Tag: Molokai Girls

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Mai-Kai grand reopening: Answers to frequently asked questions

Mai-Kai grand reopening 2024: Answers to frequently asked questions

Updated Jan. 4

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 67-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
• Mai-Kai timeline, 1956-2024: Iconic restaurant marks 68 years of Polynesian Pop history NEW
• Is it 1956 or 2024? Forward-thinking Mai-Kai menus sport retro flair
• Latest news and exclusive coverage of the Mai-Kai reopening
• Mai-Kai Restoration & Reopening: Full story and photo archive

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
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 22,000 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.

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
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)

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.

IS THE MAI-KAI FULLY OPEN?

Yes. The bars opened for a sneak preview Nov. 16, followed by the showroom dining rooms on Nov. 22. Since Nov. 26, the restaurant has been open seven days a week from 4 p.m. Monday-Friday and 3 p.m. weekends.

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, the elevated Tonga Room offers sweeping views
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 nightly dinner show (up to 45 days in advance) via the booking engine at MaiKai.com. The reservation system has been updated to allow you to choose from three three pricing tiers, but no longer select your exact seat. You will be seated according to the size of your party in that particular area. 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.
Note: If the website system is down for maintenance, please check back later.

Walk-ups may be accommodated, space permitting. Inquire at the front desk upon arrival.

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

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

The Hukilau made its 21st live appearance in South Florida last week at the scenic Beachcomber Resort on the Pompano Beach oceanfront. The idyllic setting was perfect for a Tiki weekender featuring four days of nonstop music, cocktails and education on modern and historic Polynesian Pop.
RELATED: The Hukilau 2023 live coverage, photos and video from social media

The Hukilau 2023 – June 8-11 at the Beachcomber Resort & Club in Pompano Beach. Featuring live music (The Hula Girls, The Intoxicators, The Disasternauts, Shorty’s Swingin’ Coconuts, The Swingin’ Palms, Skinny Jimmy Stingray, Dan Cunningham, The Ohana Hawaiian Jazz Trio), symposiums and classes (Jeff “Beachbum” Berry, David Wondrich, Matt Pietrek, Garret Richard, Spike Marble, Tiki Tom-Tom, Doc Parks), guest bars and industry professionals, pop-up cocktail bars, pool parties, Tiki Treasures Bazaar, plus more.
* TheHukilau.com | Instagram | Facebook page and group

The Atomic Grog’s photos and memories from June 8-11 at the Beachcomber Resort

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Mai-Kai cocktail review: Bring a friend and sink your teeth into the classic Sidewinder’s Fang

Mai-Kai cocktail review: Bring a friend and sink your teeth into the classic Sidewinder's Fang

Updated August 2024
See below: Our Sidewinder’s Fang review | Ancestor recipe | Tribute recipe NEW
Related: Mai-Kai cocktail guide
• Preview and recipes: Book reveals long-lost secrets and stories of P/Fassionola NEW

It may sound and look intimidating, but the whopping Sidewinder’s Fang is the perfect cocktail for a couple to share while enjoying a romantic evening at Fort Lauderdale’s landmark Mai-Kai Polynesian restaurant. Typically served in a giant snifter, it’s a fun and accessible cocktail that should appeal to newcomers and tropical drink aficionados alike. Featuring six ounces of rum, it’s suitable for an even larger party.

Molokai Bar server Ashley treats a guest to a Sidewinder's Fang at The Mai-Kai in February 2019. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)
Molokai Bar server Ashley treats a guest to a Sidewinder’s Fang at The Mai-Kai in February 2019. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)

The distinctive snifter is sometimes in short supply, so you may receive this giant cocktail in two smaller versions (see photo). But it’s been a long time since we’ve noticed a shortage of glasses, so this unique cocktail experience will live on exactly as it has for more than 60 years. The Mai-Kai is one of the few restaurants in the world to use this rare 64-ounce glass.

The cocktail itself is a classic communal Tiki drink, dominated by fruit juices and similar to the Mystery Drink, just not quite as complex. Many Polynesian restaurants served a Sidewinder’s Fang when exotic drinks flourished in the mid-century. The tribute recipe below is thought to be the original.

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