2013: The Year of Tiki

We have dubbed 2013, the year of tiki. There is just so much tiki fun that will be taking place next year and we are so ready for it! We can't believe how long it's been since we've visited some of our favorite tiki establishments and how many new places have opened in the past year and a half.

To kick it all off, we will first be visiting Tacoma Cabana this holiday weekend. Yes, we know it's still 2012, but since we will be passing through Tacoma this weekend, why not start the year of tiki a little early? Plus, we will need to eat something and quench our thirst along the way. It'll help make the drive back home a whole lot easier.

Where else will we be going? So glad you asked! First we will be heading to Las Vegas for a work conference. Might as well have a little fun while we are there! Don't you agree?

We'll first be heading to Frankie's Tiki Room for a little tiki fun. We've been to Frankie's a few times in the past, but it's been about 3 years since our last visit. We are looking forward to hanging out, having some of their amazing drinks, introducing the place to friends who will be in Vegas with us and picking up a new mug or two. Maybe even 3. It has been a while since we've been there.

After our business trip in Vegas, we will pop over to Los Angeles for a few days to take in some sunshine, spend time with other friends and more tiki. It's also been a few years since we've been in LA and can't wait to visit all of our favorite places there from Tiki Ti (where we got engaged) to Damons to Tonga Hut to Don the Beachcomber to Bahooka. We will even be making a trip to Oceanic Arts to pick up a few supplies for our home tiki bar.

As mush as we LOVE all of those places and can't wait to visit them, there is one place we are even more excited about. We will finally be making it to Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar at Disneyland. That visit includes spending a day at Disneyland, visiting the Enchanted Tiki Room and eating DOLE WHIP! While we are at it, we figured we'd give Tangaroa Terrace a try, as well. 

Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar
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Unfortunately, the next few places only Kimmy will be going to. Sorry, Drew! Columbus, Ohio is the next destination for another business trip. A new tiki bar, Grass Skirt just opened up there. It'll be a nice way to break up the work summit that has to be attended while there. Not to mention, there's some great Mid-Century Modern to check out.

On the way back from Ohio, the plane makes a layover in Chicago. Might as well stretch that layover out for a few days, visit some friends and hit up some tiki in the area. Hale Kahiki, Tiki Terrace and Chef Shangri-la will all be hit. A walking tour of many Frank Lloyd Wright works will be taken, as well. Being a lover of both tiki and Mid-Century Modern, we always seek out as much as possible of both in the places we visit. Even if it's just one of us going there.

Lastly, we will be heading back to Hawaii to finally go on our honeymoon. No, our time on Maui was not for our honeymoon. That was for our wedding. We have to go somewhere else for our honeymoon, silly.

We will be staying on Oahu for a few days for surfing, outrigger rides, the Dole Plantation for DOLE WHIP sundaes, a visit to the North Shore and of course, more tiki. La Maiana Sailing Club and Tiki's Grill will both be visited. After we will be heading to Kauai for a week. Most of our time there will be spent kicking back, hiking, snorkeling and enjoying the beauty of Kauai. And you got it, more tiki when we hit Todd Rundgrean's new tiki bar opening next year and Tahiti Nui.

We love how different all of these tiki establishments are. From their locations to what they serve to their decor. Each will be a unique experience to add to our tiki travels. We look forward to each of these adventures and sharing them with you upon our returns.

Do you have any plans coming up to visit any tiki you haven't been to before?