It started in the 1930s on the west coast of America. The tiki culture, exotic and at that time a new style, gradually travelled across the country.
It was inspired by the South Pacific and the exciting culture of what was then a far off land. As the Second World War came and went, it increased in popularity as people we looking for escapism. The 1940s musical, South Pacific, followed in the next decade by the film version only helped to popularise the theme.
Palm trees, coconuts, tropical plants … all became stylised motifs which proved their popularity. Hawaii became a US state, adding yet more of a tropical feel to everyday life. People enjoyed Polynesian style cocktails, pineapples began to appear in savoury dishes and people loved the exotic culture.
By the nineteen fifties the craze had spread to the east coast. In Fort Lauderdale two brothers opened a restaurant, bar and cabaret establishment that they named Mai Kai. It was rather out of the way ‘ described as ‘the middle of nowhere’ – on Federal Highway in a small undeveloped area of Fort Lauderdale named Oakland Park.
It still exists in the same location today.
It’s one of the few authentic examples of tiki culture that you can still visit these days. Read reviews here.
WHERE IS MAI KAI?
Mai Kai
3599 N Federal Hwy,
Fort Lauderdale,
FL 33308,
USA
ARTICLE BY:
Jackie
JJ is originally from the UK and has lived in South Florida since 1994. She is the founder and editor of JAQUO Magazine. You can connect with her using the social media icons below.