About the Book
History, Mystery, and Adventure
Be transported to the mid-century
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.
Hundreds of rare and unseen images
Tales from those who lived them
New insights into the father of Tiki
Adventures of the Mai-Kai maidens
creators

Tim Glazner
Author
He has been collecting and researching the midcentury for decades. He has shared his knowledge in documentaries, articles, seminars and other media. He is an expert on the Tiki era’s music, cocktails, ephemera, and history.

Stephanie Romer
Editor
A partner in the research and collecting of images, she made Swanky’s stories more readable.