The Tiki culture phenomenon began in the late 50's and continued through to the early 70's, drawing influences from the Polynesian culture, encompassing Hawaii, Tahiti, New Zealand and Easter Island. Island-influenced casual dress, fruity tropical cocktails, Polynesian-style dishes and music drawing from primitive sounds of percussion and song were staples. This culture was no doubt a result of the end of WWII and the experiences soldiers took back with them during the Pacific Theatre, as well the addition of Hawaii to the U.S.'s 49 states in 1959. Although there are accounts of a jungle or Tiki-themed interest developing in the late 20's, nothing compared in relevance to this fad during the
mid-twentieth century.

Tiki and Polynesian-themed bars, hotels, restaurants and parks popped up all around the U.S. and parts of the world. Famous tiki bars and restaurants included Don the Beachcomber (the first Tiki bar, opened in 1933), Trader Vic's, Kahiki, Kon Tiki, the Tonga Room, Disneyland's Enchanted Tiki Room, Tiki Bob's,
The Mainlander, Mai Kai, and on and on.

Unfortunately the tiki craze completely died out in the mid-seventies and gave way to fern bars and discoteques. Very few original tiki-themed establishments remain in the U.S. - most are still located in Southern California, Washington, Florida and of course, Hawaii.

For more information on tiki and tiki culture, visit
MythicHawaii.com, AmericanHeritage.com, WikiPedia,
or pick up a copy of "The Book of Tiki," by Sven Kirsten.
Tonga Lei – Malibu, CA Beachcomber at the May Fair Hotel, London, England, circa 1960
Outrigger – Seattle, WA, circa 1950 Imperial Lounge – Pompano Beach, FL, circa 1960
Kelbo's – Los Angeles, CA, circa 1960
Trader Vic's – Seattle, WA, circa 1960
Waikikian – Waikiki, HI, 1965
Bali Hai – Long Island, NY, circa 1960
Pagan Hut – Depoe Bay, OR, circa 1950
Polynesia – Seattle, WA, circa 1960
Aloha Lounge & Restaurant – Boston, MA, circa 1960
Mauna Loa – Mexico City, Mexico, circa 1960
Okole Maluna Bar at the Hawaii Kai – New York City, NY, circa 1950
Skipper Kent's – San Francisco, CA, circa 1950
Trader Vic's at the Hotel Benson – Portland, OR, circa 1950
Kalua Room at the Windsor Hotel – Seattle, WA, circa 1950
Beachcomber at the Carlton Hotel – Winnipeg, Canada, circa 1960
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