Aloha!
The winter months are finally flying by and I can't stop thinking about tiki-themed parties with fancy cocktails and great dresses.. The Hawaiian style won me over years ago and then when I visited Hawaii in 2017, I still can't stop thinking about my love for all things tiki!
First, let's explore how Tiki culture came about in North America.
The history of Tiki dates back to ancient Polynesia. Carvings of tiki gods were first discovered in Polynesia, and were said to represent specific Polynesian Gods. When I visited Hawaii in 2017, here's a few photos that I took.
In the 1930s, after spending a lot of time in Polynesia, and serving drinks during the American prohibition, Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt, who then renamed himself, Don the Beachcomber, is also called the founding Father of Tiki since he started a bar that became the trend until the late 70s. But Tiki culture made a comeback and bars have popped up all over.
Here's a few photos I found of Don himself..in his bar that he opened in 1933 that was at 1727 North McCadden Place, just off Hollywood Blvd, California
Here is a photo of the interior of the bar.. people would come far and wide to have cocktails.
Here's a great photo of Don, later in life (date/location unknown.)
When I visited Hawaii in 2017, I visited the Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park on the Big Island. The traditional carved Tiki gods stand along the coast.
Film stars loved the Hawaiian themed outfits
I also enjoy how Tiki and Hawaiian themed clothing was adopted in several Pacific island films. Here are a few great photos.
Rita Hayworth wearing gorgeous Hawaiian attire
Actress Debra Paget
Ida Lupino 1942 - Photo by George Hurrell for Esquire Magazine
Here's Rosalind Russell in a fabulous floral print wrap-around gown.
Tiki Cocktails
Tiki cocktails are world famous now. As we know, Don brought them over to the USA but some of these wonderful creations are now served everywhere, not just in Tiki bars but several places, including fancy motels, serve the famous Mai Tai.
Here's a Tiki restaurant drink card from the 1960's. Unless you make them at home or are in Thailand, it's very unlikely to find drinks for $2.50 these days.
Artist SHAG, one of the most famous known Tiki artists around. Visit his site, shag.com
Thanks for reading and enjoy your tiki cocktails. Mahalo!
Here's one final picture that I took also again at the Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park on the Big Island in Hawaii. These are traditional Polynesian huts.
Thanks for reading! Have a Tiki-Tastic time.
Until next time,
Note: All of these photos are from various sources that I saved on my computer/phone, from Pinterest. No copyright infringement intended - solely used for your enjoyment to celebrate Summertime!
