Andy Rush (@andyrush.bsky.social)

A Guide to Tiki Culture in Florida (2025) FacebookTweetPinLinkedIn Do you want to learn about tiki culture in Florida? Tiki culture is an American-originated movement that celebrates Polynesian and other South Pacific cultures. The movement can be traced back to the early 1930s in California. Source: Don the Beachcomber In Florida, we have embraced tiki culture with tons of restaurants, bars, shows, events, and more. Source: Orlando Tiki Fest We have put together a guide highlighting some of our tiki culture favorites in the Sunshine State. Check out our comprehensive guide, from its history to the best tiki bars to at-home tiki huts and much more. **Table of Contents** show History of Tiki Culture Tiki Bars and Restaurants Bahi Hut – Sarasota The Honu – Dunedin Permanent Vacation – Maitland Gilbert’s Resort Tiki Bar – Key Largo Mai-Kai Restaurant – Fort Lauderdale The Kaona Room – Miami Additional Tiki Bars and Restaurants Don the Beachcomber – Madeira Beach Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto – Orlando (Disney’s Polynesian Resort) Aku Aku Tiki Bar – Orlando Ellie Mae’s Tiki Bar – Cape Canaveral Tiki House – Key West Secret Tiki Temple – Jacksonville Suffering Bastard – Sanford Saigon Blonde – St. Petersburg Pleasure Tiki’s Island Oasis – Tequesta Salt & Spirits – Boca Raton Delirio Tiki Bar – Miami Beach Tiki Mike’s Teas – Panama City Beach Snook’s Bayside Restaurant & Grand Tiki Bar – Key Largo Tiki-Themed Accommodations Low Key Hideaway and Tiki Bar – Cedar Key Kon Tiki Resort – Islamorada Additional Tiki-Themed Accommodations Riptide Oceanfront Hotel & Tiki Bar – Hollywood Disney’s Polynesian Resort – Orlando Polynesian Shows Polynesian Fire Luau – Daytona Beach and Orlando Polynesian Islander Revue at the Mai-Kai Restaurant – Fort Lauderdale Tiki Events 2025 Tiki A-Go-Go – Orlando The Hukilau – Pompano Beach Orlando Tiki Fest – Kissimmee Additional Tiki Events Bourbon Bill’s Tiki Escape – Jacksonville (March 29) Truman’s Tropical Fruit Festival – Key West (June 14) Key Lime Festival – Key West (July 2-6) Castaway 2025 – Jacksonville (August 23-25) Tiki Fever – Sarasota (November 6-8) Cedar Key Seafood Festival – Cedar Key (TBD) Spike’s Breezeway Cocktail Cruise – Miami (TBD) Tiki Tours Florida Tiki Tours – Madeira Beach AVOID – Tiki Tours By the Sea – St. Petersburg Additional Tiki Tours Totally Tiki Tours – Tampa and St. Petersburg St. Pete Tiki Tours – St. Petersburg Cruisin’ Tikis – Miami Places to Order Home Tiki Huts The Original Florida Tiki Huts Additional Places to Order Home Tiki Huts Suncoast Tiki Huts Big Kahuna Tiki Huts Coolest Tiki Cups Trader Vic’s Hospitality Group Additional Cool Tiki Cups Tikiland Trading Co. Taboo Relics Little Grass Shack Tiki Organizations on Facebook Gumbo Limbo Facebook Page Gumbo Limbo Tiki Bingo Facebook Group Friends of The Mai-Kai Facebook Group The Hukilau Facebook Group Central Florida Tiki Society Facebook Group Tiki for Everyone Facebook Group Fraternal Order of Moai Facebook Group ## History of Tiki Culture Source: Don the Beachcomber Tiki culture in the United States originated in Hollywood, California in 1933 with the opening of a Polynesian-themed restaurant and bar called Don’s Beachcomber. Later renamed “Don the Beachcomber,” this spot was known for its tropical décor, rum-based cocktails, and exotic cuisine. Source: Don the Beachcomber The first tiki bar to open in Florida was Bahi Hut, which opened in 1954 in Sarasota. Source: Bahi Hut Shortly after that, brothers Bob and Jack Thornton opened Mai-Kai in Fort Lauderdale. Costing $300,000 in 1956, it was the most expensive restaurant built that year. Source: Mai Kai The Mai-Kai concept wasn’t just a restaurant – the build included a tiki bar, multiple dining rooms, tropical gardens, a gift shop, and a stage for the Polynesian Islander Revue floor show. The show is now known as the longest-running Polynesian show in the country. ## Tiki Bars and Restaurants ### Bahi Hut – Sarasota Source: Bahi Hut Bahi Hut is the perfect place to visit if you are looking for an authentic tiki bar, as it is the oldest tiki bar in Florida. Having opened in 1954, this popular spot is known for its Mai Tais and live entertainment. Source: Bahi Hut Enjoy craft cocktails, live music from local musicians, and fun activities like karaoke, trivia, and drag queen bingo at this great tiki bar. Bahi Hut is open daily from 12 pm to 12 am. **For more information, visit the****official Bahi Hut website****.** **Bahi Hut Address** : 4675 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234 _While you are in the area, make sure to check out:__Top 10 Awesome Things To Do in Sarasota_ ### The Honu – Dunedin Source: The Honu If you are looking for a good tiki bar in the Clearwater area, the Honu in Dunedin is a great spot to check out. Source: The Honu The food menu has a variety of Polynesian-inspired dishes, including rice bowls, fish tacos, seafood plates, and more. Source: Ka Pakele Rum Bar The Ka Pakele Rum Bar is located within the Honu. The bar is open on Friday and Saturday nights and offers a culinary journey through food and rum pairings. The Honu is open Wednesday and Thursday from 12 pm to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday from 12 pm to 11 pm, and Sunday from 12 pm to 10 pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday. TIPS: * Outdoor spaces on the property are dog-friendly. * The food menu includes vegan and vegetarian options. * Reservations are required for the Ka Pakele Rum Bar. **For more information, visit****the official Honu website****.** **The Honu Address** : 516 Grant St., Dunedin, FL 34698 _While you are in the area, make sure to check out:__19 Best Things to Do in Dunedin, FL – 2024_ ### Permanent Vacation – Maitland Source: Permanent Vacation Permanent Vacation is a hidden tiki bar located within the Copper Rocket in Maitland. This is a great place to experience tiki themes in Central Florida, as this spot is decked out with colorfully lit fishing orbs, tiki huts, and special effects. The drink menu is categorized by each drink’s strength, with Placebos being mocktail options and Tranquilizers being the strongest drinks. Permanent Vacation is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 5 pm to 11 pm and Thursday through Saturday from 5 pm to 1 am. TIPS: * Walk-ins are accepted, but reservations are preferred. * New reservations are added on Wednesdays at noon. **For more information, visit the****official Permanent Vacation website****.** **Permanent Vacation Address** : 106 Lake Ave, Maitland, FL 32751 _While you are in the area, make sure to check out:__7 Top Things to Do in Maitland, Florida_ ### Gilbert’s Resort Tiki Bar – Key Largo Source: Gilbert’s Resort Out of all the Florida Keys tiki bars, Gilbert’s Resort Tiki Bar is the largest tiki bar. The beloved beach bar has been open for over 50 years. Enjoy outdoor dining and tropical drinks amongst the palm trees and tiki huts. The seafood dishes are popular here for a reason – they’re delicious. Source: Gilbert’s Resort This perfect spot is also known for live music. While you are there, catch a performance featuring fantastic musicians and bands. Source: Gilbert’s Resort Gilbert’s Resort Tiki Bar is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 am to 11 pm and Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 12 am. TIPS: * Happy hour specials are available Monday through Friday from 4 pm to 7 pm. **For more information, visit the****official Gilbert’s Resort website****.** **Gilbert’s Resort Address** : 107900 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 _While you are in the area, make sure to check out:__Key Largo: A Fun Florida Upper Keys Road Trip_ ### Mai-Kai Restaurant – Fort Lauderdale Source: Mai-Kai Restaurant Mai-Kai Restaurant has been bringing Polynesia to Florida since it opened in 1956. The large tiki bar concept is known for its good food, Molokai Bar, and its Polynesian Islander Revue show. Source: Mai-Kai Restaurant The show features songs and dances from South Pacific cultures. **For more information, visit the****official Mai-Kai Restaurant website****.** **Mai-Kai Restaurant Address** : 3599 N Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 _While you are in the area, make sure to check out:_**_Things to Do in Ft. Lauderdale Most Spring Breakers Miss (2024)_** ## The Kaona Room – Miami Tucked away on a quiet street in Miami’s Arts & Entertainment District, The Kaona Room is a tropical escape hiding in plain sight. This “speaky-tiki” lounge blends old-school Polynesian flair with sultry jazz vibes, offering an intimate, two-hour getaway for just 45 lucky guests at a time. Step inside and sip your way through a dreamy menu of classic and modern exotic cocktails, plus light bites made for sharing. Perfect for group hangouts, private parties, or just a secret night out. Think of it as a little slice of rum-soaked paradise—if you can find it. Operating hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM. It’s advisable to make reservations in advance to ensure a spot at this intimate venue. **For more information, visit the** **The Kaona Room website**. **The Kaona Room Address** : 1600 NE 1st Avenue, Miami, FL 33132. ### Additional Tiki Bars and Restaurants Source: Don the Beachcomber #### Don the Beachcomber – Madeira Beach #### Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto – Orlando (Disney’s Polynesian Resort) #### Aku Aku Tiki Bar – Orlando #### Ellie Mae’s Tiki Bar – Cape Canaveral #### Tiki House – Key West #### Secret Tiki Temple – Jacksonville #### Suffering Bastard – Sanford #### Saigon Blonde – St. Petersburg #### Pleasure Tiki’s Island Oasis – Tequesta #### Salt & Spirits – Boca Raton #### Delirio Tiki Bar – Miami Beach #### Tiki Mike’s Teas – Panama City Beach #### Snook’s Bayside Restaurant & Grand Tiki Bar – Key Largo ## Tiki-Themed Accommodations ### Low Key Hideaway and Tiki Bar – Cedar Key Source: Low Key Hideaway Low Key Hideaway and Tiki Bar is an adult-only place to stay in Cedar Key. The hideaway has a motel and an RV campground. The motel has five cozy guest rooms, most of which have living rooms and kitchen spaces. RV sites are situated along the waterfront and have indoor bathrooms and showers available. Source: Low Key Hideaway Whether or not you’re staying at the resort, you can check out the tiki bar and food truck. Source: Low Key Hideaway Enjoy cold drinks and tasty dishes like nachos and seafood. Source: Low Key Hideaway TIPS: * Low Key Hideaway’s property is 21+ only. * Check-in is at 3 pm. Check-out is at 11 am. * The tiki bar is open Monday through Thursday from 2 pm to 10 pm, Friday from 12 pm to 10 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 10 pm. * Lenny’s Tiki Taste Tour is open Monday through Thursday from 4 pm to 9 pm and Friday through Sunday from 12 pm to 9 pm. **For more information, visit the****official Low Key Hideaway website****.** **Low Key Hideaway and Tiki Bar Address** : 12050 State Road 24 Cedar Key, FL 32625 _While you are in the area, make sure to check out:__Cedar Key in 2024 – A Small, Authentic, Old Florida City_ ### Kon Tiki Resort – Islamorada Source: Kon Tiki Resort Kon Tiki Resort is a great tiki-themed place to stay in the Florida Keys. There are a variety of room choices here, with rooms that include features like kitchens and screened patios. Source: Kon Tiki Resort The resort offers amenities like free boat dockage in its marina and access to a pool and lagoon. There are also plenty of outdoor seating areas, with picnic tables, lounge chairs, and hammocks available for guests to relax and enjoy this scenic spot near the water. Source: Kon Tiki Resort TIPS: * Check-in is between 3 pm and 7 pm. Check-out time is before 11 am. **For more information, visit the****official Kon Tiki Resort website****.** **Kon Tiki Resort Address** : 81200 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036 (Mile Marker 81 Bayside) _While you are in the area, make sure to check out:__Best Things to Do in Islamorada (2024)_ ### Additional Tiki-Themed Accommodations Source: Riptide Oceanfront Hotel #### Riptide Oceanfront Hotel & Tiki Bar – Hollywood #### Disney’s Polynesian Resort – Orlando ## Polynesian Shows ### Polynesian Fire Luau – Daytona Beach and Orlando Source: Polynesian Fire Luau Polynesian Fire Luau is a two-hour dinner show experience in Daytona Beach and Orlando. Prepare to be dazzled by Polynesian music and dances, as well as thrilling Samoan fire knife performances. Source: Polynesian Fire Luau The luau includes a buffet-style menu that includes options like Polynesian Chicken, Kalua Pork, and Fried Rice, plus other sides, desserts, and drinks. TIPS: * It is recommended that you purchase tickets for the show online to reserve your spot. * Polynesian Fire Luau show is held on select days, typically from 6:30 pm to 8 pm. * Vegetarian and gluten-free options are marked on menus. **For more information, visit the****official Polynesian Fire Luau website****.** **Polynesian Fire Luau Addresses** : 180 N Beach St., Daytona Beach, FL 32114 and 6464 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819 _While you are in the area, make sure to check out:__A Visit to Daytona Beach: The World’s Most Famous Beach_ _and_ _16 Best Things to Do in Orlando at Night (2024)_ ### Polynesian Islander Revue at the Mai-Kai Restaurant – Fort Lauderdale Source: Mai-Kai Restaurant Polynesian Islander Revue is another great Polynesian show to see in Florida. Enjoy choreographed songs and dances that interpret South Pacific village life at the turn of the century. Source: Mai-Kai Restaurant The performances are family-friendly and updated every year, promising new experiences for this long-standing show. The Mai-Kai Restaurant offers a Dinner & Show Special that includes an appetizer, an entrée, a dessert, and the show. There is a kid’s menu available. Source: Mai-Kai Restaurant **For more information, visit the****official Mai-Kai Restaurant website****.** **Mai-Kai Restaurant Address** : 3599 N Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 _While you are in the area, make sure to check out:_**_Things to Do in Ft. Lauderdale Most Spring Breakers Miss (2024)_** ## Tiki Events 2025 ### Tiki A-Go-Go – Orlando **When:** April 4-6, 2025 **Where:** Caribe Royale Orlando, 8101 World Center Drive, Orlando, FL 32821 **Description:** Dive into a weekend celebrating Tiki culture with live music, art, and tropical cocktails. This year, Tiki A-Go-Go is bringing a splash of Disney magic to Orlando’s Caribe Royale Resort! This fun-filled weekend celebrates all things Tiki with a Florida twist, featuring lively presentations, tropical performances, and immersive experiences. The 2025 theme shines a spotlight on Disney’s deep-rooted influence in Tiki culture, featuring Disney-themed talks like: * _“Neverlands: Unbuilt Walt Disney World”_ * _“Rolly Crump: Tikis, Toads, and Tomorrows”_ * _“Walt Disney Discovers Tiki”_ Take the Brightline Train to Fort Lauderdale to experience the Mai Kai Polynesian first-hand. ****For more information, visit the**** **Tiki-A-Go-Go website**. ### The Hukilau – Pompano Beach Source: The Hukilau **When** : June 5th – June 8th, 2025 **Where** : Beachcomber Resort, 1200 S Ocean Blvd., Pompano Beach, FL 33062 **Description** : The Beachcomber Resort in Pompano Beach is the site of this year’s Hukilau. The Hukilau is a South Florida tiki tradition that goes back over 20 years. Source: The Hukilau Celebrate tiki culture with guest speakers, live music, and tropical cocktails at this fun event. * Thursday: Opening party at the Beachcomber * Friday: Beachcomber early, Mai-Kai main event, Beachcomber late night * Saturday: Vendors and main event at the Beachcomber * Sunday: Brunch at Beachcomber, special events at the Mai-Kai TIPS: * This event is for guests 21+ only. * Passes for the weekend start at $198.45. * You can purchase additional activities such as rum tastings prior to the event through the official website. **Learn more by visiting theofficial Hukilau website.** _While you are in the area, make sure to check out:**A Visit to the Silverball Museum in Delray Beach, Florida**_ ### Orlando Tiki Fest – Kissimmee Source: Orlando Tiki Fest **When** : 2025 Dates TBD **Where** : Sun On the Beach, 5770 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, FL 34746 **Description** : Orlando Tiki Fest is a fun, one-day tiki event in Central Florida. Celebrate tiki culture with bartender competitions and awards, live performances, workshops, a marketplace of vendors, Polynesian food, and more. Source: Orlando Tiki Fest TIPS: * General admission is $14.99 and gives you access to the event starting at 1 pm. * VIP passes are $79.99 and include food and full-event access. **Learn more by visiting theofficial Orlando Tiki Fest website.** _While you are in the area, make sure to check out:22 Best Things to Do in Kissimmee, FL_ ### Additional Tiki Events Source: Tiki Fever #### Bourbon Bill’s Tiki Escape – Jacksonville (March 29) #### Truman’s Tropical Fruit Festival – Key West (June 14) #### Key Lime Festival – Key West (July 2-6) #### Castaway 2025 – Jacksonville (August 23-25) #### Tiki Fever – Sarasota (November 6-8) #### Cedar Key Seafood Festival – Cedar Key (TBD) #### Spike’s Breezeway Cocktail Cruise – Miami (TBD) ## Tiki Tours ### Florida Tiki Tours – Madeira Beach Source: Florida Tiki Tours Florida Tiki Tours is the perfect option if you want to head out on the water tiki-style. This company offers a unique tour around John’s Pass and Boca Ciega Bay on a tiki hut boat. Source: Florida Tiki Tours Choose from daytime and sunset tours and enjoy stunning views. Back on dry land, you can check out the Tipsy Tiki Bar, located right next to the departure dock. Source: Florida Tiki Tours TIPS: * Each tour lasts approximately 90 minutes. * Tours can be booked over the phone to waive the booking fee at 727-418-6070. * Tours can also be booked online through the official website. **For more information, visit theofficial Florida Tiki Tours website.** **Florida Tiki Tours Address** : 209 Boardwalk Pl., E, Madeira Beach, FL 33708 _While you are in the area, make sure to check out:Top 5 Things to Do in St. Pete, FL in 2024_ ### AVOID – Tiki Tours By the Sea – St. Petersburg Tiki Tours By the Sea is an Authentic Florida “Buyer Beware” tour group. We had a tour scheduled with this company, but they never showed up at the marina. We attempted to contact them, but they never responded to calls, texts, or emails. Avoid this company – there are better tiki tour groups to book with. **For more details, see the post onour official Facebook page.** ### Additional Tiki Tours Source: Totally Tiki Tours #### Totally Tiki Tours – Tampa and St. Petersburg #### St. Pete Tiki Tours – St. Petersburg #### Cruisin’ Tikis – Miami ## Places to Order Home Tiki Huts ### The Original Florida Tiki Huts Source: Florida Tiki Huts The Original Florida Tiki Huts is a great option if you are considering ordering a tiki hut for your home. This company has been around since 1973 and serves many counties in Florida. **For more information, visit theofficial Original Florida Tiki Huts website.** ### Additional Places to Order Home Tiki Huts Source: Suncoast Tiki Huts #### Suncoast Tiki Huts #### Big Kahuna Tiki Huts ## Coolest Tiki Cups ### Trader Vic’s Hospitality Group Source: Trader Vic’s Trader Vic’s dates back to 1930s Hollywood, a well-known competitor of Don the Beachcomber. Vying for the title of the “Home of the Original Mai Tai,” you can shop for cool tiki cups and other tiki culture goods on their website. **For more information, visit theofficial Trader Vic’s Hospitality Group website.** ### Additional Cool Tiki Cups Source: Tikiland Trading Co. #### Tikiland Trading Co. #### Taboo Relics #### Little Grass Shack ## Tiki Organizations on Facebook Source: Fraternal Order of Moai ### Gumbo Limbo Facebook Page ### Gumbo Limbo Tiki Bingo Facebook Group ### Friends of The Mai-Kai Facebook Group ### The Hukilau Facebook Group ### Central Florida Tiki Society Facebook Group ### Tiki for Everyone Facebook Group ### Fraternal Order of Moai Facebook Group **If you enjoyed this article about tiki culture in Florida and are looking for a few other recommendations, check out these suggestions:** * _Top Places to Eat, Stay,& Shop Near Florida’s Unique Attractions_ * _Jimmy Buffett and Florida: A Love Story for the Ages_ * _Best Seafood Restaurants Near Orlando_ * _23 Best Roadside Attractions in Florida_ * _6 Historic Old Florida Restaurants: Gone But Not Forgotten_ __ FacebookTweetPinLinkedIn https://authenticflorida.com/florida-tiki-culture/