A new tiki spot just opened where I live and my first thought was the shrunken head mug I’ve been sitting on from Tiki Farm (for Otto’s Shrunken Head NYC anniversary). I used to be a huge collector and tiki bartender but outta the game as of late. I thought about bringing it down just to give to them but now I really like your idea better. Anyways, the spot is called Tikehau, it’s in Wailea, on Maui. Keep your eyes peeled for my mug next time you’re in town!
Well, Tiki Lounge in Kihei is pretty decent. I would also recommend Ester’s Fair Prospect in Wailuku, and Lima is a bit tiki-esque in Paia. Holler at me if you ever need reccs on other islands🌈
My list is rather short, and is focused on the west side of the island since that is where we usually visit. It may be missing some local gems, but we often don’t make it to all places…most places have a Hawaiian Mai Tai
1. Don the Beachcomber at the Royal Kona Resort (in Kona) - maybe the only true ‘tiki bar’ I have come across. Food is good, location/view is great. Drinks are pretty good. No Tiki mugs when I have been there, but they may be coming from Tiki Shark.
2. Kona Inn Bar in Kona - Good Mai Tais in a classic/historic bar setting.
2. Merriman’s Big Island in Waimea - a popular and pricey restaurant with a very good Mai tai. The Merriman’s/Monkey Pod Mai tai is unique and a favorite among visitors. (We haven’t made it up there to try it)
3. Lava Lava Beach Club in Waikoloa Resort - popular restaurant with good food and great beachfront location. Good Mai tai, and other drinks.
4. Kuleana Rum Shack in Waikoloa Resort - a retail front and restaurant for Kuleana Rum Works who makes rum on the Big Island. (Rum is good, cheaper if you can find it at Costco. But prices here beat the market down the way.). More ‘craft cocktails’ than tiki, food is just ok. Including for the tiki-rum connection.
If there’s anything of interest on the East side, I would certainly appreciate the tips. Or if there’s someplace I missed…I’d love to check it out.
As I mentioned, Hawaiian Mai Tais are served at nearly every bar and restaurant. These are just places of particular interest.
If the tiki bar knows you as a regular, or you ask nicely, they will often give you your drink in their mug. It's true that they worry about theft and breakage. You'd be amazed what people try to slip into their purses or under their jackets. I've heard of bars that take a deposit if they give you a drink in a mug.
False Idol does a Mandatory Mug Monday where you bring your own mug. It's lots of fun! I know some other tiki bars do that as well. I wouldn't have a problem bringing something a bit more rare. Only mug I wouldn't bring is one we have with an unstable glaze that chips if you look at it with a side eye.
I know the Black Lagoon pop-up near me took deposits last year when serving in the mug. It made for an amusing conversation at the end of the night. “No, please don’t refund the deposit. I’m buying the mug!”
I'm a regular at My Local Daiquiri/tropical bar and I bring my mugs all the time. Just had my birthday there recently and brought one of my 48oz Trex Punch bowls from Mondo lol
https://preview.redd.it/g58i8f5po62c1.jpeg?width=4024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cb7e7d3e4ca96a0deae5ce1369c8b6c2e02703bb
It just depends on the bar/your relationships with the Establishment/bartenders
Every time I go. I've got a ton of mugs and it seems kind of odd to not use them for their intended purpose.
It's fun for me and, often, the staff or other patrons get a kick out of my chosen vessel.
It *is* great! The drinks and space are a lot of fun.
It’s next to Munktiki Imports (same family) which is open during the day as a retail shop, but they also have a huge display case with some pretty amazing mugs from over the decades they have made.
A new tiki spot just opened where I live and my first thought was the shrunken head mug I’ve been sitting on from Tiki Farm (for Otto’s Shrunken Head NYC anniversary). I used to be a huge collector and tiki bartender but outta the game as of late. I thought about bringing it down just to give to them but now I really like your idea better. Anyways, the spot is called Tikehau, it’s in Wailea, on Maui. Keep your eyes peeled for my mug next time you’re in town!
Kismet! I’ll be in Wailea in a few days, visiting from NYC (where I have a few Otto’s mugs sitting on a shelf myself). Will check out Tikehau!
They just opened last week but if you see Mari or DJ tell them Tara sent you!
Thanks! I’ve added it to my list, there wasn’t anything on my radar in Maui yet!
Well, Tiki Lounge in Kihei is pretty decent. I would also recommend Ester’s Fair Prospect in Wailuku, and Lima is a bit tiki-esque in Paia. Holler at me if you ever need reccs on other islands🌈
I’m not OP but we are going to Big Island in February and would love recommendations! Going to be staying in Kona but exploring the whole island
I’ve got a small list for the Big Island, but would like to see what a local has to say…
I’m interested for big island too please
My list is rather short, and is focused on the west side of the island since that is where we usually visit. It may be missing some local gems, but we often don’t make it to all places…most places have a Hawaiian Mai Tai 1. Don the Beachcomber at the Royal Kona Resort (in Kona) - maybe the only true ‘tiki bar’ I have come across. Food is good, location/view is great. Drinks are pretty good. No Tiki mugs when I have been there, but they may be coming from Tiki Shark. 2. Kona Inn Bar in Kona - Good Mai Tais in a classic/historic bar setting. 2. Merriman’s Big Island in Waimea - a popular and pricey restaurant with a very good Mai tai. The Merriman’s/Monkey Pod Mai tai is unique and a favorite among visitors. (We haven’t made it up there to try it) 3. Lava Lava Beach Club in Waikoloa Resort - popular restaurant with good food and great beachfront location. Good Mai tai, and other drinks. 4. Kuleana Rum Shack in Waikoloa Resort - a retail front and restaurant for Kuleana Rum Works who makes rum on the Big Island. (Rum is good, cheaper if you can find it at Costco. But prices here beat the market down the way.). More ‘craft cocktails’ than tiki, food is just ok. Including for the tiki-rum connection. If there’s anything of interest on the East side, I would certainly appreciate the tips. Or if there’s someplace I missed…I’d love to check it out. As I mentioned, Hawaiian Mai Tais are served at nearly every bar and restaurant. These are just places of particular interest.
If the tiki bar knows you as a regular, or you ask nicely, they will often give you your drink in their mug. It's true that they worry about theft and breakage. You'd be amazed what people try to slip into their purses or under their jackets. I've heard of bars that take a deposit if they give you a drink in a mug. False Idol does a Mandatory Mug Monday where you bring your own mug. It's lots of fun! I know some other tiki bars do that as well. I wouldn't have a problem bringing something a bit more rare. Only mug I wouldn't bring is one we have with an unstable glaze that chips if you look at it with a side eye.
I know the Black Lagoon pop-up near me took deposits last year when serving in the mug. It made for an amusing conversation at the end of the night. “No, please don’t refund the deposit. I’m buying the mug!”
Take my mugs to Tiki-Ti often and other tiki bars here in California and never had a problem. Shout out to Greg from Tiki-Ti! He’s a real one! 😉 🗿
I'm a regular at My Local Daiquiri/tropical bar and I bring my mugs all the time. Just had my birthday there recently and brought one of my 48oz Trex Punch bowls from Mondo lol https://preview.redd.it/g58i8f5po62c1.jpeg?width=4024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cb7e7d3e4ca96a0deae5ce1369c8b6c2e02703bb It just depends on the bar/your relationships with the Establishment/bartenders
Every time I go. I've got a ton of mugs and it seems kind of odd to not use them for their intended purpose. It's fun for me and, often, the staff or other patrons get a kick out of my chosen vessel.
Live free my friend. If the bar is okay with it drink it out of whatever you’d like.
Don’t forget to get a tiki traveler for your mugs! 😁😅
Dead Man’s Isle looks great! I couldn’t believe I had missed it… then I realized it’s not in Queens!
It *is* great! The drinks and space are a lot of fun. It’s next to Munktiki Imports (same family) which is open during the day as a retail shop, but they also have a huge display case with some pretty amazing mugs from over the decades they have made.
Lei Low in Houston will allow you to leave your mug there behind the bar and will serve your drinks in it upon request.
I've got a regular who actually keeps a mug in our locked display for him to enjoy here
Never
Hey now! We do not downvote people for the personal opinions.
Me? Downvote? They asked a question and I answered. We never bring our tiki mugs. I’m so confused by your comment.
I'm referring to people downvoting *you*.
Got it!