Mar 14 2023
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 …
Jun 27 2022
The first image that comes to mind when anyone mentions Tiki to me, is the famous Walt Disney Enchanted Tiki Room. There are three such rooms. One is located in Disneyland in Anaheim, California, and the other is located at Disneyworld in Orlando, Florida, and the third is located in Tokyo, Japan at the Tokyo …
May 04 2022
“The King of the Surf Guitar” Dick Dale was born on the day May 4, 1937 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Apr 10 2022
Happy birthday to the “father of exotica” Martin Denny, born on this day April 10, 1911 in New York, NY. Here is his enchanting exotica version of the Mediterranean folk song “Misirlou.”
Feb 22 2022
We are used to the words “totem pole” to mean those long poles with carved figures on them. Usually we see totem poles with wings from birds or other animals. But in the Pacific islands, these pole structures are called Tiki poles or Tiki totem poles. Tiki totem poles from the islands of the Pacific …
Feb 13 2022
Two people are credited with bringing all things Tiki to North America. They are Victor Bergeron and Ernest Gantt. Gantt later change his name to Donn Beach. It was rumored he wanted a more Pacific type of name. Don the Beachcomber started traveling the South Pacific, the Caribbean, and other tropical places to find anything …
Feb 05 2022
Originally, the ukulele was brought to Hawaii from the West. However, it was Hawaii and Tiki music that actually made the ukulele a mainstream instrument, and an instrument synonymous with Tiki music. When we think back of Hawaiian music, it is hard to imagine this music without the cheerful sound of the ukulele. This is …
Jan 29 2022
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 …
Nov 17 2021
Here’s Lili Verona’s delightful “Day-O” from the recently re-discovered album Traditional Songs of Jamaica from Cosmic Spy Music. Traditional Songs of Jamaica by Lili Verona
Aug 17 2021
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 …