Wayne Coombs
aka. Mai-Tiki – Cocoa Beach, Florida, United States
Wayne Coombs (1949-2012) was the creator of the animated “Florida style” of Tiki carving, which was emulated by many other carvers who followed.
Wayne also did other more traditional wood carvings and masks.
He was a prolific fine artist later in his career, turning out many paintings and also creating art from salvaged items.
Wayne carved Tikis for 45 years, from 1967 until the day he died of an apparent heart attack on Sept. 4, 2012. He was 62.
His tikis line the walkways at International Palms Resort on Cocoa Beach and can be found in bars, restaurants and theme parks around the world. They’re spread throughout public places in Brevard County and fittingly serve as guardians of the beach at the end of Minutemen Causeway, not far from Wayne’s studio.