Post #270631 by tiki_kiliki on Tue, Dec 5, 2006 4:10 PM

Jab,

I'm so sorry that I haven't had time to answer your question yet but here's some pretty detailed information. Dates still unknown but I'm working on that.

Here's a picture from a newspaper article of the surfboard bar. You'll see another Leeteg and the pineapple chairs which were used in this particular bar. The surfboard bar was located where the Tonga Room is today - the dining area that is raised to the right as you enter to be seated for dinner. The actual date of removal is unknown but I'm trying to verify with the family, I spoke with Pia earlier but she was unsure. (From the Licudine scrapbook)

And here's another pic of the surfboard bar. Pictured are Mariano (4th from the right)and other staff members. Behind them there was an animated scenery complete with Tikis, huts and dancers - at nightfall stars would appear and the entire wall would be lit as if in the moonlight. Next time you're at the Mai Kai take a long look in Tonga and you can see remnants of the surfboard bar.(From the Licudine scrapbook)

And here's another shot of the garden area just in front of the stage - these are diners from the Gulfstream Derby - you can see the patrons in the surfboard bar just behind them - be sure to take a look at the table and see how much has remained the same - you can also spot the cannibal coasters and Derby Daiquiris about! (from the Mai Kai archives):

The Molokai was added later. I've been told in 1962 but that was not from the family. Here's an ad from the opening! (From the Licudine scrapbook)

And a close up of the text!

Yee-Haw & Aloha,

The World of Tiki Kiliki

[ Edited by: tiki_kiliki 2006-12-05 16:11 ]