•Tiki Artist Martin Denny
If you are hosting a tiki party, then you are undoubtedly in search of some tiki music. This style of music, which can make listeners feel as though they are on a tropical island, began as part of the tiki craze in the 1940s and 1950s. A style known as “exotica” or “exotic lounge music,” this style fits in perfectly with hula girls, tiki statues, and other symbols of tiki culture. It was often played at the most popular tiki bars and restaurants of the 1950s and 1960s. One of the most popular...
•History of the Hula Hoop Fad
Hula hoops are simple hoops that are kept around the waist by swinging the hips in a hula-like motion. Although hula hoops became a cultural craze during the 1950s, the toy actually dates back much earlier. While modern versions are made of plastic tubing, originally hula hoops were formed from rattan, grapevines, or stiff grasses, among other natural materials.
Using hoops as a toy dates back to ancient Greece and Egypt as well as several Native American cultures, where the hoop dance was...
•The Ukulele - A Traditional Hawaiian String Instrument
The ukulele, or uke, is a Hawaiian stringed instrument. This instrument was developed in the late nineteenth century in Hawaii, and was based on a small instrument similar to a guitar brought to the islands by immigrants from Portugal. In particular, three cabinet makers are credited as the inventors of the first ukulele. The Portugese immigrants were known to play folk songs on the dock, where native Hawaiians were impressed not only by the sweet sounds of the instrument, but also the fast...
•Tiki Drinkware - The Finishing Touch For Your Tiki Bar
Once you've built your tiki bar, it's time to stock it with the perfect accessories. Whether your bar is indoors or out, tiki-themed bar accessories provide the perfect finishing touch. Your beautiful tiki bar shouldn't be stocked with plain glasses; likewise, how can you throw a tiki party without the perfect accessories?
Many proud owners of tiki bars take their cue from tiki restaurants of decades past. At chains like Trader Vic's and Don The Beachcomber's, tropically-themed drinks were...
•Trader Vic's Tiki Restaurants
Trader Vic was the nickname of Victor Jules Bergeron, Jr., who was born in 1902. He was the founder of a chain of Polynesian-themed restaurants, each of which bore his nickname. Along with Don the Beachcomber, purveyor of a competing chain of tiki-style restaurants, Trader Vic claimed to have invented the Mai Tai drink.
Trader Vic’s tiki restaurant chain began in 1934, when he opened a small bar and restaurant near his parents’ grocery store in Oakland, California. Known as Hinky Dink’s, this...
•Tiki Masks
Tiki Masks are carved wooden masks that represent deities or gods from the Central Eastern Polynesian Culture. They are used as home decor and they also serve various purposes such as warding off evil spirits and increasing the fertility of humans. They hold such high significance in the Polynesian culture that they, along with other Tiki sculptures have become defining symbols of said culture.
Many of the Tiki Masks are designed based on the four main gods. Kane is the god of sunlight, and...
•Ni'ihau, The Forbidden Isle
Ni’ihau is the smallest of the eight inhabited Hawaiian Islands. It measures approximately 69.5 square miles, and is located southwest of Kauai. The small island of Lehua is just 0.7 miles north of Niihau. There is no electricity on Ni’ihau, and no roads, hotels, or restaurants. Today Ni’ihau is a private island.
By 1785, King Kamehameha had unified all of the Hawaiian Islands except for Kauai and Ni’ihau. He tried to conquer the island twice; both attempts failed. Finally, in 1810 he returned...
•The Island of O'ahu
The Hawaiian island of O'ahu is just about everything you'd expect of such a tropical paradise. The island contains enough sights and activities to keep you enthralled forever. The average temperature on the island of O'ahu fluctuates somewhere between a comfortable 75 and 85 degrees throughout the year.
The incredible diversity of the island, from the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Honolulu to the backcountry wildlife, to the pristine sandy beaches of the northern shore, O'ahu is home to almost a...
•What is the Limbo Dance
Limbo is a traditional dance that actually originated on the island of Trinidad, in the Caribbean. However, it is often associated with the island of Hawaii, where the limbo dance is very popular. The name “limbo” is from the Trinidad English dialect, and comes from the word limber. It is also known as the “under stick dance,” particularly in Trinidad and Tobago. Although the dance was not well-known outside the Caribbean until the mid-twentieth century, it actually dates to the early or mid...
•Les Baxter
The popular Tiki artist Les Baxter was actually born in Texas in 1922. In his teens, Baxter joined several dance bands as a saxophonist. A product of the Big Band era, in his early years Baxter focused on jazz and popular music. After studying as a pianist, he then turned to arranging and conducting, working on several early Nat King Cole hits. After arranging several popular hits, Baxter then turned to concept albums mixing popular beats with exotic sounds, a genre in which he would work for...
•The Fun and Exotic Tiki Culture
Tiki culture first came into American consciousness in the 1930s, when Texas-born Ernest Raymond Beaumont-Gantt, who had journeyed throughout the South Pacific, opened Don the Beachcomber restaurant in Hollywood. The Polynesian-themed restaurant offered Cantonese cuisine and exotic rum concoctions in a tropical ambiance of blazing torches, leis and brightly colored fabrics. Following the standard set by the Beachcomber, Trader Vic (Victor Bergeron) established his first Polynesian style...
•Moai - The Easter Island Tiki
When most people imagine Easter Island, they immediately think of the Moai. Moai are immense human figures carved from rock between the years of 1250 and 1500 on Easter Island, a Polynesian island several hundred miles off the coast of Chile.
Many myths and legends are attached to ancient Polynesian cultures, including the Easter Island Moai culture as well as the tiki gods found elsewhere in Polynesia. Many apply the term 'Tiki' to any carved human figures originating in Polynesia. In fact,...
•Flowers of the Hawaiian Islands
Hawaii is known for its natural beauty. It's no wonder that so many people choose to take their vacations in this paradise. This great atmosphere is owed, at least in part, to the many beautiful species of tropical flowers native to Hawaii. These exotic blooms are an instantly recognizable Hawaiian symbol, and have made their way into décor, weddings, and even tattoos.
On Hawaii, a lei is a wreath of flowers given as a gift at many celebrations and other occasions. You may even receive one...
•Hosting a Beach Party
A beach party is a perennial favorite, especially during the summertime. Although it helps if it can be held at an actual beach or around a backyard pool, any party can be transformed into a beach party with just the right décor, entertainment, and food.
First, begin the theme with the invitations. For example, you can decorate each invitation in the shape of a flip-flop sandal, a beach umbrella, a surfboard, or any other immediately recognizable beach-themed design. This way, your guests know...
•Tiki Restaurant History and Ambience
From the late 1940’s to the mid-1960’s, the tiki craze swept the nation as servicemen returned from the South Pacific with nostalgia for island culture. This fad took on many forms, but is perhaps best known for tiki restaurants. Tiki (or “south sea chic”) restaurants of the 1950’s had very unique décor as their owners tried to interpret the tiki style of the islands. These over-the-top restaurants included large tiki bars, statues and masks, and tiki music for ambience.
Though tiki...
•The Island of Kaua'i
The fourth largest Hawaiian Island behind The Big Island of Hawaii and the islands of Maui and Oahu, the island of Kaua'i is nicknamed "The Garden Isle". With only four percent of the island having been developed with commercial and residential use, the remaining 96 percent of the island is a paradise of unspoiled wonder, which makes Kaua'i a truly spectacular place to visit on your Hawaiian vacation.
From the soaring cliffs of the Napali Coast to the vast chasms of Waimea Canyon, Kauai...
•Hosting a Tiki Party or Luau
A tiki party or luau is the quintessential summer party. Although most tiki parties happen in a backyard or near a pool, your tiki party or luau can also be held indoors. A tiki party atmosphere is uniquely relaxing and inviting. Plus, it is very easy to decorate your home or yard with Polynesian style.
The first step in decorating for your party is to set up a wooden tiki bar. This can take the form of a freestanding tiki hut, or a smaller bar anywhere you plan to serve food or drinks. These...
•Maori, Polynesian, Tiki and Tribal Tattoos
Today, Polynesian and tribal tattoos are a popular expression of style and fashion. Known for complex patterns and stark black lines, contemporary tribal tattoos often blend traditional patterns from several cultures to form a distinctive design. This ancient art form has found new life among tattoo enthusiasts in modern times.
Many of the cultures in Polynesia traditionally tattoo the skin. The Maori people in New Zealand, for example, have been tattooing patterns and symbols for over a...
•Decorating a Nautical Themed Living Room or Bedroom
Nautical themes are very popular right now, especially for living room or bedroom décor. When you’re planning to use a nautical theme, the first thing you should do is paint the walls blue, like the water. Depending on your tastes you can use anything from very pale blue to bright or dark blue; any shade of blue will work with a nautical theme. When decorating your nautical themed living room or bedroom, consider scenes you may encounter when walking along a boardwalk or at a marina, and use...
•Dining Trends of the 1960s
You may not realize it, but the food you eat today is shaped by technology, cultural trends, and world events. In each new decade, various food trends reflect the wider world. The 1960s was a time of dramatic dining trends that still exist today in one form or another, whether in nostalgic or “retro” forms or as a part of our everyday life in the 21st century.
Fine Dining - The simple and homecooked foods of the 1950s, such as casseroles, gave way to elaborate meals, particularly...
•Tiki Revival - Modern Tiki Collectors
Though tiki culture peaked during the 1950s and 1960s, today tiki collectibles remain popular with a wide group of enthusiasts. In fact, according to many, there is currently a resurgence of tiki culture. Those who weren’t old enough to remember the original tiki décor are gravitating towards this unique and exotic style. As some have noted, the appeal of tiki is nearly universal.
Today, vintage tiki mugs are coveted collectors’ items, and they are quickly scooped up from any thrift store or...
•Hawaiian Flora and Fauna
The Hawaiian Islands are known for their beautiful sandy beaches, warm, tropical weather, and relaxing atmosphere. If you venture out of your hotel and off the beaches, you may also get a chance to see some of the unique flora and fauna that calls Hawaii home. Besides the sandy beaches, Hawaii is also home to at least one volcano on each island, as well as rainforests and a whole range of other environments where unique plants and creatures may be seen.
In the waters around the Hawaiian...
•Hibiscus, The State Flower of Hawaii
The hibiscus is a beautiful flower that is closely associated with the state of Hawaii. In fact, it is known as Hawai’s State Flower. While there are over 200 distinct species of this floral plant, only seven of them grow natively in the state of Hawaii. Tourists to the islands today may see many varieties of the hibiscus, but few of these are actually native plants. Other varieties have actually been brought to Hawaii from other tropical and subtropical climates around the world, where they...
•Polynesian Vacations
If you want to visit a tropical paradise but are looking for a unique island destination, consider a Polynesian vacation. Locations like Tahiti have long been overlooked for Hawaii or other more popular destinations, but they are now being discovered for the gems they are. Bora Bora and Moorea are popular Polynesian islands, just a short distance from the main island of Tahiti.
Polynesian vacations offer a beautiful island paradise with sandy beaches shaded by palm trees, crystal clear blue...
•Tiki History
Many people are familiar with tiki culture because of its widespread popularity as a decorating style. It is also the dominant style in many tropical tourist destinations. However, you may not realize that tiki culture actually has its roots in several different locations. Tiki culture as it is represented in America combines elements that are distinctly Hawaiian, Polynesian, Maori, and from Easter Island.
The Polynesian idea of the tiki is said to have originated in the Marquesas Islands....
•Tiki Music
If you are hosting a tiki party or want to feel as relaxed as if you were on a tropical island, try Tiki music. Tiki music began as part of the tiki craze of the mid-1950s, which popularized other aspects of Polynesian or island culture. Other elements that became popular in America were tiki statues, grass skirts, and hula girls, among other motifs.
This sub-genre first gained popularity outside tiki restaurants in the 1960’s in California, where it grew out of surf culture. Today, tiki music...
•Tiki Gods Revisited
Although Tiki culture was introduced to American consciousness in the 1930s, it was in 1959 when Hawaii was made the last state of the US that interest in Hawaiian and Polynesian culture became widespread. Tiki-themed restaurants, hut bars, artwork, music as well as every day things such as poles, mugs, masks, torches and knick-knacks surged in popularity. Tiki was thus integrated into the American way of life.
These days, we are seeing a rebirth of interest in Tiki as younger generations come...
•Beach Themed Decorating
A beach themed living room or bedroom is a fun and relaxing atmosphere that will never go out of style. Even small changes through the use of accents can transform your room into a tranquil scene. In the dead of winter, you’ll still feel like you’re in paradise when you step into your coastal or island-themed room.
For beach-themed accessories, look for those featuring seashells, sea life, and flip-flop sandals. These will instantly remind you of a trip to the beach. A combination of wall...
•Creating a Beach Themed Wedding
It is the dream of many couples to hold a beach wedding. Whether you plan to actually have the ceremony or reception at the beach, or simply want to incorporate a beach theme into your indoor wedding, all of your wedding details should be chosen to reflect the beach. This very romantic way to get married can be very simple or very elaborate, though beach weddings often take on a casual, lighthearted, and fun mood.
To create the perfect ambiance, start with your wedding décor. There are many...
•Hawaiian Flower Tattoos Explained
Did you know that tattooing was a common practice even a thousand years ago in the Pacific islands? In Hawaii, tattoos have traditionally been used not only as a form of personal expression but also to distinguish between different tribes. Traditional Hawaiian tattoos were created with bird beaks, bones, and claws, not tattoo machines. These tattoos were usually either symmetrical geometric designs or pictures of flowers or animals. Today, tropical flowers remain one of the most popular tattoo...
•Collecting Tiki Memorabilia
There are many relics available from the tiki craze of the 1940’s, 1950’s, and 1960’s. Collectors enjoy the kitschy, often over-the-top nature of such items. They can also be used to decorate your home or bedroom.
By far the most popular collectible is the tiki mug. In fact, several books have even been written specifically about them. They are the most instantly recognizable feature of retro tiki culture, and were used in themed bars and restaurants across this country. Because of this, they...
•Theme Restaurants - From Tiki to Rock N Roll
Theme restaurants are known for their exaggerated décor and atmosphere. In a theme restaurant, the overall “concept” influences everything from the architecture to the food. Even the music and the drinks are carefully planned to support the feel of the restaurant. Many theme restaurants attract diners based solely on the theme itself. Though the food may take a backseat to the theme, many theme restaurants are also known for their unique and creative takes on traditional menu items.
The first...
•Decorating With Surfboards
Enjoy a bit of island charm by decorating your home and bedroom in surf style. Besides the typical island motifs, consider incorporating real surfboards into your design. Surfboards can make great decorations for any beach, surf, or tiki themed room. You can use them as a tabletop, creating a unique centerpiece coffee table for your living room. You can also use surfboards as a distinctive headboard in your bedroom, or create a long shelf by attaching one perpendicular to your wall using...
•Don the Beachcomber - A Founding Father of Tiki Culture
Those who know tiki know Don the Beachcomber restaurants. His restaurants popped up around the country at the very beginning of tiki craze, and were among the most popular tiki-themed bars and restaurants in the nation. In fact, he has been called the founding father of tiki restaurants, and today the style of most Polynesian or tiki-themed restaurants is a direct descendant from his creations. Who was Don the Beachcomber?
Born Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt in Texas in 1907, he left home at...
•Decorating a Tiki Themed Bedroom
A tiki-themed bedroom is a great choice for girls, boys, or couples. Everyone loves an island getaway. A tiki-themed bedroom is a beautiful and relaxing place to hang out. Tiki décor goes great with other island or beach-themed decorations. Focus on bright tropical colors and tiki or beach-style details, and you’ll feel like you are living in a tiki hut.
Begin by transforming the furniture. You can use a tiki headboard and decorate the rest of the furniture with tiki style. Be resourceful and...
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