MAI-KAI Reignites the Flame for The Hukilau 2025 with Polynesian Dinner Theater, History Tours, and Tiki Tastings

Source: MAI-KAI

Reported By: Caroline Dalal

This June, Fort Lauderdale’s iconic Polynesian destination MAI-KAI will once again anchor The Hukilau—South Florida’s beloved “Tiki Weekender”—with a full slate of events that celebrate the spirit of the South Seas. As The Hukilau returns June 5–8, MAI-KAI is stepping back into the spotlight with its first official year of programming since reopening, offering a meticulously curated experience that blends theatrical dining, history, and craft cocktails in a setting that feels worlds away.

From pre-parties at the famed Molokai Bar to an immersive Polynesian dinner show and a special history tour, MAI-KAI is reclaiming its place as the soul of tiki culture in South Florida.

While the official event begins June 5, The Hukilau’s festivities start early at MAI-KAI with a Wednesday pre-party designed to channel the golden age of tiki. No reservations required, guests are invited to soak in the atmosphere of the legendary Molokai and Bora Bora bars—two venues that have long served as portals to tropical escapism. With live music, handcrafted cocktails, and that unmistakable MAI-KAI ambiance, the night promises to set the tone for an indulgent weekend ahead.

On Friday night, MAI-KAI’s famed Polynesian dinner theater will host a special performance exclusively for Hukilau passholders. South Seas tier guests will enjoy preferred seating for the first show, where traditional island cuisine meets choreographed spectacle. Expect signature dishes rooted in tropical flavors, all served beneath thatched roofs and torch-lit surroundings.

Later that evening, locals and other guests will have the opportunity to book the second seating—a rare chance to witness MAI-KAI’s theatrical revival during the city’s most spirited cultural weekend. For many, it’s a long-awaited return to a dining experience unlike any other, where every bite and beat of the drum feels like a step into a different world.

The weekend wraps with a deeper dive into MAI-KAI’s architectural and cultural lineage. On Sunday at noon, Hukilau passholders will be treated to a special behind-the-scenes history tour, illuminating the decades-long journey of one of America’s most revered tiki institutions.

The tour will be led in part by Scott Scheidly and Typhoon Tommy Allsmiller—two of the creative minds responsible for MAI-KAI’s meticulous restoration. Their involvement extends beyond the event weekend, with both participating in a two-day pre-event symposium focused on the art and architecture of tiki bar design. For aficionados, this is a rare opportunity to hear directly from those shaping the future of tiki while preserving its past.

The 2025 edition of The Hukilau marks a renaissance for MAI-KAI. Long hailed for its exotic interiors, theatrical dining, and encyclopedic cocktail menu, the venue has once again become a centerpiece of South Florida’s hospitality landscape. And with The Hukilau as its stage, it invites both loyal fans and curious newcomers to raise a glass, sway to island rhythms, and rediscover the magic of tiki culture in its purest form.

For event tickets, passes, and updates, visit thehukilau.com.