our friends. ​

​The Hukilau is an annual event that takes place in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  It is one of the largest Tiki events in the country, but one we find a bit more manageable as this is often held at quite a large hotel, with plenty of pool seats for everyone, and a smaller crowd then some of the other events we attend throughout the year.  Whether it is a Tiki Tower Takeover, a fabulous pool party with guest bartenders from Tiki bars across the globe, to our beloved Mai Kai, this event has become such a joy and love.  

While in Florida, we make sure to enjoy all that not only Fort Lauderdale, but other areas in Florida have to offer.  One year our trip ended with a few days at the Disney World Resorts enjoying the many parks, shows, and rides including our own personal "drinks around the world" at Epcot!  Another year we took a drive down to the Keys, spending time at Hemingway's home, rum tasting, and enjoying some of the best classic seafood restaurants around. 

We tend to enjoy the historic places that are still around on most of our vacations and there are plenty to choose from in Fort Lauderdale.  Some of our favorites have included Cap's Place Island Restaurant which has been around for over 85 years, Tropical Acres Steakhouse for amazing lobster dinners, the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens (don't miss the Shell Room!), and the Flamingo Gardens where you can walk with flamingos and peacocks around this 60 acre property. 

But the crowning glory of this annual trip is truly as many visits as we can fit to the Mai Kai restaurant.  This Tiki dream was built in 1956 and was once know as the largest seller of rum in the United States.  It contains eight dining rooms, a beautiful bar, a gift shop, tropical gardens, waterfalls, and a center stage for a large Polynesian Island review. It is picture perfect! Not to mention, get those cameras ready should anyone order a Mai Kai Mystery Bowl delivered by a sarong clad beautiful wahine with a special dance for the recipient table. What is more classic than dinner and a show!  

While this event was cancelled the last two years due to the pandemic, we can't wait for its next arrival.  We so miss vacations with our friends and all the amazing places we visit. In the meantime, we'll get out the Bing Crosby and Don Ho records, mix up our Mai Tais and Grogs at home, and dream of our next adventure Goin' to the Hukilau! 

Molakai Bar at the historic Mai Kai

Mermaid Show!

​Oh we're goin' to the Hukilau!

Travel

April 25, 2020

Just Like a Postcard

A very large Sidewinders Fang!

Most years at this time Jim and I would be starting to plan out our upcoming Florida trip.  The Hukilau trip is one we take with some of our closest friends, knows affectionately as The Stumbley Bumbleys, and has become one of our favorite events of the year.  Not only do we get quality Tiki time at some of the best historic locals in the US, but we also get added adventures and fun in the sun with ​

Yummy!!

Flamingo Gardens

Always smiles at the    Mai Kai