Recent Comments

Was there again last night with a bunch of the TikiCentral folks. I had my first Zombie and it was delicious. I wonder how many times I have to vist before I change my status to regular?

I love the tropical touch in this restaurant. The original decor is fantastic and the staff is fabulous. I am planning on going back next week.

NEGATIVES: Almost forgot! While the Mai Tais were good, the taste of the canned pineapple juice lingered somewhat unpleasantly. I know- if they used genuine juice the price would go up 20% or more so there is that :-) And I wished the wait staff had more colorful / tropical attire. Dressed as they are / were in standard black / white uniforms they did nothing to add to the Polynesian theme.

Ah-Oooo-GAH! My wife and I had cocktails and dinner at the Tonga Room a few days ago and were very happy with the experience. The room has been around since 1945 (it was the pool in the earlier part of the last century) so it's been around for a while; and is in great shape / under great management.

POSITIVES: The ambience is wonderful, with the small lagoon and floating stage that resembles a boat. I loved the tropical downpour / thunderstorm effects that presage the beginning of the evening's entertainment. The Mai Tais were good & strong, so they do not skimp on rum. The food was also good, but not great. I loved the decor: with the thatched roofs, "lagoon" and the dance floor that looks just like the deck of a ship- complete with rat lines, block(s) and tackle etc...

NEGATIVES: The music, while pleasant enough had nay neither a surfing tune nor a lounge lizard song anywhere in the repertoire! Alas! The songs were mostly old disco tunes (Donna Summer, Bee Gees etc...) so that marred the ambience somewhat. And as wonderful as the decor was / is, there weren't enough tikis! To those tiki aficionados looking for a kitschy tiki experience- this may not be the place 4 you! There are no Japanese glass floats, dried blow fish etc...

Found out La Mariana sits on leased land, and the lease is up in 5 years. Don't know who owns the land (I think it might be the state of Hawaii), but I hope they chose to write a new lease for the place. It's not a good space for pretty much anything else, as it's irregular.

Also found out the rumor about the realtor developer was false; apparently, La Mariana is in a trust and the employees have an ownership interest in it. What a wonderful way to perpetuate the giving spirit of Annette Nahinu...

If you want to see the history of Hawaii, it's formation as a state (and the incredible underlying political machinations), then this is the place to go to. The museum is definitely a destination for tiki lovers. Also has south pacific & chinese art & history.

The one downside of La Mariana in the past was the food. However, earlier this year, they've ramped up the kitchen and now have a full blown polynesian/tiki menu with appetizers, salads & entrees. Food is MUCH improved now; they've also added a widescreen TV at the bar...

Tiki Lee is amazing! And his collection for sale gets better and better every year!

Does anyone what happened to the sister statue? It used to be at the Tropicana for years...

It's really sad to see this location go. Should have opened it in any other property but Planet Hollywood.

I visited The Polynesian as a child and returned a couple of years ago. It's still a great place and worth the visit even if you aren't there for Disney.

I was there about a year ago. It's a regular bar in Tiki clothing. Some of the decor is great, but one can't escape the homogenized corporate feeling.

So glad to hear the Moai were spared in this sad event. I often choose to drive down Bronson
just to hail the Moai. Sometimes at Christmas they would sport festive red stocking caps.
They are easily one of my favorite landmarks. I hope to see them outside for us all to
enjoy soon another symbol of the resilience of LA's businesses and their owners.
Good Luck to C.P. Three

Traveller when you come to the Magic Kingdom...watch this abomination and then tell the guest services (town hall at Main Street USA) what you think about actually destroying Walt's favorite attraction by violating the classic Tiki Room with a "new management"! Complain! Tell them it was called the Tiki Room because there was a TIKI style show there with wonderful songs and music. And tell the, that you will boycott this terrible, loud, aggressive, annoying show as long as the Disney imagineers don't give us back the real Tiki Room show. I hate this show beyond belief because it wiped out one of the most TIKI locations of the world.

We once went there as it is really dificult to find anything remotely tiki in Berlin. And the name of course was kind of making the senses tingeling as Trader Vics was an essential part of the Tiki history of the 50ies and 60ies. But it was quite disappointing. The drinks were good, yes, but not really thrilling, there are better (non-tiki!)bars in Berlin concerning drink quality. But they were quite small and the prices were high! As they didn't feature a happy hour, as is standard with most cocktail bars in Berlin, even some of the best bars offer one, there would have been only ONE saviour to make me go here more often, atmosphere and theming. But it was disappointing, it was much to modern-cool, a cleaned up, slim design with barely any tiki elements! The live music didn't help much as it was Carribean style, not Polynesian. The minimum of theming was nothing compared to the true Trader Vics of the golden tiki era.
We went there once and didn't have any urge to go a second time. I am not surprised that it finally had to close as barely any Berlin cocktail fans knew about it.

We discovered Trader Dick's during a week-long stay at the Nugget for a juggling convention in July, 2010, and it really made our week! We sought out the "Noodle Hut" fast-food outlet in the Nugget for lunch one day, and found Trader Dick's right next to it. Once we sat down behind the main bar with our Noodle Hut lunch, we were very impressed with the Tiki vibe and the cool, retro atmosphere of Trader Dick's. Even the music was Tiki, with a nice mix of Tiki, Hawaiian and exotica playing at a comfortable volume.

We returned for drinks and lunch two more times during the week and enjoyed each visit. The cocktail service was fast and friendly while we enjoyed our $1 Margaritas and $1 Coors Lights each afternoon (4-7 at any bar in the resort!), and really dug the impressive aquarium, the neat bamboo dividers, and even the excellent Karaoke night they had one night with a very funny and talented karaoke DJ.

In all, Trader Dick's, the bar it includes, and the Noodle Hut restaurant are a hidden gem inside this old-school (but very nice) casino and resort in Sparks.

OK, so this place is no Don's, but is pretty much is the only Tiki bar on the Central Coast so it needs to be respected for at least existing where there are no other tiki bars. Earlier reviews said this is a walk-up restaurant only but that's not true, this is a real restaurant/bar.

The decor is definitely on the tiki side; there are tikis located prominently throughout the establishment and a beautiful A-frame entrance with saltwater fish tank. There's a bit of Tommy Bahama style blended in, which kinda dilutes the tiki edge a little, but not a big deal. This place is more tiki than Tommy and is literally located over the water in Morro Bay. No other tiki bar I've ever been to can touch the view here.

The mai tai was their own recipe using some pineapple and other juices which I found to be ok but certainly not on par with Don's superb mai tai.

The staff was friendly and attentive, they created a good vibe. The food was the high point, the menu was full of seafood specialties and the fish and chips were the best I've ever had anywhere.

Overall, I am happy to have a tiki bar like this located near me and will deifinitely be back again and again.

Now Don The Beachcombers, cool and kitschy! Mai Tais are strong strong strong, but dang good. As a matter of fact, just about to head there for dinner.

Ignore my previous post, I've learned that they removed the thatch downstairs about a year ago... oh well.

Are you sure? It's always been Niagara upstairs and Lei Bar downstairs?

Possibly closed. Went by on Friday 7/23. Shuttered up with no sign of life.

Closed. Now a non-tiki bar called "Nigarara".

Swung down again today to see about picking up the new don the Beachcomber signature mug. But, alas, they are not available to the public yet. Still the food and the drinks were great. I enjoyed the Mai tai and my friend enjoyed the Lapu Lapu. great stuff.

Swung by today to pick up a mug and possibly a few other items. Unfortunately they did not have the items I was looking for but I was able to get the mug. The service was great. the hostess and bartender were great. I enjoyed a "Big Kahuna" while my buddy enjoyed a Mai Tai. Very good time.

It makes me so happy that the Enchanted Tiki Room is still around - one of the only parts of Disneyland (I guess) that hasn't been modernized at all. For tiki lovers, it's a feast for the eyes and ears. The show itself is very silly. That being said, we went last year, and by the end of the 17 minutes, the audience was completely entranced and even tough-looking grown men were singing along quietly with the "Tiki Room" song. So there really is something magical about it!

Perhaps I'm a bit biased, because Kon Tiki is my favorite hometown tiki bar, but I think it's a truly wonderful place, and it's nothing short of miraculous that it still exists in its present condition. As soon as you walk in, you have the sensation that this place has been there for a LONG time, which is true. The decor has a lived-in, "deep" feel that's very difficult to achieve in a newer bar: palm thatch on the walls, old wooden masks, lots of tikis, bamboo supports ... it IS a bit dusty, but that only adds to the overall old, mysterious feeling. My favorite place to sit is in one of the slightly raised seating areas (to your right as you walk in) sheltered by bamboo poles and thatch ... it really feels like you're relaxing in your own hut!

The drink menu is legendary - dozens of choices, from classic tiki cocktails to their own creations, and more than a few secret recipes - and, according to a newspaper article I read recently, the new owners have started using fresh fruit from their yard for some of the mixers. Pretty neat. The Scorpion bowl for 2 is the way to go if you're in for a night of it (seriously) ... otherwise, you can't go wrong with the Kon Tiki Mai Tai. My only knock against Kon Tiki, it pains me to say, is the service - on two recent visits it was criminally neglectful, although it's been ok in the past.

I would caution potential tikiphile visitors to avoid weekend nights, especially during the school year. The bar gets so loud that you can hardly hear yourself talk. On weeknights and during the summertime, there's a much more relaxed atmosphere and a fairly diverse crowd.

In any case, Kon Tiki is not to be missed if you're in or around Tucson. We're very fortunate to have it.

We made a stop at 'Ohana while spending a couple days in Seattle, and while I wouldn't go out of my way to check it out, it's a nice enough place to get a drink if you're in the area. It's kind of a combination of a tiki bar and a beach bar (some unfortunate Margaritaville vibes from life preservers, etc. hanging from the ceiling) - not very high on pure tikiness, but tastefully decorated (bamboo booths, a large island scene painted on one wall) with a nice-looking but too-small (in my opinion) thatched bar.

Relatively small drink selection (with a few frozen drinks, which my tiki-visiting companion appreciated); drinks were expensive and just ok. The service was friendly, however, and we did have a dynamite Bananas Foster for dessert.

I would have liked to check out the scene on a less busy night ... we were there on a Friday, and everything was bright and noisy, with a DJ and quite a few people dancing. I think (as with my 'home' tiki bar) this may be a place that's better visited on a weeknight or right after work, if you want to avoid the party atmosphere.

Still, it's a good-looking place and worth a stop if you're in Belltown.

We made a point of visiting Thatch on a recent trip to Portland, and were not disappointed ... it's a tikiphile's treasure - not a big place, but the attention to detail in the decor is truly outstanding: gorgeous overhead lamps made of real (dead) blowfish, lovely large carved tikis, black velvet paintings of mysterious-looking island scenes (and one of the late Michael Jackson) ... I could go on and on. They even had bamboo coverings for the A.C. vents. And I'd be remiss if I didn't note the bathroom, which had a greater level of tikiness than just about any bathroom I've seen.

The cocktail menu was equally impressive - not the largest I've ever seen, but large enough, and chosen with care ... heavy on classic recipes from the '30s and '40s (with interesting descriptions of where the drinks came from, who invented them, etc.) executed to perfection, and served STRONG. I picked up a beautiful tiki mug with my drink, modeled after one of the statues behind the sunken bar.

We were there on a weeknight in the summertime, so the vibe may have been more low-key than usual, but it was a pleasure to spend 3-4 hours just hanging out ... the place exudes tikiness - an appropriate level of darkness with warm, fire-like lighting, the service was friendly but unhurried, and the other patrons were quiet and respectful. Portlanders, count your blessings - Thatch is a real gem and I look forward to my next visit, whenever that might be.

I stopped at Bahooka's for dinner after visiting Oceanic Arts that same morning. Loved the dark atmosphere and the closed in aquarium booths. The drinks were super strong and pretty good. The food was horrible but that's ok, cause I wasn't there for the food. I talked to the host/manager about the Tiki Mug event coming up later that week for which I had picked up a postcard at OA that morning. He told me about it and invited me to come but since I couldn't he took me in the back and gave me a private tour of all the old memorabilia, photographs and a good history of the place. Gotta love that!! It's a must stop for me next time I'm in LA.

I just visited the Tonga Room last week. Rushed to get there before it closed (whenever that might be). Stopped by the night before on a Tuesday and it was closed so not sure if they're just cutting back on hours? But it was very impressive. Didn't care too much for the kids in bad leis playing on the dance floor but the Tikis were beautiful, the lagoon and the rain made me feel like I was in a Martin Denny video. Very dark, moody, and jungly. Wish the band was a little more exotica oriented but...I had a Scorpion which was very good, but kinda small especially for the price. I'm hoping it will still be open when I come back in September for a Tiki Tour. The bartender (does he know something??) said it wouldn't be closing for at least 2 years. I'm still very excited to have been there and can't wait to get back.

Recent disaster: On the night of Wednesday, July 14, 2010, a massive fire gutted the C.P. Three movie prop warehouse on Bronson. Despite the catastrophe, it appears that at least three of the massive moai were saved. They are bunched together in a fenced-in storage area next to the fire-damaged warehouse.

I'm working on a poetry collection about the Kahiki Supper Club in Columbus, Ohio. Trying to find people who purchased artifacts from the restaurant before it was razed. Please contact me at rikkirs@hotmail.com Thanks.

Hey H:
You are close, the owner is from Downey, CA. Has (or had) a big wooden board outside with all the names of the celebs that have been there. You can get there by Le Truck from anywhere on the island.
You don't see a restaurant like this everyday, pretty unique place. Sand floor, wood stump chairs, waterfall to wash in, in the restroom. Food wasn't bad at all. Whatever the local fishermen brought in that day, usual burgers and fries for those who eat at McDonald's wherever they go in the world. Has a gift shop with pretty good stuff, but get it there, as there is no mail order. Had a good time.
If you want fine dining, eat at your hotel.

Confirmed closed and is a fruit stand.

Eeeeeeegh, I kind of feel like this is more of a seafood restaurant than a "tiki" establishment. It's worth a visit if you're in Morro Bay, I guess, but I wouldn't go out of your way like we did. It kind of reminds me of a customized Red Lobster with fresher food & better drinks.

In the early 2000s, this was my favorite tiki bar I had ever visited. During my first visit, I witnessed a "thunder storm" (which I did not expect), followed by a band on a little "barge" in their faux "lagoon," starting off with a cover of "Girl from Ipanema." I was sold. While Fairmont management seems to have it deteriorate a bit (perhaps due to its impending doom), it is still a wonder to behold. As far as tiki environments are concerned, this is right at the top in regards to the lighting, the decor, the drinks, and the music. The drinks are overpriced (even for tiki drinks), but this has still got to be seen or experienced to be believed. Check it out before it's too late!

Thank GOD for T.V.s, Atlanta. Like others have mentioned, there is no other comparable tiki around for hundreds of miles & this is just tops. In the mid 2000s a few tikiphiles dedicated some attention to the place, holding events (including the first Hukilau), having live bands, talking mgmt into having drink specials & hiring a true drink expert as their main bartender. I'm not crazy about the food, but at a tiki bar, that's not really the priority anyway, is it.

Well, the tiki environment isn't thick, but I do like this bar - particularly the weird murals on the walls. The drinks are not as tasty as Kahala's, but much better than Aloha's. Seems to be a younger environment in the back with a local "old man" feel at the front bar. If you're staying in the Ramblas area, this is probably the closest tiki bar/easiest to walk to. Worth a visit.

While Aloha is not anywhere near difficult to find - as I previously read somewhere else - the question must be asked as to whether or not you really even want to find it. The interior is cool, but the bartenders actively squash whatever tiki environment the decor provides. On the occasion my friends & I visited, they were watching a Spanish variety TV show with the volume up pretty loud. No music. Most importantly, though, of the 3 different drinks we ordered, including a Mai Tai & a Suffering Bastard, all of them tasted like a melted bubble gum float.

It's probably worth noting that if you're in Barcelona & have time for only 1 tiki bar, you should just go ahead & do yourself a favor by making it Kahala on Avinguda Diagonal.

The food was good (I had chicken of the Gods) and I also like the drinks (especially Goof Punch) with the souvenier glass. The place seems too modern for my taste, but overall it was a great expirience and I'd go again.

This was my first expirience at a Trader Vic's. The service could not have been better. The maitre' d was very kind and took pictures for me very often. He also gave me a complimentary drink menu (as a souvenier) when I was distressed to discover their gift shop had closed. The food was excellent. Only complaint was that despite the huge drink selection many drinks tasted the same. A bit pricey but was well worth it.

This location is not open.

My Grandfather worked at the Castaways from the time it opened until it closed in 1981. I have fond memories of visiting him at work there, the annual Easter Egg hunt, mooning the Wreck Bar patrons through the pool portholes and, as a teenager, sneaking my favorite drink- the Pineapple Bomb- from hotel guests!!!!
I also remember the parrot and since my grandfather's last name was Swartz (original family name was Schwartz) we always suspected that he had a hand in teaching that parrot. They also had a Minah bird that would greet people with the phrase "Hello Joe"; apparently in reference to Joe Hart who owned the hotel. This was a nice trip down memory lane. Thanks for including this magical place from my childhood on this site!!!

It is a Cabo Wabo now. I was really surprised to see it gone.

I walked in the door the week the place opened. I promptly declared that I was never leaving. True to form, the only times I've missed a week there were due to work travel, or HamThrax.

Thatch captures that which makes Polynesian Pop so great. The decor is original and culled from classic tiki bars. The drinks are spot on, and the people that staff and own the place, make it as awesome as it is.

Show up on a Friday night, you'll most likely find me there. I cant ever move away from Portland. No other place has this place, and Thatch would always pull me back in the end. If you have the opportunity to stop by, you absolutely should.

Martini Monkey is permanently closed as of June 29, 2010 with the closure of Terminal C at SJC.

I tried to go to the South London Pacific on my one trip to Britain, but picked the wrong night to arrive. They were closed, and so my wife were wandering around lost in south London for about an hour. Hopefully they will be open next time.

As a child, my parents would take my sister & I to the Trader for very special occasions.

I absolutely love both the fare and the staff here.

I remember going down to this location during a Junior Highschool field trip when we were studying local history and points of interest. Until surfing this site, I completly forgot about this loction. I will be swinging by as soon as my next days off to review the plaque. Thanks Humuhumu!

I have lived and worked around these apartments for over 40 years. I remember a conversation I had with an old appartment manager about these apartments. Unfortunately the only real Tiki appearance is on the exterior. These were designed as affordable appartments for mulitary, mostly Coast Guard, and shipyard workers to have a place to stay close to work. It still looks very inviting as you drive by and I would love to see more attention paid to care and upkeep of the two front Tikis.