About the Book
In 1956 a few brash young men created the Mai-Kai by way of a coup at Don the Beachcomber’s and went on to eclipse the old guard restaurants. The Mai-Kai became the playground of celebrities and playboys, and the beautiful women working there used it as a jumping-off point for adventure and fame. Through first-hand stories, images, and ephemera, this book documents the history and enduring legacy of the pinnacle of the Mid-Century Tiki era. This is the story of how the Mai-Kai and its iconic elements came to exist, and the tales of the men and women who shaped it and went on to shape the world.
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Hundreds of rare and unseen images
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Tales from those who lived them
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New insights into the father of Tiki
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Adventures of the Mai-Kai maidens
creators
Tim Glazner
Stephanie Romer
Testimonials
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Latest Blog entries
Mai-Kai Shirt From 1959
I have talked to many people who worked at the Mai-Kai over the years. When asked about the old uniforms, they are a little puzzled. “Why would I keep a work shirt?” Even Mariano Licudine, who had custom shirts made, didn’t keep them. Even if he wore a shirt of the same style, his were Read more about Mai-Kai Shirt From 1959[…]
Donna – Happy Talk January 1963
The Mai-Kai created the Happy Talk newsletter to send out to the snowbirds back home to help keep them in their minds to return. All the stories about the girls are very tongue in cheek and this one is a fine example. This is the first issue. Good to see Lester’s Diner mentioned in the Read more about Donna – Happy Talk January 1963[…]
Presentation and Signing at Cane Rhum Bar, Charleston, SC Nov 19
We have been eagerly awaiting the opening of Cane Rhum Bar & Caribbean Kitchen in our second home of Charleston, SC. Barbados born author and chef, Paul Yellin, has been wanting to fully bring his roots to his food and this is it. Barbados is also where rum was born, and Paul blends rum and food Read more about Presentation and Signing at Cane Rhum Bar, Charleston, SC Nov 19[…]
Ann Campbell – Mai-Kai Mystery Girl and Model
I’ve been talking to Ann Campbell of many years and marveling at her memory and her life. She has her own chapter in the book and there is plenty more that could be written. She told me many years ago she was in a postcard for the Oceanfront Cavalier and that she didn’t own that Read more about Ann Campbell – Mai-Kai Mystery Girl and Model[…]
The History, Mystery and Community of Tiki Bar Loyalty Clubs
A nice article on Tales of the Cocktail about drinking clubs at Tiki establishments. There is a chapter in my book on the Mai-Kai’s Okole Maluna Society, the originator of the idea. Best quote in the book about the Society by Bob van Dorpe: “I think we killed a few people.” Order the book here. Read more about The History, Mystery and Community of Tiki Bar Loyalty Clubs[…]
Swanky’s Headshrinker Recipe
For those who attended my presentation on the Mai-Kai and Don the Beachcomber at Tiki Oasis 2016, here is the cocktail recipe for the drink you were served. I did not oversee the mixing of that drink, so I have no idea how faithful it was to the original recipe. I was a bit stressed Read more about Swanky’s Headshrinker Recipe[…]
Explore the Mai-Kai in 3-D
Via Google maps you can now explore inside the Mai-Kai and through the gardens in 3-D. Click here.
Nani Maka – Tropical Maiden
The true “island maiden” of our dreams, Nani Maka started as a trained Hawaiian hula dancer in Wailuku and performer at an early age. She became one of the first Mystery Girls at the Mai-Kai, until someone told them she was under 21 and she lost that job. She performed as lead dancer at the Read more about Nani Maka – Tropical Maiden[…]
Randy Avon & the Mossman Family
Randy will join me in my Tiki Oasis presentation to share his first hand stories of the Mai-Kai, Rum, and Tiki history. Randy Avon grew up in the Mai-Kai where his mother ran the gift shop. His family is prominent in Hawaiian culture starting with his grandfather George Mossman who started Lalani Village which was Read more about Randy Avon & the Mossman Family[…]
Tiki Oasis Presentation and Book Signing
Join me at the oldest, biggest, and grandest Tiki event in the world, Tiki Oasis, for a special Mai-Kai history presentation, and the West Coast premier of the book! Don the Beachcomber: The Mai-Kai’s Father, will explore how Donn Beach took South Pacific and Caribbean inspiration and created the Tiki era, and how he inspired Read more about Tiki Oasis Presentation and Book Signing[…]