tiki tour origin

The Enchanting World of Tiki Culture: A Journey Through Time and Tradition

The Legends Behind Polynesian Tiki Gods: A Journey Through Mythology and Folklore

Exploring the rich history of tiki culture: a comprehensive guide.

• By Luna in Hawaii , History , Origins of Tiki , Polynesia

Tiki Culture, a fascinating and complex historical phenomenon, has its roots in the Oceanic region, encompassing the islands of the Pacific Ocean. It represents a unique blend of Polynesian, Melanesian, and Micronesian influences, which have given rise to a colorful and vibrant cultural tapestry. Throughout the years, Tiki Culture has evolved and adapted, capturing the imagination of people across the globe. This comprehensive guide for enthusiasts delves into the rich history of Tiki Culture, exploring its origins, art, music, culinary experiences, and must-visit destinations.

The allure of Tiki Culture lies in its exoticism and escapism, offering a tantalizing glimpse into a world of tropical islands, swaying palm trees, and intriguing ancient traditions. From the iconic Tiki statues to the mesmerizing sounds of Hawaiian music, Tiki Culture has become synonymous with a laid-back, carefree lifestyle that celebrates the spirit of the islands. As the popularity of Tiki Culture continues to grow, it is essential for enthusiasts to delve into its rich history and understand the various cultural elements that have shaped this unique phenomenon.

By exploring Tiki Culture’s origins, influences, and evolution, enthusiasts can gain a deeper appreciation for the various elements that have contributed to its enduring appeal. From the mesmerizing art and aesthetics to the infectious rhythms of music and dance, Tiki Culture offers a captivating window into a fascinating world that continues to enchant and inspire.

Origins of Tiki Culture: Oceanic Roots

To understand the origins of Tiki Culture, one must first travel back in time to the ancient civilizations that inhabited the islands of the Pacific Ocean. The Oceanic region is home to diverse cultural groups, each with their own distinct customs, beliefs, and artistic expressions. It is from this rich tapestry of Oceanic cultures that Tiki Culture has emerged, drawing on the unique characteristics of Polynesian, Melanesian, and Micronesian societies.

The term “Tiki” itself can be traced back to the Polynesian language family, where it refers to a carved humanoid figure that often represents a deity or ancestor. These Tiki statues can be found throughout Polynesia, from the remote Marquesas Islands to the bustling streets of modern-day Honolulu. The concept of Tiki has also been adopted by other Oceanic cultures, such as the Melanesians and Micronesians, who have integrated it into their own artistic and religious traditions.

The origins of Tiki Culture can also be linked to the early European explorers who ventured into the Pacific Ocean in search of new lands and trade routes. As these explorers encountered the diverse cultures of the Oceanic region, they were captivated by the exotic customs, striking art, and enchanting music that they encountered. This fascination with Oceanic culture laid the foundation for the development of Tiki Culture, which would continue to evolve and adapt as it made its way around the globe.

Tiki Culture’s Polynesian, Melanesian, and Micronesian Influences

Tiki Culture is a unique blend of Polynesian, Melanesian, and Micronesian influences, each contributing distinct elements to the overall cultural tapestry. Polynesian cultures, which include the indigenous peoples of Hawaii, New Zealand, and the islands of the Central and Eastern Pacific, have played a significant role in shaping Tiki Culture. Polynesian art, music, and dance have all left their mark on Tiki Culture, with iconic elements such as the hula dance, Hawaiian slack-key guitar, and intricate wood carvings becoming synonymous with the Tiki aesthetic.

Melanesian cultures, which encompass the indigenous peoples of Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, and New Caledonia, have also contributed to the development of Tiki Culture. Melanesian art often features striking geometric patterns and bold colors, which have been incorporated into Tiki design. Similarly, Melanesian music, with its distinctive rhythms and instrumentation, has influenced the overall sound of Tiki Culture.

Finally, Micronesian cultures, including those of Guam, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Kiribati, have also left their mark on Tiki Culture. Micronesian art often features intricate weaving and shellwork, which can be seen in the decor of many Tiki establishments. Additionally, Micronesian music, with its distinctive vocal styles and chanting, has added another layer to the rich tapestry of Tiki Culture.

Art and Aesthetics of Tiki Culture

The art and aesthetics of Tiki Culture are as diverse and vibrant as the Oceanic cultures that have inspired them. At the heart of Tiki art are the iconic Tiki statues, which can range from small, intricate carvings to towering wooden figures adorned with elaborate decorations. These statues often represent deities, ancestors, or powerful spirits, and their presence is believed to bring protection and good fortune.

Tiki Culture also draws heavily upon the artistic traditions of the Oceanic region, incorporating elements such as intricate wood carvings, woven textiles, and vibrant patterns into its overall aesthetic. Tiki art often features a mix of natural materials, such as bamboo, palm fronds, and shells, which are combined with bold colors and geometric designs to create a visually stunning and unique style.

The aesthetics of Tiki Culture extend beyond art and into the design of Tiki establishments, such as bars and restaurants. These spaces are often characterized by their exoticdecor, which includes elements such as thatched roofs, bamboo accents, and colorful murals. The overall effect is one of tropical escapism, transporting visitors to a world of swaying palm trees, warm breezes, and exotic cocktails.

In recent years, Tiki Culture has experienced a resurgence in popularity, with a new generation of artists and designers putting their own spin on the classic Tiki aesthetic. This modern interpretation of Tiki art often incorporates elements of pop culture and street art, resulting in a unique and dynamic style that continues to evolve.

Music and Dance in Tiki Culture

Music and dance have always been an integral part of Tiki Culture, with a rich history dating back to the traditional music and dance of the Oceanic region. Polynesian cultures, in particular, have played a significant role in shaping the music and dance of Tiki Culture, with the iconic hula dance and slack-key guitar becoming synonymous with the Tiki aesthetic.

Traditional Polynesian music often features intricate rhythms and harmonies, with instruments such as the ukulele, steel guitar, and conch shell adding to the overall sound. The hula dance, which originated in Hawaii, is a graceful and captivating dance form that tells stories through movement and expression.

In addition to traditional music and dance, Tiki Culture has also been influenced by the music of the mid-20th century, particularly the exotica and lounge music genres. These styles were characterized by their lush orchestration, exotic instrumentation, and evocative themes, and were often used as the soundtrack for Tiki-themed films and television shows.

Today, Tiki Culture continues to inspire musicians and dancers around the world, with new interpretations and adaptations adding to the rich tapestry of this unique cultural phenomenon.

Tiki Bars and Restaurants: A Culinary Experience

Tiki culture is not just about art and music, it is also a culinary experience. Tiki-themed bars and restaurants offer a unique blend of exotic flavors, fresh ingredients, and creative presentation that is sure to transport diners to a world of tropical indulgence.

Many Tiki establishments offer a wide range of cocktails, with classic drinks such as the Mai Tai, Zombie, and Blue Hawaiian being staples of the Tiki bar scene. These cocktails are often served in elaborate vessels, such as Tiki mugs or coconut shells, adding to the overall visual appeal.

The food served in Tiki restaurants is often a fusion of traditional Polynesian and modern cuisine, with a focus on fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Dishes such as poke bowls, sushi rolls, and grilled meats are often featured on the menu, along with vegetarian and vegan options.

The overall dining experience in a Tiki-themed restaurant is one of fun and indulgence, with the ambiance and decor adding to the overall appeal. Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner for two or a night out with friends, a Tiki restaurant is sure to offer a unique and memorable culinary experience.

Tiki Culture in Hawaii: A Unique Blend

Hawaii has played a significant role in the development and evolution of Tiki Culture, with its rich history and unique cultural traditions adding to the overall tapestry. Hawaiian culture, with its emphasis on nature, family, and community, has been a significant influence on Tiki art, music, and dance.

In addition to its cultural influence, Hawaii is home to some of the most iconic Tiki establishments in the world. The Mai-Kai in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is a legendary Tiki restaurant that has been serving up exotic cocktails and Polynesian cuisine since 1956. The Royal Hawaiian in Waikiki, Oahu, is a classic Tiki hotel that has been welcoming guests since 1927, offering a luxurious and unforgettable Hawaiian experience.

Hawaii’s unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty make it a must-visit destination for any Tiki enthusiast, offering a chance to experience the true spirit of Tiki Culture in its birthplace.

Modern Tiki Culture: Revival and Evolution

Tiki Culture has experienced a revival in recent years, with a new generation of artists and designers putting their own spin on the classic Tiki aesthetic. This modern interpretation of Tiki art often incorporates elements of pop culture and street art, resulting in a unique and dynamic style that continues to evolve.

In addition to art and design, Tiki Culture has also expanded into other areas, such as fashion, home decor, and even technology. Tiki-inspired clothing and accessories, such as Hawaiian shirts and Tiki jewelry, have become popular with fashion-conscious consumers, while Tiki-themed home decor offers a fun and playful way to incorporate the Tiki aesthetic into everyday life.

The evolution of Tiki Culture extends beyond aesthetics and into the realm of social and environmental responsibility. Many Tiki establishments are now focusing on sustainable practices, such as using locally sourced ingredients, reducing waste, and supporting community initiatives.

Must-Visit Tiki-Themed Destinations

For Tiki enthusiasts, there are a plethora of must-visit destinations around the world that offer an unforgettable Tiki experience. From classic Tiki bars and restaurants to modern Tiki pop-ups and festivals, there is something for everyone in the world of Tiki.

Some of the most iconic Tiki destinations include the Mai-Kai in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the Tonga Room in San Francisco, California, and the Tiki-Ti in Los Angeles, California. These establishments offer a classic Tiki experience, with exotic cocktails, Polynesian cuisine, and mesmerizing decor.

For those looking for a more modern take on Tiki, there are numerous Tiki-themed festivals and pop-ups that offer a unique and dynamic Tiki experience. Events such as Tiki Oasis in San Diego, California, and the Hukilau in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, bring together Tiki enthusiasts from around the world for a weekend of music, art, and culture.

Celebrating and Preserving Tiki Culture

Tiki Culture is a rich and complex historical phenomenon that continues to capture the imagination of people around the world. From its Oceanic roots to its modern-day interpretations, Tiki Culture represents a unique blend of art, music, food, and community that celebrates the spirit of the islands.

As Tiki Culture continues to evolve and adapt, it is essential to celebrate and preserve the cultural elements that have made it such a beloved cultural phenomenon. Whether you are a longtime enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of Tiki, there is something to be gained by exploring the rich history and cultural significance of this fascinating cultural tapestry.

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AT THE SMITHSONIAN

There’s more to classic tiki than just kitsch.

Bartender Martin Cate reveals eight fun facts about the past, present and future of tiki culture

Jacob Brogan

Once associated with dopey midcentury kitsch, the elaborately decorated tiki bar is suddenly springing up everywhere, serving quaffable concoctions in pineapples and elaborately carved mugs.

In its heyday, the movement was even bigger. Its aesthetic spread beyond bars and restaurants to encompass otherwise distinct areas of American life: Car dealerships were built to resemble thatch-roofed huts and bowling alleys adopted imitation South Seas décor. That decades-long vogue eventually came to be known as Polynesian Pop.

On August 24, Martin and Rebecca Cate , of the acclaimed San Francisco bar Smuggler’s Cove, will speak at a Smithsonian Associates' event  to discuss tiki’s legacy and share some of their own creations. In advance of that event, I spoke with Martin Cate about the rise, fall and resurgence of tiki. He led me through its historical underpinnings, explained what makes a good exotic cocktail, and speculated about why these fun (and sometimes flammable) drinks are popular again.

American tiki culture has origins dating back to the 19th century

The American fascination with what would come to be known as tiki culture begins more than 100 years ago. “Its origins go back to the 19th century, when Americans became quite interested in the South Pacific, tales of South Sea adventure, Robert Louis Stevenson and such,” Cate said. “Even into the early 20th century, we fell in love with Hawaiian music, creating this genre called haole music.”

Many other factors would continue to feed that interest over the years, including the Norweigan ethnographer Thor Heyerdahl ’s harrowing 1947 journey from Peru to French Polynesia on a balsa wood raft that he had named the Kon-Tiki. To find the true starting point of tiki as we know it now, however, you have to go back 14 years earlier. In 1933, an itinerant and curious bootlegger named Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt opened a Hollywood restaurant that would come to be known as Don the Beachcomber.

While Gantt decorated the space with relics from his nautical travels, it was the drinks—notably, complex multilayered rum concoctions—that really stood out. As Martin and Rebecca Cate write in Smuggler’s Cove , “Mixing and layering multiple spices and sweeteners provided a vast array of possibilities, and even small tweaks to a recipe could yield a much different result.” Thus, as the Cates write, was the exotic cocktail born.

Smuggler's Cove: Exotic Cocktails, Rum, and the Cult of Tiki

Winner: 2017 Spirited Awards (Tales of the Cocktail): Best New Cocktail and Bartending Book "Martin and Rebecca Cate are alchemists—Reyn Spooner–wearing, volcano-bowl-igniting, Polynesian-popping, double-straining, Aku-Aku swilling alchemists. Which is to say, they are the finest kind of alchemists known to walk the earth. Buy this book. It will bring you a little bit closer to paradise.”

Tiki bars arose during the Great Depression

While Don the Beachcomber was the first tiki bar, it obviously wasn’t the last. Imitators such as Trader Vic’s—the arguable origin point of the Mai Tai—soon began to spring up elsewhere in California and around the country. While the movement eventually assumed a life of its own, it might not have taken off if Don the Beachcomber’s island-themed aesthetic hadn’t been such a perfect fit for the economically troubled era.

“It created this escapist environment that fit perfectly with what people were looking for in Depression-era America,” Cate told me. “At a time before Internet and color TV and travel, it created an imaginary South Seas island getaway that was the perfect place to forget about your worries and troubles, and unwind with some soft music underneath a thatched roof.”

Tiki thrived during the post-World War II economic boom

If the Depression lit tiki’s fuse, it blew up during the post-World War II boom. One source of that growing enthusiasm, Cate suggests, may have been the huge number of G.I.s returning from overseas with fond memories of island downtime in the Pacific.

But, according to Cate, it was also important that theirs was a prosperous era.

“This was Eisenhower’s America. The Protestant work ethic. It’s nothing but work, work, work,” he said. “These tiki bars become the place where everything slows down. Where time stops. There’s no windows. It’s always twilight. You can loosen a tie and you can relax. They became these shelters that you could go to to decompress.”

Most classic exotic cocktails follow a strict formula

When Gantt—who would later rename himself Donn Beach, since everyone assumed that was his name—first began debuting exotic cocktails, he built them on the much older model of a drink called Planter’s Punch. Despite tiki culture’s Polynesian trappings, this seminal rum drink has Caribbean origins. “Remember, there’s no rum in the South Pacific, no tradition of cocktails,” Cate told me.

Traditionally, Planter’s Punch is built according to a simple rhyme that dictates its proportions:

            1 of sour             2 of sweet             3 of strong             4 of weak

In the classic version, the sour is lime, the sweet is sugar, the strong is rum, and the weak is water. As Cate tells it, Donn Beach’s innovation was the realization that there was still room for experimentation within that formula.

“What Donn did, and this is what created these unique cocktails, which we call exotic cocktails, was to take these things and make them as baroque and complex as possible,” Cate said. “In so doing, he created yet another uniquely American form of cocktail, alongside these great historic things like the cobbler, the julep and the fizz.”

In an exotic cocktail, spice was more important than sweetness

While many treat tiki cocktails serve as a sugar delivery mechanism, Cate suggests that they’re missing the point. Donn Beach’s true innovation arguably derived from his willingness to raid the spice cabinet, introducing flavors such as pimento that Americans were only familiar with from their cooking.

“The essential parts are going to be a fresh citrus component and some kind of spice component,” Cate said. “The spice component can take the form of cinnamon syrup, it can take the form of a dash of angostura bitters. That was the secret weapon of Donn’s. That was what brought the layers in. Spices in tropical drinks.”

Though the tradition of using spice had deep roots in Caribbean cocktails, it lent an unexpected air of mystery in American bars. Bartenders continue to exploit this sense of surprise to this day, often embracing its potentially theatrical qualities. Some tiki bars, for example, will grate cinnamon over a flaming cocktail as it’s being delivered to the table, sending sparks into the air.

Exotic cocktails suffered a precipitous fall from grace 

While Donn Beach and some of his immediate imitators made their complex drinks with, as Cate puts it, “precision and care,” tiki bartenders eventually grew careless. Part of the trouble was that many of the original recipes were closely guarded secrets (more on that in a moment).

“If you want to get into [exotic cocktails], it really does take a bit of effort,” Cate told me. “And it’s important, because this is where it all fell apart in the 1960s and, particularly, the 1970s. Bartenders had all these drinks written down as code. Getting recipes became a game of telephone.”

But Cate also attributes the decline to the mid-century vogue for cooking with powdered and canned foods designed to make the busy home chef’s life easier. Soon, bartenders were finding shortcuts such as substituting dry sour mix for fresh squeezed limes. Once subtle cocktails grew increasingly syrupy and indistinguishable, leaving us with the sickly sweet beverages that many associate with the movement today.

Recreating classic tiki recipes was hard work

As the art of exotic cocktails fell into disrepair, a few intrepid investigators attempted to pull it back from the edge of the abyss. Key among their number is likely cocktail historian Jeff Berry—author of books such as  Potions of the Caribbean —who went to great lengths to recreate once secret recipes.

“It definitely took Jeff’s scholarship and his attempts to communicate with old bartenders who used to be in the trade to bring these things to light,” Cate said. “By doing that, he saved them virtually from extinction, but also put them on a platform where the craft cocktail bartender looked at them and said: 'I recognize a lot of what I do here. Housemade syrups, and great spirits and fresh juice .' ”

The resurgence of tiki culture is partly a response to the craft cocktail movement

In the past 15-odd years, many bartenders once again began to think of their work as an extension of the culinary arts. Drawing on the lessons of farm-to-table cuisine, they started paying renewed attention to ingredients and technique. But that shift also brought an elevated level of self-seriousness to bars. As Cate puts it, “Everyone was in their sleeve guards with their waxed mustaches, telling their guest to hush. 'Don’t look at me, I’m trying to stir your cocktail. You’re going to bruise the ice by looking at it .' ”

Though the new wave of tiki bartenders paid just as much attention to the details of mixology, Cate thinks that they also set out to deflate some of the pomposity. Serving their drinks in fanciful mugs with elaborate garnishes, they aimed to entertain.

“We can still adhere to the tenets established by Don the Beachcomber, and reestablished by the craft cocktail renaissance,” Cate told me. “Of course we’re going to use fresh made juice, we’re going to use quality rums, we’re going to use house-made ingredients, but what we’re going to do is bring our guests an experience that puts a smile on their face.”

"Tiki Time! Exotic Cocktails and the Cult of the Tiki Bar, " is currently sold out, but names are being accepted for a wait list. The  Smithsonian Associates  program takes place Thursday, August 24 at 6:45 p.m. 

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Jacob Brogan | | READ MORE

Jacob Brogan is a journalist and critic based in Washington, D.C.

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The Evolution of Tiki in Four Eras

Prior to its near-extinction and subsequent revival, tiki culture underwent decades of rapid evolution. martin cate of smuggler's cove walks lizzie munro through the four eras that shaped tiki as we know it today..

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“It’s easy to forget how much it’d been almost completely wiped off the map—how tiki bars, by the end of the ‘80s and into the early ‘90s, were virtually extinct,” says Martin Cate, bartender and co-author, along with his wife, Rebecca, of Smugglers Cove: Exotic Cocktails, Rum, and the Cult of Tiki , named for their famed San Francisco bar.

Given its impressive cult status, it might be easy to label tiki as a kind of one-note attraction, one that favors complex, layered drinks, elaborate vessels and over-the-top garnishes, all served with a hefty dose of faux-Polynesian kitsch.

But it’s better described as a continuous evolution, albeit one with a period of near-extinction. While the canon of classic drinks has a collective history that spans centuries, that of the tiki cocktail covers just a few whirlwind decades. Born out of a Depression-era fantasy of escapism, tiki culture can trace its existence to back to before Prohibition, but not much earlier. With roots in the “hurricane”-themed nightclubs of the early 20th century, it wasn’t until the 1930s and ‘40s that the most famous cocktails—with their island-hopping rums and signature flavors of baking spice and almond—came to be. It was then, too, that tiki became more than just a culture of drinks; the entire atmosphere evolved, transitioning from the ramshackle flotsam and jetsam-laden furnishings that defined the early stages of the movement to its more exotic elements—live birds, indoor waterfalls—which would come to later define the spirit of Polynesian Pop .

Somewhere after that, however, it fizzled out. Less than a century after its beginnings, an entire generation was left not really remembering or even knowing just how pervasive tiki was. Adding to that, the drinks were inherently complex—and not exactly ripe for revival: “It was hard to find people willing to make them because they take careful measurement, 11 or 12 ingredients, expensive ingredients, housemade ingredients,” says Cate. “It was people like Sven Kirsten who were . . . trying to piece together the ruins of a lost civilization.” It was Kirsten, a pop culturist, who famously organized the stages of tiki into four eras, drawing not only on history and artifacts but on elements of cultural anthropology to fashion a more complete picture of what had been lost.

Today, thanks to the revivalists—like Kirsten, Otto von Stroheim and Jeff “Beachbum” Berry, and their modern-day counterparts, like Cate—tiki is just as much a living, breathing movement as it was during its mid-century prime. And it’s one that continues to embrace its earliest elements, whether those of the ramshackle Beachcomber, who championed the idea of escapism; or the industrious Trader, who gave us orgeat ; or even the contributions of Steve Crane, who promoted the notion of consummate showmanship upon which so much of modern tiki is based.

Like so many things, these chapters are clearest in hindsight. Here, Cate walks us through the movement’s four primary eras as outlined by Kirsten, to examine what built the tiki we know today.

A classic cocktail experience in a little bit of bamboo drag. Key influencers: Writers like Herman Melville and Robert Louis Stevenson (as well as those who penned the era’s popular Hollywood serials) who offered romanticized accounts, both fictional and firsthand, of island escapism. Start date: Pre-Prohibition Notable locations : The Cocoanut Grove at the Ambassador Hotel in LA; various “hurricane”-themed bars around the country. Atmosphere: “Pre-Prohibition nightclubs and post-Prohibition, post-war nightclubs were very popular,” says Cate. They were, broadly speaking, what might be called a tropical nightclub or even a bamboo bar, equipped with a generic tropical feel and a spattering of fake palm trees alongside classic drinks. Signature drinks : Gimlets , Daiquiris , Martinis , Manhattans .

The Beachcomber

The classic template upon which everything else is built. Key influencer: Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt, better known as Don the Beachcomber Start date: December 1933 Signature ingredients and styles: Building on the concept of the Planter’s Punch , a centuries-old rum drink known throughout the Caribbean, the Beachcomber began a tradition of blending multiple rums, citrus and sweeteners into his drinks, not to mention a cupboard’s worth of baking spices, like cinnamon, clove, allspice and nutmeg—something previously unheard of in drink-making. And the recipes, not only for the cocktails themselves, but also for their built-in syrups ( Don’s Mix , for example), were hidden from the public for years, a move that only accentuated their exoticism. “People who go to Don the Beachcomber’s ask the waiter for ideas,” explains Cate. “They don’t recognize any of the dishes, they don’t know what any of the drinks are and that’s what was so delightful to everybody.” Atmosphere: “When Don comes along,” explains Cate, “he brings in something that’s not quite as polished, as clean or as formal—his places always looked a little rough and a little scrappy around the edges.” He highlighted the ideals of ramshackle escapism based on his own travels throughout the Caribbean and the South Pacific, lining the walls of his establishments with thatched-together bamboo, flotsam and jetsam. Signature drinks: The sinisterly named Missionary’s Downfall , the Zombie , the Vicious Virgin, the Never Say Die and the Shark’s Tooth  “have this sense of adventure built right into them,” says Cate.

A more industrious take on the Beachcomber style. Start date: 1937, when the Trader first visits Don the Beachcomber and subsequently transforms his Oakland restaurant, Hinky Dinks, into the more tropical and exotic Trader Vic’s. Key influencer: Victor Jules Bergeron, better known as Trader Vic. Signature ingredient: Orgeat. Bergeron, who, having grown up in a French family, was familiar with the flavors of the sweetened, almond syrup, correctly assumed that it’d work well in tropical drinks. It’s now one of the pillars of modern tiki. In addition, says Cate, he had a habit of mixing his base spirits—and not just rums, as had been the case with the Beachcomber. “What he really liked to do was mix rum and gin, and rum and brandy,” says Cate. “He poured multiple base spirits together, which wasn’t very common.” Atmosphere: Though Trader took a great amount of inspiration from the Beachcomber—going so far as to buy items from the Beachcomber himself—his establishments (especially when outposts emerged in Seattle and San Francisco in the early ‘50s) were more polished than their predecessors. “They also had the trappings of retail to them,” says Cate, noting that they’d sell seashells and tropical knickknacks. “The idea [was] that . . . Eisenhower America was becoming a little too structured, a little too formal.” The Trader, then, “would flee the shackles of Western society, take off this tie and basically try to make a living of it on the water”—a fantasy well reflected in his restaurants. Signature drinks: The Mai Tai , the Scorpion and the Fog Cutter, all of which notably include his signature orgeat.

An over-the-top luau experience from a consummate showman. Key influencer: Steve Crane, who, having built upon the Trader Vic’s model—and, thus, borrowed heavily from Beachcomber—set out to create a Polynesian palace in Hollywood. Start date: July 25, 1953, when Crane opens his landmark, The Luau, on Rodeo Drive. Signature ingredients and styles: What Steve did best, says Cate, were very well-executed, gentle riffs on the Beachcomber style. “Steve’s innovations were in decor, in service, in the vertical integration of his company,” says Cate. “Cocktails he did well and served well because he hired good people, but he didn’t exactly change the game.” Atmosphere: Having set out to open the biggest, most over-the-top example of tiki yet, Crane—who’d lived in Hollywood for years, married (and divorced) Lana Turner and dated starlets like Rita Hayworth and Ava Gardner—sampled liberally from those who’d come before him, adding “indoor waterfalls and running streams through the restaurant and actual macaws in cages,” says Cate. “Every inch of the place became a complete, immersive environment.” Steve himself reportedly developed a persona as well; not only did he make a habit of greeting guests in a safari suit, he also took to calling himself the “High Talking Chief Stefooma”—a move that was nothing if not appropriately theatrical. Signature drinks: Luau Grogs, Steve’s Rum Barrel

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Tiki Symbol Meaning: Hawaiian and Polynesian History

When you hear the word “tiki,” you might think of mai tais, a tiki totem with blue eyes, or a giant tiki head. In this article, we dive a little bit deeper into what the tiki symbol meaning is all about.

The tiki symbol holds significant importance in Polynesian culture, embodying a rich history and a variety of important meanings. These fascinating sculptures have evolved, initially serving as markers for sacred grounds and religious idols.

As tiki carvings spread throughout the Polynesian and Hawaiian islands, their meanings and uses continued to develop, encompassing numerous deities and cultural traditions.

Tiki face statues often represent modified human figures and can be traced back to the Marquesas Islands, where they were regarded as symbols with strong spiritual and symbolic forces.

In Hawaiian culture, high-ranking tribesmen associated with the tiki were considered both sacred and powerful like King Kamehameha II and Alii Nui. These unique carvings held significant roles in special religious ceremonies and connected Hawaiian people to nature and ancestry.

Although considered an ancient art form, tiki symbols remain relevant in today’s modern world. They symbolize luck, fertility, and the relationship between man and nature.

As such, these captivating figures continue to intrigue and inspire those who delve into the diverse world of Polynesian culture, art, and traditions.

Here’s the scoop on the tiki symbol meaning!

Origins of Tiki Symbols

Polynesian Roots

The Tiki symbol has its roots deeply embedded in Polynesian culture. In Polynesian mythology, Tiki is a sculpture carved in the shape of a god and is known all over Polynesia, including  Tahiti and Hawaii .

The symbol plays an important role in contemporary art, representing the culture of Polynesia and its people.

Many Tiki sculptures appear in various forms around the South Pacific region. One of the most famous and mysterious examples is the  Moai statues  of Easter Island.

These sculptures represent half-man, half-god characters who are believed to have created human beings. Polynesians used to worship and fear these tiki symbols.

Maori Tribe Influence

The Maori tribe of New Zealand also had a significant influence on the development of tiki symbolism.

Tiki carving is one of the oldest art forms known to man, and its influence appears through the various statues throughout the South Pacific islands.

The Maori tribe continues to play an important role in preserving Polynesian tiki culture. The craftsmanship in their tiki carvings showcases the unique cultural traditions and beliefs of the indigenous people of New Zealand.

Through time, the meaning of tiki symbols has evolved and has become a representation of the broader Polynesian and Hawaiian cultures. They are now a part of various settings, including bars, restaurants, surfboards, and skateboards.

The presence of tiki symbols in tourism has also contributed to generating interest in the rich cultural heritage of Polynesia and its people.

Main Tiki Gods and Deities

Kane Milohai is one of the most popular gods in Polynesian mythology. He is also the creator of the universe and humans.

He often connects with a natural element such as sunlight, water, and fertility.

The myths surrounding Kane depict him as a god of life, procreation, and creativity. Furthermore, he is revered for his role in the creation of the heavens, earth, and the first human beings.

Ku is another one of the significant Polynesian gods in the mythology culture, known as the  Ancient God of War . He is the husband of the goddess Hina.

The Hawaiian gods have a complementary relationship that is represented by the complementary dualism of the Hawaiian “ku” (standing up) and “hina” (f down). In the Hawaiian language, the word “ku” means the snatcher of the land.

Ku is part of the worship under various names, one of them being Ku-ka-ili-moku, the “Seizer of Land”. As a god of war, rituals in honor of the war god Ku often included human sacrifice, a practice not typically found in other Polynesian deities’ worship.

Lono is a prominent Polynesian deity that is the god of agriculture, fertility, and peace. He oversees the growth of food plants and crops, as well as the annual harvest season.

Additionally, Lono strongly links with rainfall and its significance in sustaining life. The mythology surrounding Lono encompasses stories of his role in the creation and maintenance of life on Earth.

He also has the responsibility for ensuring balance and harmony amongst nature and its elements.

Kanaloa is yet another essential deity in Polynesian mythology , regarded as the ruler of the sea realm. As a sea deity, he embodies all aspects of the ocean and its creatures.

Kanaloa is also the counterpart to Kane in certain myths, with both gods working together to establish harmony and balance within the universe.

Through their combined efforts, the duo forms the creative force responsible for life on Earth and the ongoing prosperity of the natural world.

Tiki Symbol Representations & Meanings

Protection and Strength

Tikis are a very ancient symbol that has been an integral part of the Polynesian culture for centuries. They are often associated with the concept of protection and strength.

These ancient carvings appear throughout Polynesia, including the statues called moai on Easter Island and smaller talismans worn by Maori women in New Zealand.

These statues and talismans are carried for specific reasons to serve as religious symbols, protectors, and boundary markers for sacred grounds.

• Maori warrior tiki masks: Symbolize power and strength in battle
• Tiki statues as protectors: Used to ward off evil and bring good fortune
• Various tiki deities: Represent different elements of nature and provide protection

Fertility and Growth

The tiki symbol also closely connects with the concept of fertility and growth, particularly in the Maori culture. Maori women often wear small tiki talismans around their necks to protect them from infertility.

Additionally, some legends in Polynesian mythology tell that Tiki was the first man on earth and came from the stars. In these legends, Tiki is promoting fertility, good health, and life.

• Hei Tiki: Stylised fish hooks were worn by female figures to symbolize fertility and protection from infertility
• Tiki as the first man: Connection to the origins of life and the idea of growth

Knowledge and Spirituality

Tiki symbols play an important role in the spiritual aspect of Polynesian cultures. According to the myth, Tiki was a teacher of all different things and was an embodiment of great inner knowledge and spirituality.

As a spiritual symbol, the tiki represents a strong link between the human world and divine guidance, often portrayed with webbed feet to signify a strong connection to sea creatures.

Various tiki deities hold spiritual powers and wisdom.

• Tiki as a teacher: Emphasizes the importance of knowledge and learning
• Connection to sea creatures: Shows spirituality linked to the natural world
• Different tiki deities: Demonstrates the depth and variety of spiritual beliefs in Polynesian culture

Relationships

A single twist symbolizes the strong bond between two people which includes their loyalty and friendship. The merging of those people forever and into the afterlife.

Just as life has twists and turns on a path, their relationship will have the same effect. Even if they separate later on in their life, they will always be connected and will find their way back to each other.

The double and triple twist can have essentially the same meaning. The bond isn’t between the people or individuals like a single twist. Rather between the individual’s cultures.

Maori pendants offer community and friendship between the different tribes. The single and double twist pendants have a very distinctive look , both being a green emerald color with the single having a single twist just like its name.

The double and triple twists have multiple twists in the pendant.

The Kuru also known as the comfort stone represents confidence, and independence and gives off positive energy.

Symbolism Within Tiki Art

Carving Materials

Tiki art often comes to life with materials such as wood and bone, which were historically abundant in regions like Polynesia and Hawaii. Skilled carvers used these materials to craft beautiful and intricate tiki statues, each with its unique symbolism.

Wood, especially from the koa tree, is the most traditional choice for carving tikis, imparting a natural warmth and connection to the earth.

Bone, on the other hand, adds an element of ancestral connection. It’s believed that the spirit of the deceased is present in the bone remains.

Three Fingers and Nostrils

A common characteristic found in tiki statues is the presence of three fingers on each hand. The three fingers symbolize power, strength, and wisdom, which are important qualities of the gods.

Three fingers also connect to the ability to create and shape change in the world, reflecting the duality of nature as the creator, preserver, and destroyer of life.

Another prominent design element is the depiction of large nostrils. This feature provides a representation of strength and life force.

According to  Maori mythology , humans received their breath of life through their nostrils, and hence this symbolism emphasizes the importance of breath and life energy present within the tiki statues.

Maori Symbols

In addition to the three fingers and large nostrils, tiki art often features various Maori symbols. One key symbol is the koru, which represents growth, new life, and renewal.

The koru design mimics the appearance of a young fern frond, embodying the potential for new beginnings and an ever-evolving circle of life.

Incorporating the koru design in tiki carvings can symbolize a connection to nature and the cyclical process of birth, growth, and transformation that exists both in the natural world and within individuals.

The closed circle pendant is round with a hole in the middle and represents the circle of life. This pendant showcases that life has no beginning and no end. Life is continuous and we are just merely a part of it.

Other Maori designs , such as the Hei-Tiki, carry meanings related to fertility, protection from evil spirits, and harnessing spiritual energies. The Hei-Tiki is in the shape of a human embryo and is the representation of the first man and teacher of all things.

This symbol, when incorporated into tiki art, adds a layer of deeper meaning and further connects the statues to their ancient origin and spiritual significance.

Tiki Tattoos

Tiki tattoos are deeply rooted in Polynesian culture and mythology. Tikis often have striking facial features, such as large eyes, noses, and mouths.

These Hawaiian tattoos symbolize “demi-gods” and often take the human form, resembling statues of great size or carvings.

They play an integral part in Polynesian culture, capturing the essence of various deities and their associated meanings. Authenticity plays a significant role in Tiki tattoo designs so do a lot of research for the tattoo artist you choose.

Make sure it upholds the integrity of the cultural and mythical symbolism behind them.

Meanings of Tiki Symbol Designs

Tiki tattoos represent various deities in different designs, and motifs with distinct meanings associated with them. Some of the main meanings behind these tattoos include:

• Clarity of thought
• Perceptive qualities
• Knowledgeable insights
• Protection and strength

Cultural Significance of Tiki Symbols

Traditions and Respect

The tiki symbol holds a significant position in Polynesian and Hawaiian culture, often representing religious and spiritual practices. In Maori tribes, tiki carvings are sacred and powerful, especially when made by high-ranking tribesmen.

The statues appear in special religious ceremonies, symbolizing the balance between the tribe’s belief systems and traditional customs.

These tiki symbols appear in various cultural practices , such as the haka, a traditional war dance performed by Maori tributors to intimidate opponents and display their strength.

The tiki can also represent genealogy or whakapapa in the Maori culture, showcasing the connection between ancestors and their descendants.

Mythology and Ancestors

In ancient times the creation of tiki sculptures was prominent throughout Polynesia, often symbolizing gods, mythical tiki figures, and spirits. The sculptures have various interpretations and connect to specific Maori legends.

In some Polynesian mythology, Tiki is the first man created by the gods, often symbolizing the act of creation itself. These representations appear as a physical structure of tiki carvings , which are usually in the shape of a modified human figure.

Expressions of ancestry play a vital role in the symbolism of tikis, as they reaffirm the connection between the past and present generations.

For instance, Maori women often wear small tiki talismans around their necks as protection against infertility, showcasing a great respect for the importance of lineage and genealogy.

The cultural significance of tiki symbols stems from their deep-rooted connection to Polynesian and Hawaiian mythology, spirituality, tradition, and ancestry.

These commonly exemplify spiritual and societal beliefs but also serve as reminders of the importance of maintaining a connection to one’s ancestral heritage.

Treasures of Maori Culture

Greenstone and Jade Artifacts

Hei-tiki, ornamental pendants of the Maori people of New Zealand, are traditionally made of pounamu, also known as greenstone or New Zealand jade.

Pounamu is a taonga, or treasure, in Maori culture, and its significance extends beyond its beauty. Some hei-tiki are thought to represent Tiki, the first man in Maori legend, or even the atua (God or supernatural being) Tāne, the forefather of humankind. 

This god was believed to create the first woman and is the representation of the male principle. Worn around the neck, these jade carvings serve as symbols of both prosperity and respect.

Bone Sculpture

In addition to Greenstone, Maori artists often use the bone to create intricately carved sculptures. These bone carvings can depict important cultural stories and hold spiritual significance.

Like greenstone artifacts, bone sculptures can also invoke elements like the goddess and guardian spirits, as well as signify a connection to ancestors and the natural world.

Fishing and Weapons

Fishing has been a crucial aspect of Maori culture since their 13th-century arrival in New Zealand. Consequently, many Maori symbols and artifacts showcase themes associated with fishing and its connection to prosperity.

The matau, or fishhook, is a particularly symbolic representation of this relationship. Carved from greenstone, bone, or wood, the matau symbolizes strength, determination, and fertility.

It is also a good luck charm for safe travels, especially over water.

Weapons, such as the mere centuries-old, short, broad-bladed clubs, are also crucial Maori artifacts. These weapons can be made from various materials, including precious pounamu.

As symbols of authority and leadership, this thrust weapon was wielded by high-ranking warriors and chiefs.

Tiki’s Influence on Pop Culture

Tiki Statues

Tiki statues draw their inspiration from Polynesian culture and mythology, where they are often sculpted representations of major gods or spirits with a very intense look. In Polynesian mythology, Tiki or hei tiki is a sculpture in the shape of a god, housing a spirit.

European explorers were fascinated by these sculptures, and when they brought this art form back to their homelands, they sparked a growing interest in Tiki statues and iconography.

As a result, Tiki statues started to symbolize the exotic and mysterious aspects of tropical islands and nature. In New Zealand, the Maori people are a wearer of this symbol, which created a powerful symbolism of these artifacts in different cultures.

Tiki Restaurants and Bars

The Tiki trend started to gain momentum in the 1930s with the emergence of  Tiki restaurants and Tiki bars . These establishments were designed to offer an escape from the mundane world and whisk patrons of the Western world away to a romanticized version of the Polynesian islands.

This trend continued to grow, especially in the United States following its incorporation of Hawaii as a state.

One of the key aspects of Tiki restaurants and the sand island is their use of cultural symbols like the Pikorua and Manaia. Manaia is a mythical being with the head of a bird and a human body.

It is a guardian against evil and has links in the spirit world. These symbols, along with Tiki statues, create an atmosphere of exotic otherness.

While they may not necessarily be a direct reference to authentic Polynesian practices or beliefs, they contribute to the overall theme of the venue.

These establishments reached new heights of popularity during the 1960s and 1970s, with movies like the 1961 Elvis Presley musical smash-hit Blue Hawaii further cementing the association between Tiki culture and entertainment.

The Tiki motif continued its influence on pop culture through music, film, and television for decades, making these restaurants and bars a significant part of the global fascination with Polynesian culture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed reading this article about the various forms of tiki and the importance of tikis. Tikis have very different meanings and representations depending on how you encounter them.

Whether it’s a pendant necklace, masks, or magnificent statues , they’re all unique in their way but come together as one. Their many different forms, meanings, and symbols make tikis a great item to explore and discover.

The next time you’re at a tiki bar or on an amazing trip to Hawaii or Polynesia, look around at your surroundings and you just might recognize some of the statues and carvings.

Get the scoop on more symbolism in the articles below:

• Symbolism of Fox: Spiritual Meaning & Significance
• Symbolism of an Elephant: Spiritual Meaning & Power
• Symbolism of Salt: Significance in Bible and Scripture

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Thanks for the support!

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Reclaiming the Tiki Bar

By Sammi Katz and Olivia McGiff

It is an unquestionably difficult time for the hospitality industry. Every day, another restaurant shutters, one more bar pulls its steel gate down for good. Since its invention, one kind of watering hole has seen America through its most grueling times: the tiki bar.

Decorated with bamboo and beach-y lights, with bartenders in Aloha shirts serving up mai tais, tiki bars were a booming part of America’s hospitality industry. “Put down your phone and put on this lei,” say the tiki bars. “Here’s something delicious in a silly mug.” They offer an intoxicating escape from the weight of the world.

But the roots of tiki are far from the Pacific Islands. A Maori word for the carved image of a god or ancestor, tiki became synonymous in the United States and elsewhere for gimmicky souvenirs and décor. Now a new generation of beverage-industry professionals are shining a light on the genre’s history of racial inequity and cultural appropriation, which has long been ignored because it clashes with the carefree aesthetic. Let’s peel back the pineapple leaves to examine the choices that created a marketing mainstay.

Ernest Gantt, better known as Donn Beach, opened Don the Beachcomber in Southern California in 1933. He became known for his “Rhum Rhapsodies,” the first tiki drinks. They were elaborate and theatrical, featuring fresh juices and housemade syrups and could have upward of 10 ingredients.

Donn had four Filipino bartenders, whom he called “the Four Boys,” making all these drinks behind the scenes.

Victor Bergeron, inspired by his visits to Don the Beachcomber, opened his own tiki restaurant in Northern California in 1937. He included a gift shop and incorporated nautical accents and shipwreck décor. He even offered guests free food and drink in exchange for decorative items, earning his moniker and the name of his bar, Trader Vic’s.

Both restaurants served Chinese food, because it was considered “exotic” yet was identifiable to American palates. Both became chains as well. There were 25 Trader Vic’s in the world by the 1960s, and 16 Don the Beachcombers.

After World War II, tiki took off and joined the trend of themed restaurants that flourished in the late 1950s and early ’60s. They created an idyllic setting that evoked “island living,” employing images of palm trees, tribal masks and topless native women in grass skirts.

Restaurants transformed religious idols into kitschy artifacts and even drinking vessels, known as tiki mugs.

By the 1990s, tiki was just about dead, as the Zombie and Painkiller gave way to the Appletini and Cosmo. But all trends eventually become retro, and soon nostalgic amateurs began to uncover relics and recipes of this midcentury phenomenon.

The craft cocktail revolution of the 2000s paved the way for the modern tiki renaissance. Americans were reintroduced to classic drinks (like gimlets and French 75s), upscale spirits and high-quality ingredients. For the better half of the decade, cocktail bars and bartenders had no tolerance for paper parasols and tiki drinks were unable to lose their bad reputation as sickly sweet slushies.

Around the 2008 recession, tiki bars began sprouting up all over the country and the cocktails were restored to the caliber of their “Rhum Rhapsody” forebears. Just like their predecessors, modern tiki bars seek to evoke a sense of escape.

But tiki bars can often reinforce the idea that Oceania is just a place to vacation, which belies America’s history with the region. In 1960 when the Mai-Kai, a tiki restaurant in Florida, sold 10,000 “Mystery Drinks” presented by half-dressed “Mystery Girls,” the U.S. military was using the Pacific Islands to test nuclear bombs. Fantasy was a far cry from reality.

At its heart, tiki is about fun, creative drinks in a transportive environment. A new wave of industry professionals is reimagining these delicious contributions to cocktail culture, looking to shed the appropriation and racism that have accompanied tiki since its inception. We spoke to a few of them about the ways they’re working to shake up the biz for the better.

“I have to give it to Don the Beachcomber and Trader Vic because their daring approach to mixology was over the top. I don’t know if we would still have American cocktails were it not for them,” Mustipher says.

In describing a new wave of tiki bars, Mustipher notes, “It’s not about thatch and bamboo or dancing girls. It’s about the level of craft and hospitality, the attention to detail.” Tiki, she adds, is a “deeply considered, well-executed, high production value cocktail experience.”

The region has “higher rates of poverty, lack of access to essential services and more burden from climate change,” Kunkel adds.

A recent movement aims to shift from the word “tiki” to “tropical” and Kunkel is on board. “I just don’t think it’s necessary to use stereotypes or appropriate cultural elements to transport folks.” She says, however, that tiki can lead people to learn about the culture of Pacific Islanders.

“We started working with bartenders from different backgrounds who take their culture and share it in a way that creates appreciation and exchange, which is a different power dynamic from appropriation. It involves consent and equality.”

Tom also reinvests in the groups whose cultures have been historically appropriated. “There’s a beautiful opportunity to use what drew people to the aesthetic to help some of these communities,” Tom says. “Frankly, if you’ve been profiting off their imagery, it really is time to give back.”

“To go into a bar and see mostly white guys in Hawaiian shirts presenting this fetishization of a culture, when the people of that country can’t even escape what’s happening to them. That’s dark,” he said. But, he added, “I just had a Mai Tai last night, that’s a good drink!”

Education is at the core of Uffre’s work. “I think the next education that the consumer is craving is on the sociopolitical and cultural aspects of spirits.”

It’s not “last call” for tiki. But the work for those in the industry is just beginning to make these tropical oases inclusive to all, which will benefit both businesses and consumers.

“If we continue to educate ourselves, it’ll invite more conversation, more discourse. I also think that it will bring better drinks,” says Uffre. “When you learn about these things and understand the complexities, you will want to make better drinks because you’ll want to honor what you’re doing.”

Sammi Katz is a writer, bartender and the founder of the site, A Girl’s Guide to Drinking Alone . Olivia McGiff is an interdisciplinary illustrator and designer living in Brooklyn.

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TIKI CULTURE: FROM DON THE BEACHCOMBER TO TRADER VIC AND BEYOND

Aloha, Tiki enthusiasts! Tiki culture, with its tropical allure and exotic cocktails, has been making waves in the world of lifestyle and entertainment for decades. Today, it’s as relevant as ever, with a resurgence that’s seen it embraced by a new generation of cocktail lovers and lifestyle aficionados.

In the heart of this Tiki revival in the UK, you’ll find The Tiki Cove, the leading supplier of Tiki mugs and tiki cocktail supplies, keeping the Tiki torch burning bright.

What is Tiki?

Tiki culture is a fascinating blend of Polynesian aesthetics, mid-century American escapism, and the art of cocktail making. Born in 1930s California, it’s a celebration of tropical island living, with its exotic drinks, bamboo decor, and Hawaiian shirts. Tiki bars, with their thatched roofs, carved Tiki statues, and tropical music, are the epicenters of this culture, offering an immersive Tiki experience that transports patrons to a tropical paradise.

The Roots of Tiki Culture: Don the Beachcomber

The Tiki journey begins with one man – Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt, better known as Don the Beachcomber. In 1933, he opened the first Tiki bar in Hollywood, introducing Californians to his exotic rum cocktails and Polynesian-inspired decor. His influence on Tiki culture is immeasurable, from the aesthetics of Tiki bars to the creation of signature cocktails like the Zombie and the Navy Grog.

The Expansion of Tiki Culture: Trader Vic

Enter Victor Jules Bergeron Jr., or Trader Vic, who transformed his Oakland eatery, Hinky Dinks, into a Tiki bar, complete with Polynesian decor and exotic cocktails. The friendly rivalry between Don the Beachcomber and Trader Vic spurred innovation and creativity, with Trader Vic contributing his own iconic cocktail, the Mai Tai, to the Tiki canon.

The Golden Age of Tiki

The post-war era saw a boom in Tiki bars and Polynesian restaurants, as Americans sought escapism in the tropical allure of Tiki culture. Establishments like the Mai-Kai in Florida and the Kon-Tiki in Arizona became influential landmarks of this golden age.

The Decline and Resurgence of Tiki Culture

Tiki culture faced a decline in the late 20th century, only to experience a remarkable resurgence in the 21st. Modern Tiki bars, with their commitment to quality and authenticity, have played a crucial role in this revival, rekindling the public’s love for this unique culture.

Tiki Culture in the UK

Tiki culture has found a vibrant and enthusiastic home in the UK. Over the years, it has grown from a niche interest to a widespread phenomenon, with Tiki bars popping up in cities across the country. But the Tiki wave doesn’t stop at commercial establishments. One of the most exciting developments in the UK’s Tiki scene is the increasing popularity of home Tiki bars.

As more and more people discover the joy of Tiki culture, they’re bringing it into their homes, creating personal Tiki havens where they can escape to a tropical paradise without leaving their living room. These home Tiki bars range from simple setups with a few Tiki mugs and a bottle of rum, to elaborate installations complete with bamboo furniture, thatched roofs, and a wide array of Tiki barware.

The rise of home Tiki bars reflects a broader trend towards home entertaining and DIY cocktail making. But it’s also a testament to the unique appeal of Tiki culture. With its combination of exotic drinks, vibrant aesthetics, and a spirit of fun and escapism, Tiki culture offers a form of home entertainment that’s truly out of the ordinary.

In this thriving Tiki scene, The Tiki Cove plays a crucial role. As the premier supplier of Tiki mugs, barware, and cocktail supplies in the UK, The Tiki Cove is the go-to source for anyone looking to bring the Tiki experience into their home. Whether you’re a seasoned Tiki enthusiast or a curious newcomer, The Tiki Cove has everything you need to create your own tropical paradise at home.

The Importance of Tiki Mugs in Tiki Culture

Tiki mugs are more than just vessels for holding your favourite tropical cocktails; they are an integral part of the Tiki experience. These unique and often whimsical mugs are a cornerstone of Tiki culture, embodying its spirit of fun, escapism, and tropical fantasy.

Tiki mugs are typically ceramic and come in a variety of shapes and sizes, often taking the form of Tiki gods, tropical animals, or other Polynesian-inspired designs. The creativity and artistry that go into designing and crafting these mugs are a testament to the aesthetic richness of Tiki culture.

The tradition of Tiki mugs dates back to the mid-20th century, during the golden age of Tiki culture. Tiki bars would serve their exotic rum cocktails in these distinctive mugs. Patrons began to associate these unique vessels with the immersive, escapist experience that Tiki bars offered, and the Tiki mug quickly became a symbol of the culture itself.

But Tiki mugs aren’t just about aesthetics. They also serve a practical purpose. The thick ceramic walls of the mugs keep cocktails cold, ensuring that your Mai Tai or Zombie stays refreshing down to the last sip. The large size of many Tiki mugs also makes them perfect for the generous, often potent, servings that Tiki cocktails are known for.

Today, Tiki mugs are sought after not just for use in Tiki bars, but also by collectors. Limited edition mugs from famous Tiki bars can fetch high prices, and collecting Tiki mugs has become a hobby in its own right. For many enthusiasts, hunting down a rare or vintage Tiki mug is part of the fun of engaging with Tiki culture.

In conclusion, Tiki mugs are a vital part of Tiki culture. They encapsulate the culture’s unique blend of tropical fantasy, artistic creativity, and love for a good, strong cocktail. Whether you’re sipping a drink from a Tiki mug in a Tiki bar or adding a new mug to your collection at home, you’re participating in a tradition that’s as enjoyable as it is culturally rich.

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Surf Gasser Tiki Mug – Tan/Brown (By Tiki Farm)

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Post #804544 by TikiJer on Thu, Jul 14, 2022 11:29 PM

A Cruisin' Tiki tour may hit the Savannah River, but awaits vote by city's tourism advisory group

Nearby tourism destinations such as Charleston, Myrtle Beach and St. Augustine have Cruisin' Tikis , tiki hut-styled vessels typically toting up to six people down waterways. The group conducts tours and cruises where guests can bring their own beverages on board. There are just over 40 locations across the U.S., according to the company's website .

Now, the group is looking to enter the Savannah market with tiki tours down the Savannah River. Leaders from Cruisin' Tikis gave a presentation Tuesday to the city's Tourism Advisory Committee overviewing potential operations.

"We'd love for this style and this location to marry and match that of what we are doing very, very successfully in other places," said Nicholas Monteleone, a Cruisin' Tikis corporate representative at the meeting.

TAC is a city-created group that provides recommendations to Savannah City Council on tourism-related issues.

TAC did not vote on a recommendation for the tiki tours, because the group is still awaiting legal review from city staff on city jurisdiction over the tours. The Cruisin' Tikis tour would take off from a private dock at River Street Marina, so there may be questions on the city's authority to regulate the operation.

The U.S. Coast Guard regulates vessels, and the Cruisin' Tikis floating tiki bars are U.S. Coast Guard-approved.

The presentation laid out a potential route for the tiki tours that would run from River Street Marina to Plant Riverside, staying about 10-15 feet away from the riverwalk through the trip, said Jonathan Silva, who would lead Cruisin' Tiki Savannah. The presentation said the tiki tours will give a "Polynesian feel" to accompany Savannah's historic character.

The tours, which would hold a maximum capacity of six guests, would cover the origin of Savannah's name, discuss the Savannah River's early history and current uses, and Savannah's historical landmark status, according to the presentation.

While the Cruisin' Tikis do not serve alcohol on the vessel, they are equipped with coolers and ice for those who bring drinks on board, according to the company's website.

Discussion by members of TAC primarily focused on whether or not the group should move a vote to a future meeting, given the need for the legal review. There were a few comments that signaled there may not be support for the tours.

Thomas Square Neighborhood Association President Jason Combs, who is a member of TAC, mentioned the city's tourism ordinance does not allow boats. The restrictions under the ordinance say tour service vehicles shall not "be an amphibious or boat-type vehicle."

Other members expressed concern with the current and shipping traffic. Sila said the Cruisin' Tikis won't cross the river and would not interfere with ship traffic.

Charlie Brazil, Old Town Trolley's general manager of Savannah operations, said he is not opposed to tours on the Savannah River. But there may be other tour types better suited of the city's major waterway, Brazil said.

"I do think there is a niche for that, but I don't know if this is the right fit for that," Brazil said.

Evan Lasseter is the city and county government reporter for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at [email protected].

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Lake Champlain Tours

Burlington is an exciting and vibrant small city located on the eastern shoreline of Lake Champlain. The area attracts tourists year-round, although spring, summer and fall are especially great. Downtown, shops and restaurants line pedestrianized Church Street Marketplace for your enjoyment. It is sure to not disappoint. 

Visit us at Boathouse Marina at dock slip A2! We are just outside the Echo Science Museum, before Splash at the Boathouse. 

Grab a group of friends, bring some refreshments and snacks, join us for an exciting new way to explore the water on Lake Champlain!

The Nitty Gritty Details

Accepting 1-6 passengers  |  11 AM through 8 PM  |  7 days a week

For larger groups, please contact us below!

Coming Soon – 16 passenger tours

75 MINUTE TOUR - $60 per person

4 HOUR TOUR- $1,000

8 HOUR TOUR- $2,000

BYOB | Music, lights & games on board | Read more below!

Reach out to us.

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Original Tiki Tours, Burlington!

1 College Street, Burlington, Vermont 05401, United States

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Original Tiki Tours ℠

LIFE'S TOO SHORT FOR A NORMAL TOUR ℠

Life's too short for a normal tour

Come tiki with us, a 75-minute tour, private & public tours, it’s byob, a thatch-covered 16-passenger floating tiki boat is perfect for your next trip out on the lake it’s the perfect venue-on-the-water for everything from a corporate event to a wedding rehearsal or bachelor, bachelorette party. just bring your favorite drinks, climb aboard and drift away with us we provide cups, cooler, ice and crew.

PRICING BREAKDOWNS

$860 per boat, $960 per boat, $60 per person, $75 per person, thank you for your interest in original tiki tours℠. we will respond to all inquiries via phone or email within 24-48 hours. if you’d rather not wait, you should feel free to contact us by phone (800-691-0770) or email ([email protected]) any time., lake george, saratoga lake.

• 1.1 Alternative forms
• 1.2 Etymology

English [ edit ]

Alternative forms [ edit ].

• tiki-tour , Tiki tour , Tiki Tour

Etymology [ edit ]

From Tiki Tours , the brand name of a sight-seeing company.

Noun [ edit ]

tiki tour ( plural tiki tours )

• 1990 , Tane: The Journal of the Auckland University Field Club - Volume 32 (1967-90) , page 185 : No-one ventured to the Bluff or Toronui, but a van resembling a sardine tin went on a tiki tour of the huge Waipoura kauris.
• 2008 , Allan Cole, Lucky in Cyprus , →ISBN : He crossed the street to investigate further. The soldiers looked up at him, with friendly grins and said things like, “Takin' the tiki tour , mate?
• 2010 , Gareth Brown, Kerre Woodham, Short Fat Chick to Marathon Runner , →ISBN : The aim was to fly down, run the half, do a quick tiki tour of the company's salmon fishery and then fly home.

• English lemmas
• English nouns
• English countable nouns
• English multiword terms
• New Zealand English
• English terms with quotations
• English genericized trademarks
• English terms with non-redundant non-automated sortkeys
• English entries with language name categories using raw markup

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CRUISIN' TIKIS ®

Whether you’re looking to ride a tiki cruise or own a franchise, cruisin’ tikis ® are a blast.

WHAT IS A CRUISIN’ TIKIS ® BOAT RIDE?

Host friends, family, and colleagues aboard the coolest floating tiki bar you’ve ever seen!

• Comfortably seats 6 passengers & included captain
• Cooler & ice included to keep your favorite beverages cold
• High-fidelity Bluetooth speaker system
• US Coast Guard compliant vessel
• Hand-crafted in the USA by our skilled in-house team

FIND A CRUISIN’ TIKIS ® LOCATION NEAR YOU

Ready to take a trip with your friends, family or colleagues? Grab a floral shirt, your favorite drinks/cocktails, and take a look below at the locations nearest you!

Map Marker Orange Beach, AL

Map Marker Havasu City, AZ

Map Marker Nassau, BH – COMING SOON!

Map Marker Rehoboth Bay, DE

Map Marker Amelia Island, FL

Map Marker Bonita Springs, FL

Map Marker Cape Canaveral, FL

Map Marker Cape Coral , FL

Map Marker Captiva, FL

Map Marker Clearwater, FL

Map Marker Daytona Beach, FL

Map Marker Destin, FL

Map Marker Fort Lauderdale, FL

Map Marker Fort Myers, FL

Map Marker Islamorada, FL

Map Marker Key Largo, FL

Map Marker Key West, FL

FLORIDA (CONT.)

Map Marker Lake Dora, FL

Map Marker Marathon, FL

Map Marker Miami, FL

Map Marker Naples, FL

Map Marker Panama City Beach, FL

Map Marker Pensacola, FL

Map Marker Port Charlotte, FL

Map Marker Sarasota, FL

Map Marker St. James City, FL

Map Marker St. Augustine, FL

Map Marker Tampa Bay, FL

Map Marker Treasure Coast, FL

Map Marker West Palm Beach, FL

Map Marker Deale, MD

Map Marker Ocean City, MD

Map Marker Solomons, MD

MISSISSIPPI

Map Marker Bay St. Louis, MS

Map Marker Long Beach Island, NJ

Map Marker Margate, NJ

Map Marker Point Pleasant, NJ

Map Marker Sea Isle, NJ

NORTH CAROLINA

Map Marker Beaufort, NC

Map Marker Holden Beach, NC

PENNSYLVANIA

Map Marker Pittsburgh, PA

SOUTH CAROLINA

Map Marker Charleston, SC

Map Marker Myrtle Beach, SC

Map Marker Nashville, TN

Map Marker Lake Conroe, TX

Map Marker Lake Ray Hubbard, TX

Map Marker Colonial Beach, VA

Map Marker Oshkosh, WI

CHECK OUT OUR CRUISIN' TIKIS ® AROUND THE U.S.!

Our captain was so much fun. He knows so much about the area and had us laughing almost the whole trip!

This tiki boat was the best part of our vacation! If we had known it was going to be that much fun, we would have planned more time and trips to different places. Next time!

The sunset cruise was totally awesome...it was almost like we were into the sunset!

Captain Nate took us to see the dolphins and the were swimming all over in front of the tiki as we were cruising...amazing pictures!

We felt like movie stars...all the boaters and people along the shore were taking our pictures and cheering...what an incredible time!

IN THE NEWS

Check out some of the great videos and articles people are writing about our family of Cruisin’ Tikis ®

SoWeFlo Life Features Cruisin’ Tikis ® Naples

SoWeFlo Life Features Cruisin’ Tikis Naples on this weeks episode.

Cruisin’ Tikis ® on Good Morning America

How small business owners found a way to thrive.

Cruisin’ Tikis ® Featured in Only In Your State

Turn Florida’s Waterways Into Your Own Oasis By Renting A Motorized Tiki Bar Let’s be honest, if there is one thing you could do that is pretty much Florida wrapped up in a nutshell, it would be tiki bar rentals to cruise around the waterways. At Cruisin’ Tikis, you can rent what is a motorized…

INTERESTED IN OWNING A FRANCHISE?

Cruisin’ Tikis ® is looking for Franchise operators in great territories  ! If you love being out on the water and want to run your own business, join our team!  We sell fun and we put smiles on peoples faces… one cruise at a time!