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.
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
Stephanie Romer
Testimonials
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Latest Blog entries
Inside the Desert Oasis Room Podcast
During the west coast book tour, and actually during Tiki Oasis, I stepped away for an hour with Adrian “Polynesian Pop” Eustaquio to do an interview for his podcast. It was great fun to talk history in depth with an old friend. We discuss the Mai-Kai, Hukilau, Don the Beachcomber, and current Tiki trends. Give Read more about Inside the Desert Oasis Room Podcast[…]
Mariano Licudine – “The Houdini of the Liquids”
Mariano Licudine didn’t get the coverage I wanted in the book. I just was too pressed for time. I hope the full story gets written. The Thorntons did something rare and amazing with Mariano, they put a spotlight on him. He wasn’t an anonymous staff member hidden in the kitchen as were most bartenders at Read more about Mariano Licudine – “The Houdini of the Liquids”[…]
West Coast Tour August 2017
It’s happening again… I’ll be touring the west coast starting August 5th in Tacoma and ending August 13th in Palm Springs. Celebrating a year after the release of the Mai-Kai book, I and my editor Mrs. Swanky will be visiting the west coast. First stop will be Seattle and in particular Tacoma Cabana. I’ll be Read more about West Coast Tour August 2017[…]
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.