Tiki Bars
Tiki Lodge
Spokane, Washington, United States
Built in 1966 by architect Max Kevin.
This A-frame motel had a few changes in 2014 with new signage out front and the roof changed from blue to more of an orange (closer to its original color) by owner Tim Rice.
Rice said there was no intent to bring back the pool. Also, apparently, the rooms themselves were never Hawaiian themed, so beyond the structure itself, the sign, and the name, there is nothing more to see on the grounds -- no artwork or standing tikis.
This area has been somewhat depressed for several years, but has seen recent improvements.
It's not certain if there are more tiki upgrades in the Lodge's future, however. In May 2021 the signage was changed to a bland white and gray corporate logo with the only hint of tiki being the name...
Cacao Coffee House
Los Angeles, California, United States (Closed)
During the '90s and into the early 2000s, Cacao was a retro-themed coffee house decorated with a variety of kitschy items with a Hawaiian & tiki emphasis, combined with sci-fi. Cacao had a typical laid-back coffeehouse atmosphere, serving high-quality coffee beverages. Being a coffeehouse, there were no alcoholic beverages, and the food menu was limited. Cacao provided free wireless internet access, and periodically featured musicians and poetry nights.
Cacao was opened in 1990, but didn't get its sci-fi/tiki theme until new owners Bobby Green and Alastair Newbery took over in 1993. Bobby Green went on to own The Lucky Tiki in Mission Hills, and a thriving group of beautifully themed bars throughout the Los Angeles area. Jeremy Bell, a longtime Cacao patron, took over ownership of Cacao in 2000. Some time around the end of 2017 or in 2018 the name was changed to Good People Coffee Co.
Today, no tiki theming remains.
Bali-Hai - Las Condes, Chile
Las Condes, Chile
Bali Hai opened in 1980. The restaurant has a thatched roof, and is guarded by a row of five large moai at the entrance. Inside, the ceiling has cascades of strung shells, there are wood carvings representing Polynesia and also South and Central America, and a dramatic white coral wall is pegged with stone tikis. There is a floor show featuring dances from both Chile and the South Pacific.
Bikini Lounge
Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Old dive of a tiki bar in Phoenix which opened in 1947, and has historically served beer but not tropical drinks. In recent years that's been changing, with a small selection of tropicals on offer. Since current owner Matt Tomb took over, he’s made an effort to preserve the bar’s history and bring in more tiki elements, including décor and custom mugs as well.
Kona Kai Apartments - San Gabriel
San Gabriel, California, United States
The Kona Kai apartments were built in 1962. The decor was outfitted by Oceanic Arts. There is an identical apartment building in Granada Hills, the Kona Pali. The building has a dramatic A-frame entrance, with a tile mosaic of the Hawaiian islands. There are carved tikis throughout the grounds.
Kahlua Apartments
San Gabriel, California, United States
Built in 1965.
These apartments, now apparently condos, are less than a mile north of the now-closed Bahooka.
In addition to architectural details, the grounds feature some standing tikis and a working waterfall feature.
There is also a kidney shaped pool on the grounds.
Mai Tiki Gallery
Cocoa Beach, Florida, United States (Closed)
Mai Tiki was the business of tiki carver Wayne Coombs, and his Mai Tiki Gallery opened in 1973. Wayne started carving tikis in 1967, and continued carving tikis for 45 years. He was the pioneer of what has become a distinctive style for tikis out of Florida. He did custom work not just in carving, but also painting, and other tiki decor. His showroom offered a variety of one-of-a-kind tikis and masks.
Wayne Coombs passed away of a heart attack in September 2012, and the gallery closed in November 2013.
Kapu Tiki Apartments
Pico Rivera, California, United States
This building was designed by Mayer Construction in 1961 and its working title was the "Lanikai", later changed to "Kapu Tiki". The decor was provided by Oceanic Arts.
This apartment building is in a row of three Polynesian-themed apartment buildings, the others being the Paradise Island Apartments and the Aloha Arms.
Facing them, from left to right, this would be the first location in the row.
Today, the Kapu Tiki looks quite different. First, the A-frame entrance was completely removed. Then, later, the tiki masks on either end were removed. There is a ghost of the "TIKI" lettering detectable on the front and the lava rock on either end is still there, however.
Paradise Island Apartments
Pico Rivera, California, United States
Built in 1962. This apartment building, formerly called the Samoa Apartments, is in a row of three Polynesian-themed apartment buildings, the others being the Kapu Tiki Apartments and the Aloha Arms.
Facing them, this would be the middle location in the row with the Kapu Tiki on the left and the Aloha Arms on the right.
Aloha Arms
Pico Rivera, California, United States
This apartment building is in a row of three Polynesian-themed buildings, the others being the Kapu Tiki Apartments and the Paradise Island Apartments.
Facing them, this would be the last of the three on the far right.
Aloha Cruz
Redondo Beach, California, United States (Closed)
Opened in 1996.
Aloha Cruz was a vintage Hawaiiana store with some tiki offerings. Vintage tiki mugs, tikis and other tiki collectibles were for sale, along with vintage aloha wear and rattan furniture.
Aloha Cruz used to be located in Hermosa Beach, but in April 2004 relocated to a smaller space in Redondo Beach.
The storefront has been closed, and the owner now sells items online only.
For 10 years (1998-2008), Aloha Cruz organized a large vintage Hawaiiana collectibles event, called "Da Show."
The Field Museum
Chicago, Illinois, United States
The Field Museum has a large collection of Oceanic artifacts, including an entire Maori meeting house.