Hundreds of Tikiphiles flocked to Inuhele: Atlanta’s Tiki Weekend at the end of January for three days of artists and vendors, live music and entertainment, rum and cocktail tastings, plus a healthy dose of “edutainment.” The Omni hotel and Trader Vic’s were abuzz Jan 24-26 as enthusiastic guests enjoyed seminars and presentations on a wide range of topics. Previous coverage:Event overview, plus photos and video on social media
The Luau Lads (Kurt Rogers and Michael Bloom) and Tiki Lindy were among the rum and mixology experts at Inuhele 2025 in Atlanta. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward)
We gained a new appreciation for the work of pioneering artist Bosko, got mixology tips from the Luau Lads and Tiki Lindy, and received an exclusive update on the future of the Don the Beachcomber restaurants and upcoming book. The Atomic Grog was privileged to participate with an update on the reimagination and reopening of the Mai-Kai. Previous coverage:Don the Beachcomber brand closes maiden venue, but navigates rough seas with dynamic expansion plans
This was a follow-up to our 2023 symposium, Okole Maluna! The Return of The Mai-Kai, when we revealed details and a sneak peek at what would become an ambitious $20 million project that’s still ongoing. After the grand reopening in November, there was a lot new to report.
The famous “Mai-Kai that never was” painting by Al Kocab of a planned design that was abandoned before the 1970 expansion. It’s available as a 4-by-6-inch postcard, suitable for framing, in the restaurant gift shop along with 14 others for just $2 each. Click for larger image.
Following are some of the highlights of our slideshow, including two walk-through videos with creative director “Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller. Click on the images for a larger view. Below are notes pertaining to each slide.
Paradise Reimagined: Deep Inside the Mai-Kai Restoration
Presented at Inuhele in Atlanta on Jan. 26, 2025 Historic photos from the Mai-Kai, Tim “Swanky” Glazner, and other sources. Current and recent photos by Hurricane Hayward and the Mai-Kai unless noted.
↑ Charles McKirahan was one of the foremost architects of the Mid-Century Modern movement. The Mai-Kai design was Inspired by Canlis in Hawaii, featuring a 40-foot steel A-frame allowing an open main area, flanked by dining rooms. McKirahan was responsible for some of South Florida’s most iconic buildings of that era.
↑ After attending Stanford University, Bob and Jack Thornton borrowed money from their parents and went on to create the biggest Tiki temple of them all. The Mai-Kai grossed $1 million during its first full year of operation (1957) as the 150 seat-restaurant served 1,000 customers a night. The colorized image is available as a 4-by-6 postcard in the gift shop.
Updated March 24, 2025 Let us quench your thirst for the most detailed information, photos and deep dives into the cocktails served at the Mai-Kai restaurant in South Florida, est. 1956. This page will include reports by journalist Jim “Hurricane” Hayward along with news and official updates passed along by beverage director Cory Starr as he resurrects the storied bar program, originally developed by legendary mixologist Mariano Licudine. This blog post will serve as a supplement to our Mai-Kai Cocktail Guide, which will soon be updated with new reviews and recipes. If you’re looking for updates on the restaurant’s restoration and reopening, along with anything beyond the cocktails and bar program, be sure to follow this story:
• Exclusive ongoing coverage of the Mai-Kai reopening
The Mai-Kai’s beverage director, Cory Starr (left), served up cocktails with bartender Joey Sunshine during the Tropical Spirits Festival at Fort Lauderdale’s Bonnet House Museum & Gardens on March 9.
Mai-Kai joins spirits festival, welcomes brands for cocktail and rum tasting events
Posted March 24, 2025
The Mai-Kai and new beverage director Cory Starr stepped up their efforts to being spirits and cocktail education to the masses in March with an appearance at a local festival, two nights of special drinks in the outdoor Bora Bora Bar, plus a rum tasting for staff and guests in the main showroom. Previous coverage:Photos & video: Mai-Kai joins Miami Rum Congress festivities
Cocktails presented by the Mai-Kai at the Tropical Spirits Festival in Fort Lauderdale included the Tahitian Drum (left) and Royal Hawaiian. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward /March 9, 2025)
Tropical Spirits Festival and after-party at Mai-Kai
Before the Mai-Kai reopened in November, Starr and manager Kern Mattei joined the Atomic Grog for a special presentation at the 15th annual event in Coral Gables. Rather than just concentrate on rum, this new event celebrated “all things tropical” and featured brands and cocktails that also spotlighted tequila, gin, brandy, vodka and more.
The setting was perfect. The Bonnet House estate dates back to 1920 and features historic buildings and natural areas that showcase South Florida’s lush surroundings. Hundreds of attendees enjoyed dozens of booths featuring samples of spirits and cocktails.
After the Tropical Spirits Festival, the Mai-Kai welcomed Adrienne Stoner of Maison Ferrand and Planteray Rum (right) for an after-party in the Bora Bora Bar attended by enthusiasts such as Emily Driscoll from Tiki-a-Go-Go and The Hukilau. Click for a larger view of the menu. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward / March 9, 2025)
Starr and Sunshine served up two Mai-Kai cocktails (one classic and one new) plus one Hawaiian standard. This allowed them to feature rum (Planter’s Punch), tequila (Tahitian Drum), and gin (Royal Hawaiian). The Planter’s Punch has been on the Mai-Kai menu since 1956, while the Tahitian Drum is a Starr creation added to the new menu for the November launch.
The Royal Hawaiian, created in 1948 at the Moana Hotel in Waikiki Beach, exceeded our expectations. It was perhaps the best sip of the day, a perfectly balanced tropical delight featuring fantastic house-made orgeat by lead bartender Michael DeMahy.
Later that evening, Starr and the Mai-Kai hosted Adrienne Stoner, community rum liaison for Maison Ferrand, for the Topical Spirits Festival after-party. The French company’s rums and some of its other spirits were featured in an expansive booth at the festival.
At the Mai-Kai, Starr took advantage of this bounty of products to craft a menu of five drinks – three Mai-Kai classics and two unique twists on famous standards. They were available exclusively during the 7-10 p.m. event. We were lucky enough to taste four of the five and gave them all high marks. Here’s the lineup:
This is part 1 in a series exploring the new cocktail and food menus at the historic Mai-Kai in South Florida, est. 1956. The restaurant reopened in November 2024 after four years and a $20 million restoration project that’s still ongoing. First, we’ll take a look at the menu design and esthetics. In future stories, we’ll examine the drinks and the food in depth. February 2025 update:Bora Bora Bar menu just a taste things to come January 2025 update:Tiki gardens and new dining options open as Mai-Kai menus get a refresh
The Mai-Kai’s Tonga dining room offers not only a prime view of the showroom stage and the Polynesian Islander Revue, but also a display case containing traditional cannibal carvings that have been used to promote the restaurant since its 1956 opening. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward / Nov. 22, 2024)
Since the Mai-Kai celebrated its grand reopening in mid-November, fans flocking back to 3599 N. Federal Highway in Oakland Park have been dazzled by the renovation and reimagination of the 67-year-old Tiki temple. This includes a painstaking rehabilitation of the Molokai Bar, the massive showroom under the vintage 40-foot A-frame, as well as all the surrounding dining rooms and other guest areas.
But there are a few new additions to this throwback experience that may have escaped notice, right under the noses of many guests. The food and drink menus now boast a retro look and feel that dates all the way back to the early days of the Mai-Kai. Let’s take a closer look at menus, their links to the past, and some breaking news on what’s coming next.
The cocktail menu: Welcome back to paradise, 1950s style
The Mai-Kai’s updated menu features 54 cocktails, including 38 classic rum drinks and 12 new creations by head mixologist Cory Starr. Click for larger view. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward, November 2024)
It’s easy to be swept away to paradise when you open the Mai-Kai’s new cocktail menu and gaze upon more than 50 tropical drinks, many of them classics that have been frozen in time since 1956. But after you place your order for one of those delicious drinks crafted by beverage director Cory Starr and his expansive team of bartenders, take a gander at the menu’s design and artwork.
The cover art and tri-fold format is nearly identical the original 1956-57 menu, which included 43 cocktails ranging in price from 90 cents for Oh So Deadly to $2 for the signature Barrel O’ Rum. Both of those drinks are still on the menu, along with 28 others from that initial grand opening. The prices many have changed, but the recipes remain nearly identical, one of the unique features of the legendary bar.
The Mai-Kai replicated the menu design in great detail, from the distinctive logo to the familiar artwork of three cannibal tiki carvings. The wood grain and folding panels are meant to simulate the Mai-Kai’s original front doors. We don’t have a copy of the original menu, but images posted online during an eBay sale show virtually the same cover and inside layout from 1957:
The Mai-Kai’s new 2024 cocktail menu was designed to look very much like this original menu from 1956-57, including the same cover and vintage-style images.
The old tri-fold menu style was gone by the end of the 1970s, replaced by a bi-fold menu that remained in place (in varying sizes) until the 2020 closing. [See the 2018-2019 menu] Another classic feature is back on the new menu with a return to having the individual cocktails depicted by representational artwork.
The original artwork was replaced by photos in a 2014 menu overhaul. This was a major change from the original style used during the first 57 years of menus. But the old look is back, thanks to California artist Eric October.
Mai-Kai managing partner Bill Fuller reached out to October after seeing his botanical cocktail prints for sale online. The longtime Mai-Kai fan was hired to create the custom images using watercolor in the same style used on the original mid-century menus. Some of the cocktails have also been turned into T-shirts featuring the same artwork.
Mai-Kai manager Kern Mattei (right) meets Eric October at Tiki Oasis in San Diego, where the artist was selling his distinctive botanical cocktail prints. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward, August 2023)
These images include more than just the signature mild, medium and strong rum drinks – plus the four non-alcoholic options. October also depicted the 12 new creations by Starr that fill out he 54-drink menu and offer alternatives for fans of other spirits (bourbon, tequila, et al.).
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.
When you cross the rumbling wooden bridge to enter the Mai-Kai, you’re immediately redirected onto what looks like a red clay road in a South Seas paradise filled with lush tropical foliage and dozens of tiki torches. As you exit, look for the new carvings by South Florida artist Tom Fowner, based on the signature “cannibal trio” that has appeared on Mai-Kai signs and menus since 1956. “Mahalo a hui hou” means “thank you and until we meet again.” (Photos by Hurricane Hayward / Nov. 15 and Nov. 20, 2024)
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.
Popular “Molokai Girls” Ashley and Roxy returned for the grand reopening, doing double duty in the new outdoor Bora Bora Bar to serve classic cocktails such as the Yeoman’s Grog. The relocation of the driveway necessitated the removal of the long-dormant Bora Bora building, so creative director “Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller designed a namesake bar under the reimagined porte-cochère. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward / Nov. 20, 2024)
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.
Seating for the Mai-Kai’s long-running Polynesian dinner show includes prime seats in the New Guinea Room (left foreground) and the Hawaii Room (left top). To the rear of the showroom (right), the elevated Tonga Room offers sweeping views. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward / Nov. 22, 2024)
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.
Updated March 25, 2025 This blog post will feature continually updated information from official sources at the historic Mai-Kai restaurant in South Florida. It will also include in-depth coverage and photos from journalist Jim “Hurricane” Hayward, along with information gathered from other reliable sources. Bookmark and return for the most accurate and complete guide to the reopening of the Tiki landmark, est. 1956.
• Mai-Kai Restoration & Reopening: Full story and photo archive UPDATES: Mai-Kai bar and cocktail news, reviews and exclusive insights
Mai-Kai beverage director Cory Starr (left) with creative director “Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller in the Bora Bora Bar on Feb. 27. Tom Fowner (right) is joined by fellow South Florida artist Todd Ashbaugh on March 14. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward, the Mai-Kai)
February-March 2025 update: Artists continue working on Mai-Kai design projects, upgrading vintage look and feel
Posted March 24, 2025
There has been a lot of activity at the Mai-Kai since our last full update in January, from the completion of the restoration of the waterfalls in front of the iconic A-frame, to the addition of vintage tikis in the outdoor gardens, to the pending installation of new carvings across the property, to a new signature Bora Bora Bar sign and its fascinating back story. This story will cover all those topics and more, hitting all the high points since our presentation at Inuhele in Atlanta (see full story). Also remember to check our separate blog post that covers all the latest Mai-Kai bar and cocktail news, updated with coverage of two special events in March. RELATED:Mai-Kai joins spirits festival, welcomes brands for cocktail and rum tasting eventsNEW
Here are the highlights of the continuing renovations and restoration of the restaurant, including new videos and photos.
Historic water features running, new front deck completed
The return of the water features in front of the Mai-Kai completes the restoration of the iconic facade of the South Florida restaurant. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward / March 7, 2025)
If you thought that the extensive restoration and renovation of the Mai-Kai was nearly complete at the end of 2024, think again. We watched the progress throughout early 2025, culminating with the long-awaited return of the waterfalls that cascade through the rock work in front of the 40-foot A-frame.
The elaborate water features in front of the building along Federal Highway, which date back to the early days of the 68-year-old restaurant, were finally operational by the second week in March. Waterfalls now also envelope guests who walk out onto the new deck added to the front of the Molokai Bar during the restoration.
Bringing the water system back to life was a long, involved process. The system is vintage (aka very old), but the Mai-Kai has been able to restore it with the help of an expert who specializes in keeping such legacy systems running. In addition to separate pump systems in front to the left and right of the entry bridge, there are classic water features surrounding the banyan tree next to the Bora Bora Bar, and also throughout the walking paths in the back Tiki gardens.
The restored water features next to the 1960s era carving by Barney West at the north end of the Mai-Kai property along Federal Highway date back to 1960. Note the banyan trees and Bora Bora Bar in the background. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward / Feb. 27, 2025)
Because the Mai-Kai is a local and national historic landmark, tearing out and replacing the vintage systems was not an option. As part of the reimagination, new rock work and waterfalls were added in front of the new outdoor bar. The most ambitious new water feature is the faux volcanic caldera and its water jets at the end of the entry driveway.
Manager Kern Mattei said they had to reboot, then typically replace, multiple aging pumps that had been shut down since 2020. Many hadn’t been working for years prior. Then crews had to inspect and debug every inch of pipe to make sure all the lines were working. They’re still plagued by leaks, but they’re finally all working correctly.
While this work was going on, “Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller completed the conversion of the outdoor area in front of the Molokai Bar into a small Tiki garden, surrounded by flowing waterfalls. We got our first inkling that something special was coming in the summer of 2023 when Allsmiller restored the beam extensions on front of the bar.
The front deck of the Molokai bar is now complete, offering guests an additional outdoor garden area. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward / March 12, 2025)
Over the next year, the new deck was built and the outdoor area in front of the bar became a public space for guests for the first time. When the Mai-Kai reopened in November after 5 years and $20 million in improvements, the former fire door became a public exit, but more work was still left to be done.
By late February, the woodwork on the front of the building had been painted, temporary barriers removed, and new bamboo planted to block the sights and sounds of busy Federal Highway. “You can’t see the street anymore,” Mattei said, noting the guests inside the bar are now totally cut off from the real world, as intended. With a few exceptions, you’ll have this same experience throughout the restaurant. This immersion is key to the original design and carried through the restoration.
