Rare Mai-Kai 8mm Movie

Thanks to this ad that appeared in The Book of Tiki back in 2001, we knew it existed. The ad could be seen in the back of certain men’s magazines and it served to advance the legend of the Mai-Kai.

Many years into my quest for all things Mai-Kai, I had come close to owning this movie. 1963 Mystery Girl Ann Campbell said she had the movie. She told me the movie was made by James A. “Jaf” Fletcher who went on to make national ads for American Express and others . Her grand-kids liked to watch it with the viewer that came with it. In fact, it is Ann in that seductive ad! She went to dig out the movie and old photos and found the box where it was stored had become the home of a snake who gave birth there and destroyed everything!

A few years later, Martin Cate of Smuggler’s Cove fame sent me a link to an eBay UK auction which was in fact the movie. The lady said she found it in a yard sale. This copy is very red shifted, but it is complete. I am still searching for a pristine copy.

This screen gets you ready for action!

This is in the original Molokai Bar, pre-1971 renovations. It was tropical thatch and bamboo. Yvonne is in front, and Ann in in the center.

Molokai Girls were chosen for various attributes.

Our gal Ann banging the gong.

The “Hut” sign, designed and built by David Stevens of Chicago.

Come see this footage in person, along with many rare images, video, and of course, first hand stories of the birth of the greatest Tiki temple on earth, at my Hukilau and other presentations. And get the book!