Tiki Bars
Splash Bar - at Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Waikiki Beach
Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Open since at least 2010.
The Splash Bar is the poolside bar at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, across from the Westin Moana Surfrider Resort in Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii.
The bar is decorated with tikis and artwork by Nick Kuchar (who was hired to re-brand the bar in 2017).
Winner of the Hale Aina GOLD award presented by Honolulu Magazine for Best Bar Food for 3 years running (2023-2025), Splash Bar combines great food and live entertainment, all in a convenient poolside setting.
Pat's at Punalu'u
Hauula, Hawaii, United States (Closed)
Pat's restaurant was opened in November of 1960. It was a Hawaiian/tropical restaurant with an Irish twist. The owners were Pat and Iris Hallaran.
Hallaran described it as "a combination of driftwood and dreams".
The building seated 400-500 diners.
It's interior included aged redwood, driftwood, and beachcomber decor, especially glass fish floats hanging from the ceiling.
Furniture was rattan and wicker.
Large glass windows opened out on scenic views.
Although it did not have tikis and tiki art and would not be thought a terribly tiki location by most tikiphile standards, they did serve tropical and tiki drinks in tiki vessels, including some made especially for this location by Polynesian Pottery and Daga.
In addition to the restaurant, there was a hotel, shop, offices, and bungalows on the property.
They were also known for their mynah birds, which were kept in a series of large cages on premises.
Years later after the closing of the restaurant, the entire interior was white-washed, changing the look from the expanse of redwood timber seen in early photographs. The property and hotel are still under the Pat's name but appear to be functioning as vacation rentals.
Luau Barbecue Restaurant
Seattle, Washington, United States (Closed)
Luau Barbecue served a mix of barbecue and Hawaiian-inspired dishes, likely in the '50s/'60s.
Olmstead is now on this site as of 2021.
Billy's at the Beach
Newport Beach, California, United States
Billy's at the Beach started out as a somewhat generic Hawaiian/tropical restaurant, but has upped the tiki angle in recent years, adding more pieces from Oceanic Arts and hiring Bamboo Ben to make some improvements.
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."
Island Cafe
Coronado, California, United States (Closed)
John Douglas Jacks remodeled a cafe in 1938 into a Hawaiian-themed restaurant and bar. The cafe was located on the island within eyesight of the Hotel del Coronado. Island Cafe was decorated with primitive weapons, palms, bamboo, and murals by local artist Russell Dale Moffett. This pre-tiki bar served exotic okolehao and rum drinks. It closed in 1943.
Bali Hai - Madrid
Madrid, Spain (Closed)
Bali-Hai was one of the original classic Spanish "Hawaiian" bars. Opened @ 1960s.
According to reports, it was huge -- the biggest in Spain ever!
Photos below show dilapidated exterior sign years after close and a rare interior shot with a Spanish rendition of Mr. Bali Hai (with bone through nose) hanging from the ceiling.
Waitiki - Murcia
Murcia, Spain
Opened @2022.
This bar & restaurant is more tropical/Hawaiian styled and less classic Tiki.
However, they do serve a rotating list of tropical cocktails, including the Blue Hawaiian and Mauna Mama (coconut, pineapple, and orange). Some cocktails are served in Tiki mugs.
They are also famous for their pizza burgers, which are enclosed in pizza dough like calzones.
Tahiti Inn - Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona, United States (Closed)
Opened in 1959, a few months after Hawaii was given statehood.
This hotel had a magnificent palm tree sign, 73 rooms, and a very nice pool. Appeared to have little theming beyond the sign, but the sign was spectacular.
Unfortunately, the Tahiti ditched its tropical theme to become the Airport Travelodge in 1977. The motel is currently a Days Inn by WyndhamAirport.
The Temple Bar
Berkeley, California, United States (Closed)
The Temple Bar opened around 2006 and was owned and run by a Hawaiian family.
For a time they were only open for special events, such as visiting Hawaiian musicians, or occasional Sunday luaus, and focused mostly on their catering business.
Toward the end, it began staying open five nights a week as a restaurant.
It closed in 2011.
Hula's Island Grill & Tiki Room - Monterey
Monterey, California, United States
Hula's Island Grill in Monterey started off initially in 1998 with more of a Hawaiiana/Surf feel, but has been deepening its tiki roots over the years, most notably with the addition of their Tiki Room. Carved masks and trim details by the artist Bosko are throughout the restaurant, and a very large Tiki Tony carving shares the space with much bamboo and Leeteg reproductions. The restaurant is enormously popular with locals, and has a very cozy, intimate feel. Traditional drinks include a proper Mai Tai, and Hula's has their own branded glassware and their own branded tiki mugs available (call ahead to make sure they are in stock).
In 2006, a second location opened up the coast in Santa Cruz. Then, Hula's Modern Tiki opened in Phoenix (2009-2018) followed by Hula's Modern locations in Scottsdale (2014) and High Street (2020). The first Hula's Modern Tiki in Phoenix re-located on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018 to a new location on Seventh Street north of Camelback Road, less than a mile away from the original.
Mauna Loa Restaurant - Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (Closed)
This location was open briefly from @ 1977 - 1980 and was known for its Hawaiian Dance Review floor shows.
Today this site is a Shop n' Save.