Updated Jan. 19, 2025
This is the definitive source of news, photos and information on the multimillion-dollar renovation, restoration and reopening of the Mai-Kai, the historic Polynesian restaurant in South Florida. Reported, written, photographed and edited by journalist Jim “Hurricane” Hayward.
More below: Latest blog post | Social media updates | Past stories
See also: Okole Maluna Society – The Mai-Kai Cocktail Guide
UPCOMING EVENTS
Event preview: Inuhele, Atlanta grow together into a Tiki powerhouse NEW
The sixth annual weekender returns Jan 24-26 with expert symposiums, artists and vendor marketplace, live music and entertainment, authentic luau, plus more.
FULL EVENT PREVIEW, SCHEDULE, PHOTOS
• Take 5: Q&A with organizer Jonathan Chaffin
• Mai-Kai seminar, more event highlights | Daily schedule
Friday, Jan, 31, 2025: Miami Rum Congress
Reexamining Golden Era Rums of the Mai Tai, Mai-Kai, and Beyond
• Seminar details | Tickets | Schedule, more
LATEST NEWS & UPDATES
January 2025 update: Tiki gardens and new dining options open as Mai-Kai menus get a refresh NEW
Along with the historic South Florida restaurant’s lush tropical jungle, dinner seating has reopened in the Lanai as the restoration and reimagination of the guest areas continues in 2025. Check out the latest news, including a look at the repurposed Chinese oven room and a deep dive into updates to the food menus.
UPDATES: Latest news and exclusive coverage of the Mai-Kai reopening
Iconic restaurants revived: Don the Beachcomber, Mai-Kai, Trader Vic’s are top Tiki stories of 2024
Three major storylines dominated the year in Tiki with three historic names poised for a reinvigorated comeback.
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.
• SEE THE FULL CHRONOLOGY AND PHOTOS
• 2024 anniversary, New Year’s Eve photos & video
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.
• Deep dive into the design and history, plus news on what’s next
Direct links to full coverage
• The cocktail menu: Welcome back to paradise, 1950s style
• The food menus: A modern take with traditions intact
• The cannibal trio: Mai-Kai’s signature iconography
Mai-Kai grand reopening 2024: Answers to frequently asked questions
Check out our handy guide featuring all the basics you need to know to plan your next trip to the South Florida landmark.
UPDATES: Official information, tips and advice for guests
The 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.
>>> MEET THE MAI-KAI’S NEW HEAD BARTENDER
• Take 5: Q&A with Cory Starr
See below: Past 2024 stories | 2023 | 2022 | 2020-2021 | News archive | Special features
Official sites and social media
MaiKai.com | Facebook | Instagram
More on social media
Friends of the Mai-Kai group
VIDEOS: A MOMENT OF ZEN
INSIDE THE RESTORATION
More videos from Tim “Swanky Glazner
Check out Swanky’s Tiki Classics on YouTube for more shorts on the Mai-Kai restoration.
2024: MAI-KAI RESTORATION & REOPENING PAST COVERAGE
SEPTEMBER 2024
Mai-Kai reopening announcement imminent as $15M restoration project speeds toward conclusion (September 2024 update)
All hands were on deck to meet the mandate of a fall reopening with the four-year anniversary of the October 2020 closing loomin . An immense amount of work was completed, including the hiring of staff and beginning of training inside the newly built kitchen and back-of-house bars.
AUGUST 2024
Mai-Kai landscaping transformed as hiring begins for fall reopening
Clearly visible signs of a looming reopening emerged with dozens of workers and heavy equipment toiling daily on the massive project to reimagine the entryway and parking lot.
JULY 2024
Mai-Kai restoration update: Parking lot reimagination accelerates as owner targets fall reopening
Everything you need to know about the massive transformation of the grounds and landscaping of the historic restaurant, inside information and photos, plus a full recap of work completed over the past two months.
JUNE 2024
EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: Inside the Molokai Bar and tour of the Mai-Kai restoration
Guests of The Hukilau got a rare look at the renovated and reimagined areas of the historic restaurant in June 2024.
More: Mai-Kai sneak preview at The Hukilau
The Hukilau highlights: Photos and memories from 2024 Tiki weekender in South Florida
Check out The Atomic Grog’s deep dive into all the fun at the Beachcomber Resort and sneak peek at the Mai-Kai, including our favorite moments from throughout the four-day Tiki weekender.
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.
Preview & flashback: Inside (and outside) the Mai-Kai with Tiki carver Will Anders
AUDIO & PHOTOS: Walking tour with Will Anders, Kern Mattei, Hurricane Hayward in 2018
MAY 2024
Mai-Kai restoration work expands, sneak previews offered at The Hukilau
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.
APRIL 2024
Mai-Kai reveals new images, plans for restoration at Orlando event, continues $15M project
Full coverage of the panel discussion at Tiki-a-Go-Go, including new photos and renderings of plans for the reimagination of the entry experience at the historic restaurant.
MARCH 2024
Mai-Kai kitchen and bar take shape as team heads to Tiki-a-Go-Go
New equipment is now being installed in the rebuilt back-of-house at the historic South Florida restaurant.
FEBRUARY 2024
Exterior reimagination up next as $15 million Mai-Kai project plows ahead
The historic South Florida restaurant prepares for an ambitious transformation of its sprawling 2.7-acre grounds.
JANUARY 2024
Renovations engulf entire property, reopening estimated for summer
Extensive infrastructure work moves underground, artists expand scope of restoration as project points toward completion by middle of the year.
2023: MAI-KAI RESTORATION ARCHIVE
2023 RECAPS
Mai-Kai refurbishment 2023 year-end recap: Updates, photos, timeline
Everything you need to know about the ongoing restoration, plus a comprehensive compilation of 2023 highlights.
>>> FULL STORY, EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS
The year in review: 2023 timeline, past coverage
Top 10 stories of 2023: Tiki resurgence and appreciation breathes life into year marked by loss
Take a look back at last year’s most significant news, including legends lost, honored and revived.
Top story No. 4: Mai-Kai renovation heads for home stretch
DECEMBER 2023
Beyond Bora Bora: Reimagination of Mai-Kai entry experience evokes original vision
A new driveway and lushly landscaped parking will completely immerse guests in a South Seas fantasy world, just as the original owners envisioned.
NOVEMBER 2023
Mai-Kai update, fall 2023: Artists shine amid construction as final renovation projects take flight
While multiple construction projects are underway inside and outside the historic property, a small team of craftsmen is bringing the vintage decor back to life.
SEPTEMBER 2023
Outside the Mai-Kai: Artistic flourishes set stage for reimagination, early 2024 reopening
The final phase of the multimillion-dollar renovation kicks off as artists and craftsmen restore and transform the signature porte-cochère.
Inside the Mai-Kai: Detailed restoration advances amid total infrastructure overhaul
Work is progressing on the historic South Florida restaurant’s guest areas alongside a near total rebuild of the back-of-house facilities.
AUGUST 2023
The Mai-Kai and The Atomic Grog at Tiki Oasis
We were proud to present two special seminars at the world’s original Tiki weekender in San Diego, including Tiki History Reimagined: The Restoration and Reopening of the Mai-Kai.
JULY 2023
Mai-Kai renovations, May-June 2023: Historic restaurant’s new infrastructure begins to take shape
Crucial work was completed over the past two months in the multimillion-dollar restoration project.
Meticulous attention to detail is hallmark of the Mai-Kai restoration project (May-June 2023 update)
When guests re-enter the Polynesian palace, it will be like stepping into a time machine set for 1973 thanks to a talented team of artists and craftspeople.
MAY 2023
Mai-Kai renovations, April 2023: Bora Bora building comes down as restoration efforts pick up steam
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.
APRIL 2023
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.
MARCH 2023
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.
FEBRUARY 2023
New details on 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.
JANUARY 2023
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.
2022: MAI-KAI RESTORATION ARCHIVE
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 Fort Lauderdale restaurant to appreciate its grandeur and beauty.
Mai-Kai’s new owner reveals renovation plans during The Hukilau
Tiki enthusiasts get preview of refurbishment of the 65-year-old landmark during discussion at annual event in June.
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.
2020-2021: MAI-KAI CLOSING AND SALE
Mai-Kai fans rejoice as new partnership paves way for reopening
Everything you need to know about the historic restaurant’s new join ownership deal that will include at least $5 million in renovations.
Exclusive photos: The Mai-Kai through the eyes of The Hukilau villagers
See images from the annual Tiki weekender shared by loyal fans.
Hulaween on hiatus: Relive 12 years of madness at the Mai-Kai
With the Tiki temple closed for refurbishment, the annual Halloween bash was canceled. But that won’t stop us from taking a look back at the past 12 years of madness in The Molokai bar.
Tiki Marketplace offers a taste of the Mai-Kai
The July 18 event featured vintage art and collectibles, food trucks, plus authentic Mai-Kai cocktails and entertainment.
Mai-Kai hosts first Tiki Marketplace featuring vendors, entertainers, cocktails, rum tasting and more
The historic restaurant may be closed for repairs, but a new event took advantage of the large parking lot for a safe and fun-filled day featuring the generous spirit of ‘ohana.
Thousands of fans unite to show support for Mai-Kai during closing
More than 10,000 signed a petition and thousands flooded social media channels.
Mai-Kai celebrates 64th anniversary under the moon as challenges loom
Check out all the details on rhe Mai-Kai’s sold-out 64th anniversary party.
Mai-Kai celebrates Hulaween 2020 with drive-in movie party after closing for renovations
The historic Polynesian restaurant transported revelers to a socially-distanced celebration like no other, including an appearance by Appleton Rum’s Joy Spence.
MAI-KAI NEWS ARCHIVE
2017
* The Mai-Kai is here to stay: 10 reasons why we love the historic restaurant
2016
* New giant carved Tiki added to the Mai-Kai’s outdoor garden for 60th anniversary
* The Mai-Kai turns 60 with special history presentations, celebration
* ‘King Kai’ leads procession of new Tikis into the Mai-Kai
* New Mai-Kai mugs released, history book coming
2014
* Historic Mai-Kai celebrated, new cocktail menu unveiled at anniversary party
2012
* Mai-Kai tropical drink family tree
* Heeeeeeere’s the rich history and lost stories of the Mai-Kai
2011
* Tour of the Mai-Kai’s mysterious bars and kitchen (with photos)
* Interview with General Manager Kern Mattei
MAI-KAI SPECIAL FEATURES
The Mai-Kai Walking Tour on Marooned: A Texas Tiki Podcast
Join The Atomic Grog for a Mai-Kai history lesson with carver Will Anders and manager Kern Mattei in July 2018. It’s a real Tiki museum audio walking tour.
The Atomic Grog on Marooned: A Texas Tiki Podcast
Listen to Hurricane Hayward and Texas Tiki and cocktail podcaster David Phantomatic in the Samoa Room at the Mai-Kai in July 2018 as they discuss (what else) the historic tropical drinks and influence of South Florida’s Polynesian Palace.
Mai-Kai: History and Mystery of the Iconic Tiki Restaurant
The definitive book on the historic landmark by Tim “Swanky” Glazner.
* Official website | Facebook | Instagram
Can’t wait for Grand Reopening