According to the Sun Sentinel, the annual Hukilau festival, held at the world famous Mai Kai is the largest Polynesian, Tiki-themed celebration on the east coast. Seriously, attendees travel from all over the world for this one.
Here's some of the highlights...
Prices: $75 for Thursday night, Friday/Saturday for $55 and Thursday to Saturday for $85. Symposiums extra. Apparently the key event is the Friday Main Event at the Bahia Cabana for $27. The symposiums range from $15 to $35.Sun Sentinel: "...a rum soaked appreciation of Tiki chic, tattoos and time honored time bombs (drinks)... includes more events held at the Mai Kai, a more budget friendly hotel and a more laid back schedule.
Entertainment include a performance by Nashville supergroup, the Martian Denny Orchestra, a Zombie symposium by mixologist and author Jeff "Beachbum" Berry, a tattoo symposium by tattoo artist and historian Paul Roe and performances by burlesque star Angie Pontani, the Italian Stallionetter. "
Details (here).
Bottom Line:
American culture has its share of cult followers, from our own Parrotheads (following Jimmy Buffet), to the great American Tiki Culture. You can bet you'll even see a few "Zombies" in full Zombie drag who know that the Mai Kai is famous for its original version of the Zombie - the drink designed by Donn Beach (Don the Beachcomber), and that started it all!
If you have never been to the Mai Kai, it is absolutely breathtaking, huge and rambling, full of exotic plants, authentic Polynesian decor, waterfalls, walkways, dancers and the most amazing and delicious tropical drinks available anywhere, made with fine rums of all kinds.
Think I'm kidding? Their original Zombie is simply delicious and delivers at least 5 shots of good rum in Polynesian style by your equally luscious Polynesian server. Yum... don't miss it! See you there...