Peggy
Author's posts
Aug 17
Is the Tiki Kitsch Craze Innocent Fun or Exploitation of Culture?
When Trader Vic invented his now famous Tiki cocktails in fun whimsical Tiki head souvenir glasses with curly straws and tons of rum, there was not any thought as to sensitivity to the Hawaiian culture that might exist if it were today. Think of it like this. What if a bar were started with a …
Aug 10
The Peculiar and Wonderful World of Tiki Animals
Many animals have come to be associated with tiki over the years, and here are some of the most prominent ones, how they became part of tiki culture, and a look at some of Hawaii’s most interesting animals. The Toucan When we think of the Toucan bird, we think of Tiki. In fact, these birds …
Aug 03
The History of Tiki Carvings
When my sister went to Hawaii years ago, she brought me back a small Tiki wooden carving. The perfect gift from Hawaii, I thought. Every time I look at this carving, I think of Hawaii and the island culture. Of course I also think of my sister! Tiki statues, the totem poles, masks and all …
Jun 27
Those Mini Umbrellas!
Ever since I was a little girl, I have been fascinated…no I LOVED those little mini umbrellas that go on top of fancy drinks. Not that I had fancy drinks. But one time I went to a little birthday party at a neighbor’s house and the mom and grandma put little mini umbrellas on top …
May 27
Tiki Dresses Over the Years
I want a Tiki Dress! They are so colorful and lovely. Back in the 1950s Women’s dresses had two main shapes. They were full circle skirts and very narrow pencil shape dresses. The big difference between the standard dress in the 50s and the Tiki style was the material and the colors. Tropical print fabrics …
May 20
A Modern History of Tiki Music
In his essay of the “Cultures of Tiki,” Scott Lukas noted that in modern presentations of Tiki cultures that had little to do with Tiki of the past like the soft surf culture and the former car culture. These are now becoming a part of the Tiki culture. This is particularly true of surf music, …
May 17
7 Amazing Hawaiian Foods to Try
Hawaiian Ice Beside my new found love of poke’ bowls, there are several Hawaiian foods that are recommended that we should try. We will start with the first which is of course the beloved, Hawaiian Ice. This is shaved ice, but not like a snow cone. Not crunched ice, but shaved ice. There is a …
May 16
Adding Tiki Huts and Tiki Decor to Your Home
With all the Tiki rage in restaurants and bars the past few decades, is it any wonder that the Tiki fun has entered into our yards and homes? Many people are feverishly studying plans at this very moment trying to figure out how they are going to design a Tiki hut in their backyard this …
May 15
Experience the Beautiful Hawaiian Language
Because of the recent Tiki resurgence, there is also a renewed interest in the Hawaiian language. And, with Southwest Airlines adding direct flights to Hawaii from Los Angeles, it seems the interest in Hawaii and all things Tiki has been felt in the corporate world even affecting recent travel to the Islands. The Hawaiian language …
May 14
The Atmospheric Magic of Tiki Bars
No Alcohol Needed! Tiki Bars are immediately associated with drinks containing alcohol, but truth be told, it’s the container and the fruit that makes a Tiki drink, Tiki. When Tiki bars are done correctly, the atmosphere is like something straight out of the Pacific islands and the escape to the land of enchantment can last …