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

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

Polynesian music is a fun and vibrant musical style originating from the Polynesian islands of the South Pacific. The sounds of this ancient culture have begun to find their way into modern music, reflected by the tiki craze of the 1950s and 1960s and even in today's pop culture. Even the Beastie Boys have sampled traditional Polynesian music in their songs. In Polynesia, western-style music, instruments, and rhythms have made an impact on the traditional songs found.. more

Have you ever wondered where the tiki hut style of building comes from? Though the tiki hut bar is a relatively modern invention, its architecural roots can be traced back to ancient Hawaii. For centuries, traditional Hawaiian structures had thatched roofs made of pili grass. Often, a large fishing net covered the grass to keep it in place. The most important building in ancient Hawaiian civilization was the home of the chief. The Hale Ali'i could be found on a hill,.. 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 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

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

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

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

The first tiki bars began to crop up in the years before World War II. After the War, the thousands of soldiers returning from the Pacific caused a tiki fad that would last well into the 1960s. The tiki bar is known for its tropical atmosphere, instantly transporting guests to a sandy beach as they sip on a fruity cocktail in a bamboo hut. Over the years, countless tiki bars have come and gone. Here is a countdown of the top 8 most famous tiki bars of all time: 8).. more

It is the dream of many couples to hold a beach wedding. Whether you plan to actually have the ceremony or reception at the beach, or simply want to incorporate a beach theme into your indoor wedding, all of your wedding details should be chosen to reflect the beach. This very romantic way to get married can be very simple or very elaborate, though beach weddings often take on a casual, lighthearted, and fun mood. To create the perfect ambiance, start with your wedding.. more

When you decorate your home as a beach house, every day will feel like a day at the beach. This is a very popular style for oceanside vacation homes, but it's an equally appropriate style for those who want to experience the relaxation of the beach while they're stuck in their landlocked home. If you love the sight of the surf and the sand, beach house décor is perfect for you! Every day of the year, your beachhouse décor will take you back to the lazy.. more

Cocktail parties are a classic way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, holiday, or practically any other occasion. Cocktail parties are fun gatherings and a great way for people to enjoy a social afternoon or evening, presenting the perfect opportunity to get all dressed up and escape the everyday world. Particularly popular during the 1950s and 1960s were costume parties or themed cocktail parties. A central party theme can be reflected in everything from attire to.. 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

Tiki culture first came into American consciousness in the 1930s, when Texas-born Ernest Raymond Beaumont-Gantt, who had journeyed throughout the South Pacific, opened Don the Beachcomber restaurant in Hollywood. The Polynesian-themed restaurant offered Cantonese cuisine and exotic rum concoctions in a tropical ambiance of blazing torches, leis and brightly colored fabrics. Following the standard set by the Beachcomber, Trader Vic (Victor Bergeron) established his.. more

Arthur Lyman is one of the most popular exotica artists ever, known for his unique sounds on the vibraphone and marimba. Born in 1932 in Kauai, Hawaii, Lyman began playing at an early age, becoming a professional musician by the time he graduated from high school. Lyman's early practice made him adept at a four-mallet style of playing, producing a fuller sound than the more common 2-mallet style used by most virbraphone players. In 1954, Lyman was playing in a hotel.. 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

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

Although many people on the mainland know of Liliuokalani, the last Queen of Hawaii, few realize that Hawaii was not always united under one ruler. In fact, for much of the islands' history opposing chiefs warred over the islands. This system has been called both tribal and feudal, and compared to similar systems in India and in Europe. It is believed that this system originated in Hawaii about the thirteenth century, though little is known of Hawaii's earliest.. more

Tiki Masks are carved wooden masks that represent deities or gods from the Hawaiian and Polynesian Culture. They are used as home decor and they also serve various purposes such as warding off evil spirits and increasing the owners fertility! They hold such high significance in the Polynesian culture that they, along with other Tiki sculptures, have become defining symbols of the Tiki culture. Many of the Tiki Masks are designed based on the four main gods. Kane is.. 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

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

Hawaii is officially known as the “Aloha State,” and undoubtedly travelers to the islands will soon learn the meaning of “aloha.” This is perhaps the most famous word in the Hawaiian language, although its meaning is not well understood by many visitors. Aloha has many different meanings in the culture of Hawaii, including hello, goodbye, and love, among other uses. Many everyday greetings incorporate this word, such as 'aloha kakou,' which is.. 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

Have you ever wondered who started the trend of Hawaiian print shirts? The very first Aloha shirts were sold in the 1930s in Waikiki, and were made from kimono fabrics. The first tropical-print shirts, or what we would think of today as the iconic Hawaiian style, were made in Hawaii during the 1930s when clothing manufacturers began hiring artists to create hand-painted floral designs to be printed onto heavy silk. It is believed that this style of shirt may date back.. more

There are few things more romantic than a destination wedding in Hawaii held at sunset, with a beautiful beach or waterfall as the backdrop. While Hawaii is considered a top wedding destination, it is also popular to hold a Hawaiian-themed wedding on the mainland. Whether you are from Hawaii or simply love the breathtaking beauty and relaxed lifestyle of the tropical islands, consider adding a few Hawaiian wedding traditions to your ceremony to set the tone for a.. more

Hei-Tiki are traditional figural necklaces worn by the Maori people of New Zealand. There are many theories regarding the history or legend of these pendants, which are often regarded as good luck charms or symbols of fertility. In New Zealand, the hei-tiki figures are typically carved from green stone, such as jade or nephrite, and worn around the neck. Today, Hei tikis are mainly worn by woman. The Maori have occupied New Zealand for at least three thousand years,.. 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 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

Many brides dream of a beachside ceremony in Hawaii. Some couples choose a Hawaiian-themed wedding because one or both of them is from Hawaii. Others select this them because they have fallen in love with the allure of the islands and want their wedding to feel like a tropical paradise. Though Hawaiian-themed weddings are certainly popular on the islands, you can even hold a Hawaiian wedding on a local beach, in your backyard, or even indoors. With the right.. 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

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

Bamboo is a ubiquitous tropical plant with thousands of uses, ranging from the building of tiki huts to the making of musical instruments and even acupuncture needles. For many cultures around the globe, bamboo represents strength and long life. In many areas of the world, bamboo poles are a traditional building material. Although most varieties of bamboo are native to Asia, perhaps bamboo's most famous role is in tropical tiki bar construction. A tiki bar just isn't a.. 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

When you think of Hawaiian musical instruments, you probably think of the ukulele – but this is certainly not Hawaii's only contribution to Western music! Another instrument to come from Hawaii, the lap steel or “Hawaiian” guitar, has had an immense impact on musical styles of the last century. According to legend, the lap steel guitar was invented in Hawaii in 1885 by Joseph Kekuku, a young student. As the legend goes, he began experimenting with.. more

The popular Tiki artist Les Baxter was actually born in Texas in 1922. In his teens, Baxter joined several dance bands as a saxophonist. A product of the Big Band era, in his early years Baxter focused on jazz and popular music. After studying as a pianist, he then turned to arranging and conducting, working on several early Nat King Cole hits. After arranging several popular hits, Baxter then turned to concept albums mixing popular beats with exotic sounds, a genre in.. 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

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

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

Today, Polynesian and tribal tattoos are a popular expression of style and fashion. Known for complex patterns and stark black lines, contemporary tribal tattoos often blend traditional patterns from several cultures to form a distinctive design. This ancient art form has found new life among tattoo enthusiasts in modern times. Many of the cultures in Polynesia traditionally tattoo the skin. The Maori people in New Zealand, for example, have been tattooing patterns and.. more

The Marquesas Islands are a group of islands in the southern Pacific Ocean located in French Polynesia. The Marquesas is believed to have been settled by Polynesians more than two thousand years ago, likely from the islands of Tonga and Samoa. The first European contact came in 1595, when a Spanish explorer gave the islands their current name. France took possession of the group in 1842. Since the middle of the nineteenth century, the Marquesas have been hard-hit by.. 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

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

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

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