The road to tiki is a hero's journey in search of a lost culture. A culture whose heyday has long since peaked, but shows signs of making a comeback. On this long meandering road you can still find a few lonely restaurants and bars of yore, like the Royal Hawaiian in Laguna Beack, CA, the Mai KAi in Florida, and Trader Vics in London England. But it's more likely you will find the tattered ruins, or a strip mall squatting where a bastion of tiki once stood. You will also stumble upon wonderous new gems of tiki, like Halé Tiki in Augusta GA, and the Tabou Tiki Room in Munich, Germany.This road to tiki is fraught with many perils, like signs that entice you with "Tiki bar in back", but offer only a bamboo bar with no tikis, and certainly no drinks that remotely resemble a Mai Tai, or a Suffering Bastard.Thus begins a chronicle, however lame, of one man's journey into tiki. When possible I will post pics and vids of my times in these enchanted relics of better times. This is by no means a comprehensive compilation of tiki establishments, for that, check out sites like konakai.com and critiki.com.Be brave intrepid explorer, and live like you really mean it. Mahalo!

The Royal Hawaiian - Laguna Beach, CA (no pics available)The Royal Hawaiian, a 40-year-old landmark in Laguna Beach. This popular watering hole is said to be haunted by the ghost of a past waitress who opted to hang a bit longer before going towards the light. The bar's signature concoction, the Lapu-Lapu, (they won't divuldge their secret formula).For about $8, it's the equivilent of four to five drinks in one. Luckily the Royal Hawaiian is a short walk, practically next door, to the Inn At Laguna.

Hale Tiki - Augusta, GA. If you ever find yourself in the vicinity of Augusta, Georgia, and if you desire an escape from urban reality, Hale Tiki is a must visit. The moment you step through the door your spirit will be wisked away by an atmosphere of Tiki that will leave a long impression. The place is impeccably decorated tapa, bamboo, carvings and artwork are first class, many donated by the members of Tiki Central. Someone smack me for not bringing a camera. However I did manage to shoot a worthwhile video of Hale tiki's bartender, Mel, serving up a Hurricane ( click below if you have Flash). Which brings us to drinks. The drink menu features 22 tropical drinks including an awesome Mai Tai, Suffering Bastard, Pain Killer, of course the Zombie, and their signature drink, the Concubine (served in the exclusive Hale Tiki mug (pictured). The staff is friendly and the room is smoke free. All that's wanting is food, which I understand will be offered in the future.

Hale Tiki closed its doors for good in February '06. Unless some intrepid soul buys it outright
and saves the day. C'mon, you know you want to!

Trader Vic's - Atlanta, GAI stayed at the Atlanta Hilton on a Sunday night looking forward to Dining/Drinking at Trader Vic's. They were closed, and Paris was nowhere to be found. Note to self: Call ahead.

Trader Vic's - LondonTrader Vic's decor certainly lived up to its reputation as a tiki mecca. Tthere is not one untikified inch in the place, and the music was appropriately exotica. You would expect that in such an environment that the good times would roll. Unfortunately not the case as the bar itself is unapproachable with its line of waitresses guarding the perimeter, and patrons are quickly escorted to tables leaving TV's, London 90% restaurant scene 10% club scene. Cigars are sold on premises, and smoke is thick enough to make you want to order a Fog Cutter. We decided not to eat there because of it, leaving us with nothing to do but drink and talk amongst ourselves. The drinks are tasty, expensive, and go down surprisinglt fast leaving you with an unsatisfying glass full of crushed ice. The hostess, a California girl, from whom I bought my souvenir ashtray was very plaeasant and deserves a raise. I don't smoke, but the mug was pricey especially when considering the conversion of pounds over dollars. Trader Vic's, London is certainly worth a visit, but bring your own party.