Of all the world's sundry Tiki events, Fort Lauderdale's Hukilau is one
of the holiest. Tiki fanatics flock to it like pilgrims; it's their
biggest gathering on the East Coast.
This year's Hukilau will last for three days jam-packed with events.
The gathering starts with a Tiki art show at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Bahia Mar Hotel. At 8 p.m., the party moves to the poolside of the Bahia Cabana Hotel
(3001 Harbor Drive, Fort Lauderdale) with performances by countless
bands, a DJ, Elena the Hula Hoop Extraordinaire, and Marina the
Fire-Eating Mermaid. The next day features a Tiki bazaar with souvenirs
and vendors from around the world, a history seminar, and a night
filled with performances by more bands.
And June 12, there's a
"Tikimentary" on the Polynesian Pop movement (didn't it start with the
annexation of Hawaii?)
and then a whirlwind of mingling, drinking, and traditional shows at
Tiki's kitschy cathedral, the Mai-Kai (3599 N. Federal Highway, Fort
Lauderdale) -- legendary as one of the most successful restaurants of
the '50s and, for a while, the largest seller of rum in the United
States.
"Hukilau" is centered at the Bahia Mar Hotel (801 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort
Lauderdale) and other locations Thursday through Sunday. A three-day
pass costs $85. Less-expensive passes are available and cost $15 and
up. For a full schedule and ticket information, click here.
-- Penn Bullock
