carvings, a new signature Bora Bora Bar sign, plus more.
NEW PHOTOS, VIDEO: Updates from the past two months
Direct links to stories
• Historic water features running, new front deck completed
• Vintage pieces from the South Seas added to rear Tiki gardens
• New Tiki carvings await installation throughout the grounds
• Bora Bora Bar gets signature sign, new link to Molokai Bar
• Guarded by artifacts, restored Tahiti Room readied for guests
• New merchanside from Tiki artists available in gift shop
UPDATED: Mai-Kai joins spirits fest, welcomes brands for special events
Beverage director Cory Starr stepped up the Mai-Kai’s educational events in March with a festival appearance, two nights of special cocktails, plus a rum tasting.
RECAP, PHOTOS: Extended coverage, including breakdown of all the Mai-Kai cocktails
Direct links to stories
• Tropical Spirits Festival and after-party at Mai-Kai
• Spiribam rum tasting and happy hour in the Bora Bora Bar
• New Mcbiff glassware, event in April
FULL COVERAGE: Mai-Kai bar and cocktail news, reviews and exclusive insights
Paradise Reimagined: Deep Inside the Mai-Kai Restoration NEW
Attendees at Inuhele 2025 in Atlanta enjoyed an exclusive look at the reimagination and revival of the historic restaurant during a special multimedia presentation featuring photos, video and inside tips. Check out slideshow highlights, plus two walk-through videos with creative director “Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller.
DEEP DIVE: The renovation and reopening of the Mai-Kai
Mai-Kai timeline, 1956-2024: Iconic restaurant marks 68 years of Polynesian Pop history
As guests celebrate the $20 million restoration and reopening, take a look back at key dates and events over the rich history of the South Florida restaurant.
Is it 1956 or 2024? Forward-thinking Mai-Kai menus sport retro flair
The food and drink menus now boast a vintage look and feel that dates back to the early days of the historic restaurant. The grand reopening also marks the return of the iconic cannibal trio, a Polynesian Pop symbol intrinsically linked to the founding owners.
Mai-Kai welcomes Cory Starr as new chief mixologist
The legendary back bar is in experienced and enthusiastic hands as the expansive cocktail program is rebooted.
Mai-Kai Restoration & Reopening Guide
Check out all past news, photos, video and deep details on the refurbishment and resurrection of the Polynesian palace.
SPECIAL FEATURE
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.