, closed when I moved away from Seattle in 2003. Balhi Ha'i made its debut in 2011.
Balhi Ha'i occupies half of the lower level of my home, roughly six times the size of the Humuhumu Room. Visitors pass through a dark jungle area, with nighttime wildlife sounds, before entering the main area, which plays an Exotica soundtrack. The room includes a built-in wet bar (vintage circa 1968) upholstered in avocado green vinyl in tribute to the green upholstery found in golden era Trader Vic's locations. There is a good amount of vintage rattan seating, and the room has its own bathroom. A rain lamp birdcage, decorated in tribute to Disneyland's Enchanted Tiki Room
, hosts a bird named Mimi. A large, firelit shelving unit showcases highlights from the mug collection. A dramatic, towering rattan chair with a scooped "wave" top has a hanging lit pufferfish named Jack. A floor-to-ceiling dimly-lit panel is covered with tapa cloth. Most of the carved pieces in the room are in a traditional style. Highlights include several large authentic Papua New Guinea pieces, a Maori-style plaque carved by Basement Kahuna, and a couple of Witco tikis. One wall has an arrangement of smaller pieces of art, including carved Maori plaques, some Coco Joe's "lava" pieces, and a few pieces of modern Tiki art.
Balhi Ha'i has its own logo, imprinted on custom zombie glassware. Stemmed drinks are served in vintage Noritake Bamboo pattern coupes. A rotating selection of tropical drinks is presented on a carved Marquesan-style tiki drink menu. There is a growing selection of sipping rums available. We host a party on the second Saturday of every month.
When not in use for bar entertaining, a projector screen comes down and the space becomes a home theater with surround sound.
What a treat to visit this wonderful home tiki bar. It is so well done, we're really jealous of the place and thinking of our own basement bar :) Thank you Humuhumu for the hospitality and the great (really great) drinks!
What a treat to visit this wonderful home tiki bar. It is so well done, we're really jealous of the place and thinking of our own basement bar :) Thank you Humuhumu for the hospitality and the great (really great) drinks!
What a lovely place to visit! Service, decor, atmosphere, and drinks are all top notch! I did originally take a point off the drink selection rating just because the proprietor is not really prepared to offer more than 2-3 cocktail options per night (which is totally understandable considering the limitations of the space and infrequency of demand), but I gave the point back for the exquisite selection of sipping rums. Seriously though, if you ever get an invitation to visit Humuhumu's haven of aloha, do yourself a favor and accept that invitation! It is one of the things I will miss when I move far, far away in coming months. Mahalo, Humuhumu, for your gracious aloha spirit!