A week ago, the Mai-Kai was abuzz with Tiki a Go-Go diehards along with a pop-up featuring Spiribam rep Jen Akin. We joined author Sven Kirsten for cocktails and photos with The Cannibal mug he designed, admiring the new carvings by artist Tom Fowner. #maikai #tiki #tikicarvings

The Tiki-a-Go-Go revelry migrated south to the Mai-Kai last Monday for a festive after party featuring guest bartenders from Permanent Vacation, Dirty Dick and the Golden Tiki taking over the Bora Bora Bar. Kudos to Kern Mattei and the staff for hosting the special events. #maikai #tikiagogo

Thanks to artist Tom Fowner, the Mai-Kai’s historic carving by Barney West is completely restored and sporting a paint job that pays tribute to its original wood finish. It was dedicated Monday, and we caught up with Tom on Tuesday to enjoy the finished work. #maikai #tiki #tikicarving

NEW: Everything you need to know about Mai-Kai Rum No. 1, our FAQ about the new 100-proof blend from Barbados and Jamaica, bottled exclusively for the historic restaurant. Go to AtomicGrog.com or wp.me/p1xHjT-9St #maikai #maikairum #cocktails #tikicocktails #rumcocktails

Creative cocktails featuring Worthy Park rum were the highlight of Sunday's festivities at the Mai-Kai, which started with a cruise-in featuring classic cars. Bartenders from the Mai-Kai, Luau Lads and Otto's High Dive all contributed to the 10-drink menu. #maikai #tikidrinks #tikicocktails #tiki

NEW: Mai-Kai kicks off 2026 with new food and drink menus, special events. The historic restaurant remains laser-focused on improving the cocktails, food and guest experience. Full coverage of 2026 news and events at AtomicGrog.com or wp.me/p1xHjT-9R1 #maikai #maikairestaurant #tikicocktails #tiki

Artist Tom Fowner is done sculpting the restored Barney West carving at the Mai-Kai. The 60-year-old tiki will get a reverential paint job and once again become an iconic photo spot along Federal Highway. "It's not identical, but it's close," he said. #maikai #maikairestaurant #tiki #tikicarving

The Molokai Bar at the Mai-Kai was rocking tonight with instrumental surf guitarist Skinny Jimmy Stingray and his band. Their reverential cover of the Batman theme, originally released by the Ventures 60 years ago (January 1966), was a highlight. #maikai #skinnyjimmystingray #surfguitar

An update on the restoration work by artist Tom Fowner on the historic Barney West carving at the Mai-Kai. Fowner has completely covered the figure with epoxy putty. Next, he'll do all of the detailed striping that West carved into the original more than 60 years ago. #maikai #tiki #tikicarving

Beverage director Cory Starr and the Mai-Kai bar team hosted a sold-out Tiki cocktail master class today as part of the South Beach Food and Wine Festival. Participants got hands-on instruction in making and garnishing three elaborate drinks in the Bora Bora Bar. #maikai #sobewff #tikicocktails

The Mai-Kai's historic Barney West carving is being meticulously restored by artist Tom Fowner. He’s covering the 60-year-old figure with sculpting putty after shoring it up with hard foam. He wants to "bring it back to what it looked like" in vintage photos. #maikai #tiki #floridatiki #tikicarving

It was a pleasure to meet up with Ryley and Ellie, hosts of The Tiki Talk Show, and give them the appropriate introductory tour on their first visit to the Mai-Kai. Check out the show at thetikitalkshow.com, YouTube and all podcast platforms. #maikai #maikairestaurant #thetikitalkshow

We toast our visiting rum VIPs this week with Mai-Kai Rum No. 1, the new 100-proof blend from Barbados and Jamaica available only at the restaurant. The maikairum.com website features 17 cocktail recipes, including our Kumu Grog. maikairum.com/cocktails/ #maikai #maikairum #cocktails #tikicocktails

Miami Rum Congress pre-parties kicked off with two tastings at the Mai-Kai. Down Island joined the Florida Rum Society for the first Tahitian single barrel release in the U.S., while Planteray’s Alexandre Gabriel treated us to six unique expressions. #miamirumcongress #maikai #floridarumsociety

A tabletop lamp in front of the stage at the Mai-Kai dinner show.

Tonight's view of the Mai-Kai show from our table.
#MaiKai #tiki

A Black Magic cocktail next to a Key Line tart and the cocktail menu at the legendary Mai-Kai in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

At the Mai-Kai. #MaiKai

Returning to rock the Molokai Bar at the Mai-Kai this Friday: Don't miss Skinny Jimmy Stingray and his band, performing instrumental surf classics plus their own cool tunes, including "Astro Punk's Revenge” ... #maikai #maikairestaurant #skinnyjimmystingray #molokaibar #surfguitar

NEW TRIBUTE RECIPE: The Christmas Barrel at the Mai-Kai, the star of the recent holiday menu and arguably better than the iconic Barrel O’ Rum. Check out our version at AtomicGrog.com, included in our coverage of the top stories of 2025. bit.ly/3Z92Fv7 #tiki #tikicocktail #maikai #rumbarrel

Top stories of 2025: Tiki culture honors the past as it expands reach and influence. See the full list, including The Donn of Tiki film, @thetikioasis.bsky.social, new bar openings, and the Mai-Kai revival at wp.me/p1xHjT-9LL #tiki #tikibars #donthebeachcomber #tikievents #beachbumberry #maikai

FULL RECAP: The Mai-Kai welcomed back dozens of alumni from throughout its 69-year history for a first-of-its-kind anniversary celebration. Check out photos, video, and an overview of the anniversary weekend: bit.ly/4aKDcQ2 #maikai #maikairestaurant #maikaihistory #maikaianniversary #polynesianshow

The state of the Mai-Kai bar program, 2026: Classic meets the future. New story on The Atomic Grog blog: www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/b... #maikai #maikairestaurant #maikaihistory #polynesianrestaurant #tikibar #tikirestaurant #tiki #floridatiki #maikaicocktails #tikicocktails #tikidrinks

The icing on the cake at the Mai-Kai's 69th anniversary was the menu of three historic cocktails: Zula #1 (1956-2020), Last Rites (1956-1980s), and Don's Own Grog (from Mariano Licudine's secret notebook of Don the Beachcomber recipes). All featured the new Mai-Kai Rum No. 1. #maikai #tikicocktails

Happy 69th anniversary to the Mai-Kai! There’s no better way to celebrate than with the classic Kona Coffee Grog, presented by Kern Mattei and Cory Starr tonight in the Tahiti Room.
#maikai #maikairestaurant #maikaihistory #maikaianniversary #polynesianrestaurant #konacoffeegrog #coffeegrog

World champion fire knife dancer VJ returned to the Mai-Kai, where he began in the '90s, for a spectacular finale to the Polynesian Islander Revue alumni show last night. The 69th anniversary celebration reaches its climax tonight. youtu.be/R-zFMUbcJL4 #maikai #maikairestaurant #maikaihistory

NEWS: Mai-Kai legends return to the stage for 69th anniversary celebration. More than 20 past performers from the Polynesian Islander Revue will participate in a two-day event Dec. 27-28 that honors the cultural legacy of the S. Fla. landmark. Full preview: wp.me/p1xHjT-9HC #maikai #maikaihistory

Mele Kalikimaka! The elves are working overtime on a Christmas Barrel tribute. Have a wonderful day!

#melekalikimaka #maikai #maikairestaurant #maikaicocktails #rumbarrel

It was an honor to be at the Mai-Kai for Mileto's final performance as a member of the Polynesian Islander Revue. For decades, he brought style, class and humor to the historic stage. He retires a legend! #maikai #maikairestaurant #polynesianrestaurant #polynesianshow #polynesiandance

Headed to the Mai-Kai for the holidays? Check out The Atomic Grog's reviews and ratings of the special Twelve Drinks of Christmas Around the World menu, which features some inventive and delicious cocktails. Go to AtomicGrog.com or wp.me/p1xHjT-9Fa #maikai #maikaichristmas #christmascocktails #tiki

NEW on The Atomic Grog: Mai-Kai holiday treats include 12 drinks of Christmas, new Rum Barrel mug, festive decor, non-stop events. Check out the extensive story featuring news, photos and video, plus exclusive insights: wp.me/p1xHjT-9Fa #maikai #maikaichristmas #christmaspopup #christmascocktails

Aloha and welcome to the Molokai Mistletoe Lounge! Chelsea and Avery showed off the new holiday outfits last night while guests enjoyed the 12 Drinks of Christmas at the Mai-Kai. We also welcomed @kevidently.bsky.social and Jeff from Boston for festive fun and cocktails. #maikai #maikaichristmas