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.