Have you ever wanted to escape it all in the cozy comfort of your own home? Do you sometimes feel an inordinate enthusiasm for everything Tiki and Pop Polynesian? Have you been accused of collecting way too many Tiki mugs? Do you find yourself longing for fruity and strong drinks adorned with swizzle sticks and cocktail umbrellas? Did someone catch you buying another aloha shirt or obscure bottle of rum?
Join author and photographer TIKI TOM-TOM on an immersive road trip as he crosses the continental United States to visit 75 home Tiki bars, sharing tales of the slightly obsessed and always fun Polynesiacs who have been inspired to create their own tropical escapes. Step inside these elaborate environments, lovingly created in private homes, gardens, trailers, and boat houses across the country, from New York to California and Washington to Florida.
POLYNESIACS: TIKI AT HOME isn’t a how-to book. Similar to the ancient voyaging mariners who used star charts, winds, and currents to guide their way, this book offers sixteen Navigation Points to help map your journey, inspire you to harness your unique obsessions, and learn from the wisdom and humor of the Polynesiacs who’ve traveled before you as you plan, build, or enhance your home Tiki space.
Po·ly·ne·si·ac | ˌpä-lə-ˈnē-zē-ˌak
1: a passionate, welcoming, and fun-loving person characterized by an inordinate or ungovernable enthusiasm for Tiki.
2: a neologism for a person who loves Polynesian Pop culture.
“She needs a Black Magic,” Mirielle offered. When Christie walked into the Mai-Kai for her first visit, Kern, Pia, and Mireille, like diplomatic ambassadors, greeted her at the door. Christie was starting to get overwhelmed with tears of joy when Kern asked, “What would you like to drink?” Before Christie could answer, Mireille suggested one…
Cajuns revel in lagniappe. It roughly translates to a little something extra. So when I returned to N’awlins, it should have been no surprise that one simple invitation turned into something much more. Vico heard I was coming to town and invited me to visit his home bar. Since Vico is the godfather of the…
Sara and Brian found the perfect Crab Rangoon. Then, they lost it. For those that might not know, Crab Rangoon is classic Tiki. Although many might erroneously think the appetizer could be traced to traditional Chinese cooking, it’s not. Crab Rangoon was birthed in a tiki bar. You won’t find cream cheese in Chinese (or…
“Need a light?” The visitor’s question made Doug blush, but he answered it anyway. “No, thanks. I have around 100 lights already, in a variety of shapes and sizes. You should check them out.” Doug was feeling brazen. He suspected this might be the first of several sexually-charged and possibly inappropriate tiki questions from the…
An hour into our conversation, Andy grinned and said, “I love to tell stories.” Andy is talented at storytelling. He has cultivated the lost art of heartfelt conversation. Hawaiians have a unique phrase for this gift. They call it “talk story.” On the islands, when you “talk story,” you are generous with the time it…
Tiki bars are for grown-ups, right? Not so. Captain Lou’s Shipwreck Lagoon, located near the ports of Mystic, Connecticut, is a harbor for kids and grown-ups. When Lou and his family want to spend time together, they break out a fun collection of Tiki-inspired board games. Some games are new; some are decades old. A…
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