What do you think?
Rate this book
Mai-Kai: History and Mystery of the Iconic Tiki Restaurant
In 1956, a few brash young men created the Mai-Kai Restaurant and bar in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, by poaching key staff from Don the Beachcomber's, a Polynesian-themed Chicago restaurant. The Mai-Kai became the playground of celebrities and playboys, and the beautiful women working there used it as a jumping-off point for adventure and fame. Through first-hand stories and more than 400 images, this book documents the history, allure, and enduring legacy of the mid-twentieth-century Tiki era. Focusing on the period 1955 to 1971, it is the story of how the Mai-Kai and its iconic elements came to exist, and the men and women who shaped it and went on to shape the world. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Mai-Kai is the only place on earth that still serves the "Rum Rhapsodies" that kicked off that indulgent era.
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
176 pages, Hardcover
Published September 28, 2016
1 person is currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Tim Glazner
2 books2 followersAlong with being the author of the book “Mai-Kai: History & mystery of the Iconic Tiki Restaurant and forthcoming “Searching for Don the Beachcomber”,” Tim “Swanky” Glazner is co-founder and organizer of the Hukilau, the second largest and second oldest Tiki event in the world. He is associate producer of the documentary film about Donn’s like “The Donn of Tiki” to be released in early 2024. He created the first Tiki carving seminar “Coon Tiki” located in the Smoky Mountains. He is an expert in Tiki drinks and the creator of the Grogalizer, a popular Tiki cocktail website/app which helps people make recipes from various books. He has produced a line of Tiki mugs under license with the Mai-Kai, and he is the official historian of the Mai-Kai.
He is an avid fan of Midcentury culture and Tiki is a big part of that passion.
He is an avid fan of Midcentury culture and Tiki is a big part of that passion.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 5, 2017
Wow -- what a treasure trove of gorgeous photographs preserving the history of this iconic restaurant. Big kudos to the publisher for choosing to use a big size for the book (not oversized -- it's not a massive coffee table book, but it's large enough for the photos to be visible and lush). Anyone who has ever fallen in love with the Mai-Kai will undoubtedly adore just gazing at the pictures and soaking up the history.
But.
But I was going to give it only 3 stars because it wasn't really the history I wanted. As someone who has never visited the Mai-Kai but is hungry to learn more, the book didn't satisfy. I was hoping for a full history -- and yes, you get the story, at least in terms of opening date, major renovations, key employees.
But the book doesn't really provide a fleshed-out history, at least not fully. Yes, I got the story of how the restaurant started and how they lured key employees from the Chicago Don the Beachcomber, how the mystery girl began, who the famous patrons were. But I wanted more context and more insight. I wanted more -- what, for example, where the Mai-Kai competitors in the 1950s/60s? Was it other tourist restaurants? Tiki bars? The Playboy Club? There is a mention that the Playboy Club was a place for Mai-Kai girl rejects, yes, but we don't really understand the relationship between other Ft. Lauderdale restaurants/bars and this one. And what about the patrons -- about what percentage were locals and what percentage were tourists (and if tourists, how did their restaurant thrive in the off season)?
I wanted someone to give thoughtful analysis to the Mai-Kai in the context of other Polynesian restaurants, in ft. Lauderdale and elsewhere. And in the context of other girlie bars.
I also wanted a lot more insight into why the Mai-Kai has survived when the vast majority of other Tiki places bit the dust in the 1980s. There's a mention that the wildly popular Mai-Kai girl calendar ran until 1990 -- okay, so, why did it cease? What does that tell us about how the Mai-Kai was successfully evolving? Or was it? How has it become a place serving today's Fort Lauderdale bar/restaurant community, which is SO different from the 1950s? Who are the current patrons?
Glazner clearly based his book on extensive interviews with former employees/managers/owners and he deserves huge credit for that. I loved the stories and how it felt like you were sitting down at the Mai-Kai enjoying a tropical drink with someone famous from the Mai-Kai's past.
But I wish he had also taken a more objective approach. He seems reluctant to share anything negative or complex or troublesome in the restaurant's history. It strains credulity to believe all the Mai-Kai girls who had to wear those truly skimpy costumes were comfortable, no matter how much they liked bare feet. How did those tops even stay up -- and did they had to pad them?
The text doesn't seem to have gotten the same loving care as the layout and photography. There are some odd jumps in time and in story. Filipino bartender Mariano Lucidine shows up in an early chapter and then reappears later in the book with what feels like an entirely new introduction, as if we don't already know him.
I give the book 4 stars because the vast majority of readers are probably those who know and love the Mai-Kai and aren't really interested in a more thoughtful historical analysis. I also truly admire the gorgeous photographs and the care lavished on making this a beautiful book.
This book is a wonderful start to sharing the story of the Mai-Kai and its place in Tiki history, but I'm still waiting for the book I'd love to see.
But.
But I was going to give it only 3 stars because it wasn't really the history I wanted. As someone who has never visited the Mai-Kai but is hungry to learn more, the book didn't satisfy. I was hoping for a full history -- and yes, you get the story, at least in terms of opening date, major renovations, key employees.
But the book doesn't really provide a fleshed-out history, at least not fully. Yes, I got the story of how the restaurant started and how they lured key employees from the Chicago Don the Beachcomber, how the mystery girl began, who the famous patrons were. But I wanted more context and more insight. I wanted more -- what, for example, where the Mai-Kai competitors in the 1950s/60s? Was it other tourist restaurants? Tiki bars? The Playboy Club? There is a mention that the Playboy Club was a place for Mai-Kai girl rejects, yes, but we don't really understand the relationship between other Ft. Lauderdale restaurants/bars and this one. And what about the patrons -- about what percentage were locals and what percentage were tourists (and if tourists, how did their restaurant thrive in the off season)?
I wanted someone to give thoughtful analysis to the Mai-Kai in the context of other Polynesian restaurants, in ft. Lauderdale and elsewhere. And in the context of other girlie bars.
I also wanted a lot more insight into why the Mai-Kai has survived when the vast majority of other Tiki places bit the dust in the 1980s. There's a mention that the wildly popular Mai-Kai girl calendar ran until 1990 -- okay, so, why did it cease? What does that tell us about how the Mai-Kai was successfully evolving? Or was it? How has it become a place serving today's Fort Lauderdale bar/restaurant community, which is SO different from the 1950s? Who are the current patrons?
Glazner clearly based his book on extensive interviews with former employees/managers/owners and he deserves huge credit for that. I loved the stories and how it felt like you were sitting down at the Mai-Kai enjoying a tropical drink with someone famous from the Mai-Kai's past.
But I wish he had also taken a more objective approach. He seems reluctant to share anything negative or complex or troublesome in the restaurant's history. It strains credulity to believe all the Mai-Kai girls who had to wear those truly skimpy costumes were comfortable, no matter how much they liked bare feet. How did those tops even stay up -- and did they had to pad them?
The text doesn't seem to have gotten the same loving care as the layout and photography. There are some odd jumps in time and in story. Filipino bartender Mariano Lucidine shows up in an early chapter and then reappears later in the book with what feels like an entirely new introduction, as if we don't already know him.
I give the book 4 stars because the vast majority of readers are probably those who know and love the Mai-Kai and aren't really interested in a more thoughtful historical analysis. I also truly admire the gorgeous photographs and the care lavished on making this a beautiful book.
This book is a wonderful start to sharing the story of the Mai-Kai and its place in Tiki history, but I'm still waiting for the book I'd love to see.
March 30, 2020
I'm getting more and more specific in my tiki obsession. Smuggler's Cove gave a pretty comprehensive overview of the big names and deep history of the movement. Sippin' Safari got a little more granular, giving stories of the lives of the bartenders and the folks behind the scenes that made classic tiki so inviting. Glazner's Mai-Kai gets even more specific, honing on the history of one tiki restaurant: the Mai-Kai in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, a continent away from the South California epicenter of the original trend.
The way Mai-Kai, the book, works is only vaguely linear. Glazner says at the start that he wants to focus on stories, vignettes of the early days of the restaurant. This leads to a little discombobulation and, at least in one case, of a contradictory fact (exactly WHO was fired for lying about her age? There are a couple answers.) But in measure, none of that matters. Histories of tiki are rife with tall tales, exaggerations, and myths. It doesn't all have to be 100% truthful to be compelling.
And this book is extremely compelling. Glazner's way of discussing the Mai-Kai's owners and operators pulls no punches; it's obvious that he reveres them, but does not shy away from their thornier sides, either. There's a lot in the way of famous people who'd eaten here, particularly Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon. I was particularly gratified to read some stories about the women behind the enchantment: Pua, who, in her research of the ancient and almost forgotten Hawaiian art of kapa, brought the fabric art almost singlehandedly back to prominence. Ann Campbell, who was the first woman to explore the underwater Sacred Well in Chichen Itza. Marielle Palmer, who was almost fired for not being able to dance, eventually became lifetime choreographer at the Mai-Kai. These are the stories I love in tiki history, and couldn't get enough of.
Unlike those other two books, this one is short on cocktail recipes. That doesn't really matter, either. One of tiki's main components is its exotic cocktails - and there are chapters on the Mystery Drink and the Mystery Girl who proffers it - but that's not the end-all, be-all. I came to this book hoping for an even grander concept of the history of tiki, and I got it. And now I can't wait to go to Fort Lauderdale, after this whole quarantine is finally over.
The way Mai-Kai, the book, works is only vaguely linear. Glazner says at the start that he wants to focus on stories, vignettes of the early days of the restaurant. This leads to a little discombobulation and, at least in one case, of a contradictory fact (exactly WHO was fired for lying about her age? There are a couple answers.) But in measure, none of that matters. Histories of tiki are rife with tall tales, exaggerations, and myths. It doesn't all have to be 100% truthful to be compelling.
And this book is extremely compelling. Glazner's way of discussing the Mai-Kai's owners and operators pulls no punches; it's obvious that he reveres them, but does not shy away from their thornier sides, either. There's a lot in the way of famous people who'd eaten here, particularly Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon. I was particularly gratified to read some stories about the women behind the enchantment: Pua, who, in her research of the ancient and almost forgotten Hawaiian art of kapa, brought the fabric art almost singlehandedly back to prominence. Ann Campbell, who was the first woman to explore the underwater Sacred Well in Chichen Itza. Marielle Palmer, who was almost fired for not being able to dance, eventually became lifetime choreographer at the Mai-Kai. These are the stories I love in tiki history, and couldn't get enough of.
Unlike those other two books, this one is short on cocktail recipes. That doesn't really matter, either. One of tiki's main components is its exotic cocktails - and there are chapters on the Mystery Drink and the Mystery Girl who proffers it - but that's not the end-all, be-all. I came to this book hoping for an even grander concept of the history of tiki, and I got it. And now I can't wait to go to Fort Lauderdale, after this whole quarantine is finally over.
July 27, 2021
This is a history of one of my favourite restaurants where I spent so many birthdays and special occasions. Right now, the restaurant is in quite a bit of trouble and is closed. Hopefully, it will not be permanent. My family has been going there regularly since they moved here and it has entertained five generations so far. I want it to be around to be here for a sixth generation. We never went for the alcohol (no one in the family has ever had a drink there), but the show has always been a family favourite. We are doing whatever we can do to support the restaurant in some small way.
If you have ever been to the Mai-Kai, it lives up to its name (one meaning of "Mai-kai" is beautiful.) And it looks like it always has been as pretty as it was when I was growing up there in the 80s/90s. The author found so many incredible photos from the old days and has some incredible stories for example how and why the Mai-kai's drinks so closely resemble the originals from "Don the Beachcomber." I think this is a pretty awesome book for anyone who 1) likes the Mai-Kai obviously, 2) enjoys the Tiki history, 3) Americana, 4) the Floridians (especially the Fort Lauderdale folks) in your life, or 5) anyone who just likes good photography.
Go buy it! And if you get it from the author, he signs it for you so mine is signed. :)
If you have ever been to the Mai-Kai, it lives up to its name (one meaning of "Mai-kai" is beautiful.) And it looks like it always has been as pretty as it was when I was growing up there in the 80s/90s. The author found so many incredible photos from the old days and has some incredible stories for example how and why the Mai-kai's drinks so closely resemble the originals from "Don the Beachcomber." I think this is a pretty awesome book for anyone who 1) likes the Mai-Kai obviously, 2) enjoys the Tiki history, 3) Americana, 4) the Floridians (especially the Fort Lauderdale folks) in your life, or 5) anyone who just likes good photography.
Go buy it! And if you get it from the author, he signs it for you so mine is signed. :)
July 21, 2025
Glazner's interviews with some of the last living major players in the founding and growth of (arguably) America's last surviving tiki temples are invaluable for a certain sort of reader, which should be anyone who intentionally purchases or reads this book. Lots of fun anecdotes, gorgeous design photos, period ephemera. Starts in the 1930s with Donn & Vic to set the scene for the creation of the Mai-Kai. Covers the creation in detail. If it dwells too long on the Mystery Drink, who am I to complain?
If you're more interested in recipes and execution, read this excellent blog: https://slammie.com/atomicgrog/
If you're more interested in recipes and execution, read this excellent blog: https://slammie.com/atomicgrog/
March 8, 2018
A wonderful telling, in pictures and words, of the story of the greatest Tiki temple of them all. The writing is a little disjointed and the editing could have been more careful, but it doesn't detract from the beauty of this book. A picture's worth 1,000 words anyway, and there are hundreds of great photos to enjoy here. Mahalo, Swanky, okole maluna!
July 7, 2021
What a wonderful book about a marvelous and historic Tiki Restaurant. Mr. Glazner's meticulous re-telling of the history of this iconic landmark was simply a thrill. The voluminous pictures documenting this history, as well as keen artifacts was just magnificent. A definite book for any tiki-file library!
April 1, 2019
Awesome history of the Mai Kai and those who founded with many colorful pictures. It’s a definite enticement to make the journey to this unique, iconic Florida treasure.
February 14, 2021
Must read for fans of the iconic Mai-Kai. All the more so now when its future is in doubt.
October 6, 2016
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
Mai-Kai is a lovingly written ode to one of the last remaining original Tiki restaurants, this one in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Author Glazner gives a brief history of the Mai Kai and storiesm from those who have worked in it over the years. Interspersed throughout are photographs that further tell the history of this iconic restaurant. But poor editing, a rambling text, and too many duplicate images fluff up and bloat a rather thin subject.The layout of Mai-Kai is beautiful - rich full color background tiki designs with large images throughout. Indeed, this is a coffee table book in its lush colors and subject matter. Unfortunately, many of the images reappear constantly - either in entirety or zoomed in (e.g., one ad for an airlines was in at least 3 different places throughout the book (and it isn't even about the restaurant!!)). Frustratingly, the images seem randomly dropped and rarely actually refer to the text in which they are placed. Themes, topics, people are introduced in images early but not in the text until later, creating a very confusing experience. It's not a deep read but one never gets a strong path to follow either.
The text too feels ad hoc. It is loosely chronological but jumps between discussing architecture, people, events, and histories. Perhaps a better idea would have been to create side-outs of the people or even order the book by subject matter rather than time. Too often, the writing goes off on tangents about the personal lives before/after the Mai-Kai that have no relevance to the subject other than that to note that the restaurant had its fair share of interesting individuals. It means that those looking for information on the Mai-Kai will have to read about WWII rescues or an owner's hobby of Hawaiian rug textile weaving. There is a large section on Donn The Beachcomber but this isn't a tiki book so much as a long-running ad for Mai-Kai.
Similarly, the book is unapologetic in its adoration of the subject. This isn't a balanced book with a concise history; rather, it's too often a fanboy worship that has completely bypassed any of the negatives of the previous owners or personalities connected with the restaurant. Anything negative is glossed over briefly and only mentioned if it has to be because of some development in the restaurant that affected it. It's hard to appreciate the stories when they feel so doctored to be pleasant.
If anything, I would say this book is very much like a glossy promotional material made to be sold in the gift shop. Yes, we do get a brief history and the pictures are great. But the lack of solid structure, meandering text, endless tangents, and copious image duplicates mean that a good editor could make something much nicer than this pretty but shallow book on a great subject. That said, it is a quick and enjoyable read. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
September 23, 2016
If you love Tiki you will love this book. The pictures are beautiful and interesting. The writing is very good and keeps you involved. There are lots of first hand accounts that bring Mai Kai to life. My family grew up with a love for this Tiki pop culture in the 1950's and past it on to my brother and I. Mai Kai gave me a better understanding of that time, why my family enjoyed it and why everyone tried to copy it.
September 24, 2016
I was truly born a man out of time
To have seen the incredible
bars and restaurants
like the ones shone in this beautiful book....
The Mai Kai was one of the
first and now one of the last
of the great Tiki Bars
www.maikai.com
Still in all it's glory in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
( I smell a road trip, I'm only a few hours away)
Filled with in depth history
and gorgeous photography
this is an amazing book for anyone
who loves that long lost era of Americana
To have seen the incredible
bars and restaurants
like the ones shone in this beautiful book....
The Mai Kai was one of the
first and now one of the last
of the great Tiki Bars
www.maikai.com
Still in all it's glory in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
( I smell a road trip, I'm only a few hours away)
Filled with in depth history
and gorgeous photography
this is an amazing book for anyone
who loves that long lost era of Americana
September 26, 2016
If you have even a passing interest in tiki culture, please read this book. And visit the Mai-Kai in person.
January 1, 2017
A fitting homage to one of my favorite places on earth.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews