NWTikiUnderground

   A fun weekend of Tiki and Pop Culture, surf, lounge music, exotica and exploration in Tacoma, WA, near Seattle and a two-hour drive from Portland.  Friday Friday, May 26th Lushy reprises their album "Lushy, Allure of the Reef" 7-9pm at the Java Jive. TICKETS:   Lushy Live at the Java Jive. ***After Party 9pm-midngiht*** Devils Reef (Upstairs) Saturday Saturday, daytime, choose from several activities including visiting candy stores, antique shops, theme restaurants, miniature golf and bowling.   Click HERE for visits and tour ideas.  Some ideas include meeting at noon for lunch at Little Jerry's Seinfeld Restaurant, shopping at the Punk Rock Flea Market and getting candy at Brown & Haley's !  **Saturday Pre-Func:  Old Hangout Tiki Bar 5-8pm at the Elks!** Saturday night is Hula-Billy at the Elks Shrine in the Spanish Ballroom with local Super Stars Billy Joe and the Dusty 45's, The Boss Martians, Angela Tini, The Delstroyers,...

Many folks from Hawaii have relocated to the Seattle area and miss the sights, sounds and tastes of home. Luckily, they don't have to go far to find some well-loved items that remind them of the lands they left behind. The Hawaiian General Store located in Wallingford, has a wonderful array of Hawaii snacks and chocolate macadamia candies, leis, poi, Punalu'u bread, Hawaiian Sun guava jelly, and soda crackers. They also have lots of fun and cute party items and favors, Hawaiian jewelry, CDs, and Aloha shirts and Mu'umu'u. Da best place to shop for everything Hawaii  

Art of the Aloha Shirt: Keoni of Hawaii, 1938–1951 July 1 – September 11, 2022 A traveling exhibition from Exhibits USA.   Explore the history, artistry, and production of Hawaii’s enduring fashion statement, the Aloha shirt. This exhibition of 60 objects, including original textile artwork, production sketches and swatches, advertisements, and vintage shirts, tells the story of an early innovator, John “Keoni” Meigs, in an industry that has left an indelible mark on fashion in the United States and the world. Although many claim authorship, the exact origin of the Aloha Shirt remains uncertain.  The patterns of Polynesian tapa cloth, the colorful and bold floral designs of Tahitian pareau, and the sheer Japanese fabric used for making kimonos are often cited as some of the early stylistic influences of the shirt. Sometime in the late 1920s to the early 1930s, when Hawaii’s economy began to shift from an agricultural to a service-oriented economy and tourists started f...

William Westenhaver, known for his wood carvings and his company Witco, is highly regarded in the tiki community for his unique and sought-after tiki art carvings. While hunting for his wood carvings may be hit-and-miss in some parts of the country, it is relatively easy to find them in cities and towns around Seattle, as Westenhaver lived on Whidbey Island and worked in Mt. Vernon and Witco mass produced thousands of pieces of furniture and tiki art carvings. The popularity of Westenhaver's tiki carvings in the tiki community has made them well-loved and highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. His distinctive style, which often features bold and intricate wood carvings depicting Polynesian and tropical motifs, has become iconic in the world of tiki art. Whether it's large-scale furniture pieces or smaller art carvings, Westenhaver's work is known for its craftsmanship, attention to detail, and unique designs. Collectors and fans of tiki art often keep an ey...

  In Seattle, many Chinese restaurants have a tiki theme and many tiki restaurants served Chinese food and there is a historical connection between tiki culture and Chinese restaurants in Seattle.  The origins of this connection can be traced back to the mid-20th century when tiki culture was popularized in the United States. Tiki culture, which emerged in the 1930s, was a romanticized and idealized depiction of Polynesian culture, often characterized by its exotic and tropical ambiance, Polynesian-inspired cocktails, and kitschy decor.   In the post-World War II era, there was an increased interest in Polynesian culture, and tiki-themed restaurants and bars began to spring up across the United States. These establishments offered an escape from everyday life and were often associated with a sense of adventure and exploration. At the same time, Chinese restaurants were also gaining popularity in the United States, with many Chinese immigrants opening restaurants ...

 One of Seattle's premiere tiki bars and restaurants was called The Polynesian.  It was located on Pier 66, overlooking Elliott Bay, and was known for its unique Polynesian-inspired atmosphere, complete with tiki torches, thatched roofs, and bamboo accents. The restaurant was adorned with Polynesian artifacts, such as masks, carvings, and colorful murals, creating an immersive island vibe for diners. The menu at The Polynesian featured a variety of tropical cocktails, including classic tiki drinks like Mai Tais, Piña Coladas, and Zombie cocktails, all served in festive tiki mugs. The food offerings included Polynesian-inspired dishes such as coconut shrimp, pineapple fried rice, and teriyaki chicken, as well as seafood options like fresh fish and crab. In addition to the dining area, The Polynesian also had a lively bar area with live music and entertainment, including hula dancers and ukulele players, adding to the festive atmosphere of the restaurant. The outdoor patio provi...