Tiki torches were once traditional lighting on many islands. Today, they are ubiquitous outdoor decorations. The dancing flames will instantly transform your space into an island paradise. For warm summer evenings, adding tiki torches to your yard, garden, or patio will bring a relaxing atmosphere. Outdoor tiki torches can be quite inexpensive, though some have elaborate styles that will easily evoke an island feeling right in your backyard. The traditional style is.. more

A beach themed living room or bedroom is a fun and relaxing atmosphere that will never go out of style. Even small changes through the use of accents can transform your room into a tranquil scene. In the dead of winter, you’ll still feel like you’re in paradise when you step into your coastal or island-themed room. For beach-themed accessories, look for those featuring seashells, sea life, and flip-flop sandals. These will instantly remind you of a trip to.. more

Hawaii is famous for it beautiful and exotic flowers, most of all orchids. Orchids are used for dressing up a drink, decorating a tropical-themed room, or even making a lei. Orchid designs are often found on Hawaiian shirts and other souvenirs of Hawaii. In native Hawaiian culture, orchids are a symbol of love, joy, and friendship. Orchids are cultivated in Hawaii to be sent all over the world. They grow wild on the islands of Hawaii due to the tropical climate and.. more

Blue Hawaii is perhaps one of the most well-known films to come out of the tiki craze that swept the nation during the 1950s and 1960s. This musical film set in Hawaii starred rock n' roll legend Elvis Presley. It was the first of three Elvis movies shot in Hawaii; the others were Girls! Girls! Girls! In 1962, followed by 1965's Paradise, Hawaiian Style. Blue Hawaii was his most successful film. The storyline featured Presley as Chadwick Gates, a soldier who has.. more

There are many relics available from the tiki craze of the 1940’s, 1950’s, and 1960’s. Collectors enjoy the kitschy, often over-the-top nature of such items. They can also be used to decorate your home or bedroom. By far the most popular collectible is the tiki mug. In fact, several books have even been written specifically about them. They are the most instantly recognizable feature of retro tiki culture, and were used in themed bars and restaurants.. more

Nautical themes are very popular right now, especially for living room or bedroom décor. When you’re planning to use a nautical theme, the first thing you should do is paint the walls blue, like the water. Depending on your tastes you can use anything from very pale blue to bright or dark blue; any shade of blue will work with a nautical theme. When decorating your nautical themed living room or bedroom, consider scenes you may encounter when walking along.. more

A tiki-themed bedroom is a great choice for girls, boys, or couples. Everyone loves an island getaway. A tiki-themed bedroom is a beautiful and relaxing place to hang out. Tiki décor goes great with other island or beach-themed decorations. Focus on bright tropical colors and tiki or beach-style details, and you’ll feel like you are living in a tiki hut. Begin by transforming the furniture. You can use a tiki headboard and decorate the rest of the.. more

Enjoy a bit of island charm by decorating your home and bedroom in surf style. Besides the typical island motifs, consider incorporating real surfboards into your design. Surfboards can make great decorations for any beach, surf, or tiki themed room. You can use them as a tabletop, creating a unique centerpiece coffee table for your living room. You can also use surfboards as a distinctive headboard in your bedroom, or create a long shelf by attaching one perpendicular.. more

You may not realize it, but the food you eat today is shaped by technology, cultural trends, and world events. In each new decade, various food trends reflect the wider world. The 1960s was a time of dramatic dining trends that still exist today in one form or another, whether in nostalgic or “retro” forms or as a part of our everyday life in the 21st century. Fine Dining - The simple and homecooked foods of the 1950s, such as casseroles, gave way to.. more

If you have children, chances are good that your children will eventually want to visit Disneyland. While you’re there, be sure to check out the unique tiki culture on display. Both the Polynesian Resort and the Enchanted Tiki Room grew out of Walt Disney’s desire to showcase island culture with a tiki room theme. Both opened at a time when tiki décor was quite popular on the mainland, and these attractions have remained popular ever since. They.. more

Those who know tiki know Don the Beachcomber restaurants. His restaurants popped up around the country at the very beginning of tiki craze, and were among the most popular tiki-themed bars and restaurants in the nation. In fact, he has been called the founding father of tiki restaurants, and today the style of most Polynesian or tiki-themed restaurants is a direct descendant from his creations. Who was Don the Beachcomber? Born Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt in Texas in.. more

If you want to plan a tropical vacation off the beaten path, consider Fiji. There are over 300 separate islands in this chain in the Southwest Pacific, though only about 100 are inhabited, leaving plenty of room for exploration during your stay. Most of Fiji’s population lives on the islands of Vanau Levu and Viti Levu. Fiji is located approximately midway between the Kingdom of Tonga and Vanuatu. Stay on one island of Fiji for the duration of your stay, or.. more

Hawaii is known for its natural beauty. It's no wonder that so many people choose to take their vacations in this paradise. This great atmosphere is owed, at least in part, to the many beautiful species of tropical flowers native to Hawaii. These exotic blooms are an instantly recognizable Hawaiian symbol, and have made their way into décor, weddings, and even tattoos. On Hawaii, a lei is a wreath of flowers given as a gift at many celebrations and other.. more

The Hawaiian Islands are known for their beautiful sandy beaches, warm, tropical weather, and relaxing atmosphere. If you venture out of your hotel and off the beaches, you may also get a chance to see some of the unique flora and fauna that calls Hawaii home. Besides the sandy beaches, Hawaii is also home to at least one volcano on each island, as well as rainforests and a whole range of other environments where unique plants and creatures may be seen. In the waters.. more

Did you know that tattooing was a common practice even a thousand years ago in the Pacific islands? In Hawaii, tattoos have traditionally been used not only as a form of personal expression but also to distinguish between different tribes. Traditional Hawaiian tattoos were created with bird beaks, bones, and claws, not tattoo machines. These tattoos were usually either symmetrical geometric designs or pictures of flowers or animals. Today, tropical flowers remain one of.. more

Hawaiian vacations are not just romantic getaways. They are also great family destinations. Your kids can enjoy many Hawaiian activities. They’ll love swimming, attending a luau, and learning about tiki culture. Hawaii is the perfect vacation spot for just about anyone because of the diverse range of activities in which you can partake. You can spend a quiet week laying on the beach, or fill your time with adventures like snorkeling or hiking. No Hawaiian.. more

The hibiscus is a beautiful flower that is closely associated with the state of Hawaii. In fact, it is known as Hawai’s State Flower. While there are over 200 distinct species of this floral plant, only seven of them grow natively in the state of Hawaii. Tourists to the islands today may see many varieties of the hibiscus, but few of these are actually native plants. Other varieties have actually been brought to Hawaii from other tropical and subtropical climates.. more

Hula hoops are simple hoops that are kept around the waist by swinging the hips in a hula-like motion.  Although hula hoops became a cultural craze during the 1950s, the toy actually dates back much earlier. While modern versions are made of plastic tubing, originally hula hoops were formed from rattan, grapevines, or stiff grasses, among other natural materials. Using hoops as a toy dates back to ancient Greece and Egypt as well as several Native American.. more

A beach party is a perennial favorite, especially during the summertime. Although it helps if it can be held at an actual beach or around a backyard pool, any party can be transformed into a beach party with just the right décor, entertainment, and food. First, begin the theme with the invitations. For example, you can decorate each invitation in the shape of a flip-flop sandal, a beach umbrella, a surfboard, or any other immediately recognizable beach-themed.. more

A tiki party or luau is the quintessential summer party. Although most tiki parties happen in a backyard or near a pool, your tiki party or luau can also be held indoors. A tiki party atmosphere is uniquely relaxing and inviting. Plus, it is very easy to decorate your home or yard with Polynesian style. The first step in decorating for your party is to set up a wooden tiki bar. This can take the form of a freestanding tiki hut, or a smaller bar anywhere you plan to.. more

Visitors to Fiji enjoy not only some of the world's best lagoons, with beautiful blue waters and the famous Rainbow Reef, but also rich history and culture spanning thousands of years. While you'll surely spend plenty of time on the beach while on vacation in Fiji, why not check out some of these cultural destinations to get a sense of traditional life in Fiji? Meke dances - The Meke is a native dance performed by indigenous Fijians wearing leis and grass skirts... more

A luau is a Hawaiian feast. You may have been to a luau party here on the mainland, or visited a luau on your recent vacation to Hawaii. This meal and party often features traditional Hawaiian food, including poi and salmon, and is often known for the kalua pig, which has been roasted in earth for at least a day prior to the festivities. Luaus are also known for the entertainment, including Hawaiian music and hula dancing. Today, luaus are often synonymous with parties.. more

When most people imagine Easter Island, they immediately think of the Moai. Moai are immense human figures carved from rock between the years of 1250 and 1500 on Easter Island, a Polynesian island several hundred miles off the coast of Chile.Many myths and legends are attached to ancient Polynesian cultures, including the Easter Island Moai culture as well as the tiki gods found elsewhere in Polynesia. Many apply the term 'Tiki' to any carved human figures originating.. more

Ni’ihau is the smallest of the eight inhabited Hawaiian Islands. It measures approximately 69.5 square miles, and is located southwest of Kauai. The small island of Lehua is just 0.7 miles north of Niihau. There is no electricity on Ni’ihau, and no roads, hotels, or restaurants. Today Ni’ihau is a private island. By 1785, King Kamehameha had unified all of the Hawaiian Islands except for Kauai and Ni’ihau. He tried to conquer the island twice;.. more

Aloha! Constant outdoor use can be very hard on wooden statues and totems - if they are not made from the right wood. That's why all our best quality Tiki Statues and Totems are hand-carved from Acacia wood, otherwise known by its Hawaiian name, Monkey Pod. Acacia is a dense, naturally resinous hardwood which is perfect for outdoor use and (by it's very nature).. ..resists penetration by water and will not stain ..naturally repels insects! Beautifully.. more

If you are planning a visit to O'ahu, Hawaii, and are in love with island culture, including all things Tiki, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center. This museum located on 42 acres of land opened in 1963 and is dedicated to displaying the local history and traditional culture from Hawaii as well as other islands in the Pacific Ocean. PCC is owned by Bringham Young University-Hawaii, and many of the performers you'll see during your visit.. more

If you want to visit a tropical paradise but are looking for a unique island destination, consider a Polynesian vacation. Locations like Tahiti have long been overlooked for Hawaii or other more popular destinations, but they are now being discovered for the gems they are. Bora Bora and Moorea are popular Polynesian islands, just a short distance from the main island of Tahiti. Polynesian vacations offer a beautiful island paradise with sandy beaches shaded by palm.. more

This is half joking and half serious. The idea of selling Tikis "by the foot" is very wrong, but at the same time we are regularly asked for "the largest Tikis at the lowest price". It's natural to want the biggest Tikis, but if our top-of-the-range Acacia Tiki statues are out of your reach, what do you do? So we've put together an easy reference of our favorite Tikis, arranged literally by their cost per foot. Often these are indoor Tikis, probably made from pine... more

The people of Hawaii developed a tribal society in relative isolation. Famed British explorer Captain James Cook landed on Waimea Bay on the island of Kauai in early 1778 and named the islands the Sandwich Islands, in tribute of his patron, John Montagu, The Earl of Sandwich. A Year Later, Captain Cook was killed at Kealakekua Bay on The Big island of Hawaii. By the 1790s, westerners had settled all across the islands of Hawaii. Influenced by the western newcomers, the.. more

The fourth largest Hawaiian Island behind The Big Island of Hawaii and the islands of Maui and Oahu, the island of Kaua'i is nicknamed "The Garden Isle". With only four percent of the island having been developed with commercial and residential use, the remaining 96 percent of the island is a paradise of unspoiled wonder, which makes Kaua'i a truly spectacular place to visit on your Hawaiian vacation. From the soaring cliffs of the Napali Coast to the vast chasms of.. more

The Hawaiian island of O'ahu is just about everything you'd expect of such a tropical paradise. The island contains enough sights and activities to keep you enthralled forever. The average temperature on the island of O'ahu fluctuates somewhere between a comfortable 75 and 85 degrees throughout the year. The incredible diversity of the island, from the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Honolulu to the backcountry wildlife, to the pristine sandy beaches of the northern shore,.. more

Leis are traditional Hawaiian flower necklaces made of the beautiful and colorful blossoms found in Hawaii. Traditionally, leis were made only from the most attractive blooms, and given on special occasions, such as luaus. Today they are given out much more frequently than in the past, particularly at Hawaiian events for tourists. These necklaces are given as a sign of welcoming and a show of affection. The wearing of leis is an ancient custom. Captain Cook first.. more

Leis are beautiful wreaths or necklaces of tropical flowers. In ancient times, a lei was worn as a symbol of the wearer’s rank in society. Different ranks were distinguished by the type of flower or complexity of their leis. Today, the governor of Hawaii and other important figures may wear leis for public appearances and holidays. A lei in both ancient and modern times may be worn for important occasions such as births, deaths, victories, graduations, or.. more

You’re probably familiar with the major Hawaiian islands, like Maui the big island, but did you know that there are actually many other islands in the Hawaiian islands chain? In fact, there are a total of eight that are recognized as the main islands in the Hawaiian Islands, and many other smaller uninhabited pieces of land. Kaho'olawe is the smallest of these eight. It is located southwest of Maui and southeast of Lanai, and measures just 11 miles by 6 miles,.. more

If you are hosting a tiki party, then you are undoubtedly in search of some tiki music. This style of music, which can make listeners feel as though they are on a tropical island, began as part of the tiki craze in the 1940s and 1950s. A style known as “exotica” or “exotic lounge music,” this style fits in perfectly with hula girls, tiki statues, and other symbols of tiki culture. It was often played at the most popular tiki bars and restaurants.. more

If you enjoy throwing parties, consider making a tiki bar to bring a little island culture to your home. You can build a bar indoors, on your patio, in your yard, or by your pool. A tiki bar is an awesome place to serve drinks, and it is one of the coolest ways to add a bit of Polynesian tiki culture to your home. A tiki bar is usually modeled after a Polynesian tiki hut. It is traditionally made with bamboo, and a thatched roof made of grass or leaves. When you adorn.. more

Tiki culture was popularized in the United States during the 1940’s, 1950’s, and 1960’s thanks to tiki bars and restaurants. The most famous of these were Trader Vic’s and Don the Beachcombers. Usually served in special cups molded to look like a coconut shell, the bowl of a volcano, or another tiki motif, in many cases the recipes of such drinks were not published on the menu. In fact, the Zombie drink served by Don the Beachcomber, which opened.. more

Once you've built your tiki bar, it's time to stock it with the perfect accessories. Whether your bar is indoors or out, tiki-themed bar accessories provide the perfect finishing touch. Your beautiful tiki bar shouldn't be stocked with plain glasses; likewise, how can you throw a tiki party without the perfect accessories? Many proud owners of tiki bars take their cue from tiki restaurants of decades past. At chains like Trader Vic's and Don The Beachcomber's,.. more

Many people are familiar with tiki culture because of its widespread popularity as a decorating style. It is also the dominant style in many tropical tourist destinations. However, you may not realize that tiki culture actually has its roots in several different locations. Tiki culture as it is represented in America combines elements that are distinctly Hawaiian, Polynesian, Maori, and from Easter Island. The Polynesian idea of the tiki is said to have originated in.. more

If you are hosting a tiki party or want to feel as relaxed as if you were on a tropical island, try Tiki music. Tiki music began as part of the tiki craze of the mid-1950s, which popularized other aspects of Polynesian or island culture. Other elements that became popular in America were tiki statues, grass skirts, and hula girls, among other motifs. This sub-genre first gained popularity outside tiki restaurants in the 1960’s in California, where it grew out of.. more

One of the most important aspects of any tiki party or luau is the food. Your inspiration for tiki party food should come from the tropical environment of the islands. Serve all of your food and drinks at a tiki bar for ambience. One of the easiest ways to serve tiki food is to make a platter of fruit kabobs. Use tropical fruits like melons and pineapple. These will perfectly complement fruity tiki drinks and sweet meats, such as ham, barbecued pork, or grilled.. more

From the late 1940’s to the mid-1960’s, the tiki craze swept the nation as servicemen returned from the South Pacific with nostalgia for island culture. This fad took on many forms, but is perhaps best known for tiki restaurants. Tiki (or “south sea chic”) restaurants of the 1950’s had very unique décor as their owners tried to interpret the tiki style of the islands. These over-the-top restaurants included large tiki bars, statues.. more

Though tiki culture peaked during the 1950s and 1960s, today tiki collectibles remain popular with a wide group of enthusiasts. In fact, according to many, there is currently a resurgence of tiki culture. Those who weren’t old enough to remember the original tiki décor are gravitating towards this unique and exotic style. As some have noted, the appeal of tiki is nearly universal. Today, vintage tiki mugs are coveted collectors’ items, and they are.. more

I have a couple of Tiki Tattoos; both done by Dirk Hays at East Atlanta Tattoo. I highly recommend Dirk, I love his style. Recognize the guy at the top of the first tiki totem? He's sitting on the beach on the second tat - and he's also in our logo! I've always been a fan of old-style pinups - pinup girls as drawn back before the WWII - so the second tattoo incorporates both. You can also see my love for hibiscus. I love its shape and association with Hawaiian Tiki.. more

Located over 2,000 miles away from the nearest landfall, The Eight Islands comprising the state of Hawaii are the most remote island chain in the world. Hawaii consists of eight major islands, and over 100 minor islands, which are strung across the Pacific Ocean. The eight major islands are Oahu, Maui, Hawaii, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe and Niihau. Tiki tours and attractions are available across the islands of Hawaii. Here are some of the Tiki attractions you.. more

Trader Vic was the nickname of Victor Jules Bergeron, Jr., who was born in 1902. He was the founder of a chain of Polynesian-themed restaurants, each of which bore his nickname. Along with Don the Beachcomber, purveyor of a competing chain of tiki-style restaurants, Trader Vic claimed to have invented the Mai Tai drink. Trader Vic’s tiki restaurant chain began in 1934, when he opened a small bar and restaurant near his parents’ grocery store in Oakland,.. more

Lanai is one of the lesser-known Hawaiian islands and a unique tourist getaway. The sixth-largest of the islands, it measures 18 miles across, with just over 140 square miles. Lanai is situated between Molokai to the north and Maui to the east. Historically as well as in the present day, Lanai has been grouped with Maui for governing purposes; today it is located in Maui County. It is the smallest of Hawaii’s populated islands, and can be reached by boat by either.. more

Molokai is the fifth largest Hawaiian island, and one of the best-kept secrets when it comes to Hawaiian vacation destinations. Molokai is located east of Oahu and north of Lanai. Honolulu, Lanai, and Maui are visible from various parts of the island. The island measures approximately 38 miles by 10 miles. Molokai is home to two small ports, as well as the tiny Molokai Airport on West Molokai, which offers flights only to other Hawaiian islands. There are about 6,000 to.. more

If you’ve ever been to Hawaii, chances are you’re familiar with hula dancing. A staple of Hawaiian culture, Hula is a traditional form of music and dancing. This traditional Hawaiian music and dancing style is used to express praise and communicate genealogy and mythology. According to Hawaiian legend, the original hula dance was performed by a god or goddess, making the dance sacred to Hawaiian culture. It has been traditionally danced by both men and.. more

Limbo is a traditional dance that actually originated on the island of Trinidad, in the Caribbean. However, it is often associated with the island of Hawaii, where the limbo dance is very popular. The name “limbo” is from the Trinidad English dialect, and comes from the word limber. It is also known as the “under stick dance,” particularly in Trinidad and Tobago. Although the dance was not well-known outside the Caribbean until the mid-twentieth.. more