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The architectural icon of Polynesian Pop. A mix of the traditional meeting houses of the South Pacific, and the traditional meeting houses of Southern California (roadside diners).

Clippings from newspapers, travel guides, and even old phone directories, these old ads sing the praises of tropical escapes.

At restaurants dedicated to escape, leisure and relaxation, naturally there was an ashtray for every table.

Tiki’s most practical contribution to society: the perfection of the tropical drink. Enjoy photos, illustrations and menu descriptions, with no hangover.

Flames aren't just for volcano bowls and fire dancers: matchbooks and matchboxes were once everywhere.

“Polynesian cuisine”—in truth, typically just Chinese food or ribs—was sold by elaborate menu presentations. Come for the covers, stay for the descriptions and prices!

The curious “big stone heads” from Rapa Nui (Easter Island) have appeal both for their pleasing graphic simplicity, and their mysterious origins.

Canoes with stabilizing outriggers allowed Polynesians to explore the massive Pacific, and are a common motif in Polynesian Pop.

These Technicolor missives to home are the best source we have for learning what the insides and outsides of long-gone tiki hotspots looked like.

Idealized versions of an already idealized version of the South Pacific: these artists’ conceptions of restaurants, hotels and attractions exemplify Polynesian Pop.

Beyond the mug: tiki logos and iconography also appear on salt & pepper shakers, plates, drink bowls, glassware and more.

Little plastic picks and sticks to help you eat and drink, and remind you to come back again and again and again...

Traditional cloth made by pounding bark into thin sheets, which are then painted with repeating patterns using brown dye.