FORT LAUDERDALE – Entice your senses with the alluring vibe of the Polynesian islands and the world of Tikiphiles while sipping potent potions this summer during the 10-year Anniversary of The Hukilau! The East coast’s largest Tiki and Polynesian Pop gathering will also be honoring the 55-year Anniversary of the historic Mai-Kai Restaurant, one of the remaining Polynesian Tiki treasures in North America.
A Hukilau, which is a traditional Hawaiian festival held in fishing villages of old, features a large net cast into the sea where villagers herd the fish and slowly pull the net to the shore. The feast that follows emphasizes the spirit of family and community or ohana. The Hukilau is our mainland celebration where we bring fans of Tiki, Retro and Pop culture from all over the world for an unforgettable weekend.
“The Hukilau’s partnership with the Mai-Kai, the world famous Polynesian-themed restaurant, has definitely been a key to our success and has set us apart from other events,” explains The Hukilau Founder and Producer Christie J. White. “Not only do attendees have the opportunity to enjoy the weekend with other Tiki/mid-century/vintage lovers, they also have the added benefit of a classic experience at this mid-century icon — complete with an amazing floor show, tropical gardens and a vintage drink menu that features hundreds of cocktails from Tiki’s history! There’s no other place like it in the world!”
White’s (aka Tiki Kiliki) Polynesian passion began after seeing a Tiki mug in a shop as a child and has continued to embrace Polynesian Pop with her Tiki gala in Fort Lauderdale.
Past highlights have included Exotica musician Robert Drasnin and his 16-piece orchestra, Exotica vocalist and artist Yma Sumac, I Belli Di Waikiki from Italy, Sweet Hollywaiians from Japan, photographer and model Bunny Yeager, artist SHAG, author Sven Kirsten, Charles Phoenix and his slide show of timeless kitsch and models sashaying down the runway during the Sarong-O-Rama fashion show.
This year’s hula hoopla will include emcees King Kukulele and “Crazy” Al Evans pumping up and entertaining audiences, sampling Tiki cocktails during The Hukilau room crawl, the Harold Golen Gallery’s “Fine Art Tiki Show” and shopping galore!
Encounter a time capsule of memories and strong libations during fact-filled symposiums by mixologist and author Jeff “Beachbum” Berry and The Rum Pack, Disney artists Kevin Kidney and Jody Daily, Phillip Roberts’ “A Celebration of the Tiki Age in Hawaii,” Vintage Roadside’s “Beautiful Girls that Live like Fish!: The Story of Aquarama, the World-Famous Mermaid Attraction” and Paul Roe’s “Hawaii – Sailors, Sex and the Birth of Old School Tattoos.”
Be amazed and tantalized by Marina the Fire Eating Mermaid, shimmy and shake to the sounds of The Tikiyaki Orchestra from Los Angeles, The Intoxicators! from Tallahassee, Grinder Nova from Atlanta, The Exotics from Milwaukee, The Fisherman from New York City and DJs spinning the tropical beats!
The Hukilau will be providing guests with an opportunity to view a historic artifact exhibition during the festivities this year. Paying homage to the Tiki culture, remembering the past and creating everlasting bonds with fellow Tiki aficionados are important elements of the festival.
“The Hukilau has partnered with The Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale to bring the public and our attendees “A View of the South Pacific,” a collection of Oceanic Art, which features pieces donated by the owners of the Mai-Kai in the early 1970s and has rarely been seen,” says White. “The Hukilau has definitely seen growth yet remains intimate — this event is for those that want to meet new friends and spend time with those that you see each year.”
The Hukilau 2011 is an extravaganza the kanes and wahines don’t want to miss!
Experience an exotic escape during The Hukilau, June 9-12, 2011 at the Bahia Cabana, Bahia Mar and the Mai-Kai Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Festival admission prices are $25-$135. For more information, visit www.thehukilau.com.
