Looking for the right hotel in Hawaii
May 26, 2011 9:01 AM Subscribe
What's the best hotel in Hawaii for someone who loves old-school tiki bars?
I love old-school tiki -- Trader Vic's, the Tonga Room, the Enchanted Tiki Room. I love Martin Denny and Les Baxter. I was thinking of going to Hawaii, but I'm concerned that most of the hotels and resorts I've looked at look, well, quite modern and not very atmospheric (other than the gorgeous views of nature). I'm not looking for a spa, or luxury accomodations. Where's the best place to stay, on any island, for the dark, atmospheric, tiki-infused experience?
I love old-school tiki -- Trader Vic's, the Tonga Room, the Enchanted Tiki Room. I love Martin Denny and Les Baxter. I was thinking of going to Hawaii, but I'm concerned that most of the hotels and resorts I've looked at look, well, quite modern and not very atmospheric (other than the gorgeous views of nature). I'm not looking for a spa, or luxury accomodations. Where's the best place to stay, on any island, for the dark, atmospheric, tiki-infused experience?
And you'll want to check out this place, La Mariana Tiki Bar
posted by TWinbrook8 at 9:14 AM on May 26, 2011
posted by TWinbrook8 at 9:14 AM on May 26, 2011
Definitely go to La Mariana, it's fantastic. Well, the decor is fantastic-- the food & drinks were not particularly wonderful when I was there (about 8 years ago), but the place itself is excellent. It's a little tricky to get to the first time, as it really is the bar of a sailing club, so it's on a small marina. I'm reasonably certain I stayed at the Royal Grove when I visited, and it was perfectly acceptable & walking distance to a lot of things.
There aren't a ton of currently-operational tiki places in Hawaii, sadly. Tiki Central lists a lot of defunct places (including hotels), but not much that's open. The Crouching Lion Inn (which is a restaurant), Ala Moana Shopping Center is still operating, and the Bamboo Restaurant in Kapaau seems to be open. Tiki's Grill & Bar is also open, but it's probably not the kind of tiki you're looking for-- too bright, too clean, too goofy. I'm not familiar with the Okolemaluna Tiki Lounge in Kailua-Kona, but I understand that they've got some custom mugs made by a fairly prominent modern tiki artist, so that's a point in their favor.
posted by Kpele at 9:45 AM on May 26, 2011
There aren't a ton of currently-operational tiki places in Hawaii, sadly. Tiki Central lists a lot of defunct places (including hotels), but not much that's open. The Crouching Lion Inn (which is a restaurant), Ala Moana Shopping Center is still operating, and the Bamboo Restaurant in Kapaau seems to be open. Tiki's Grill & Bar is also open, but it's probably not the kind of tiki you're looking for-- too bright, too clean, too goofy. I'm not familiar with the Okolemaluna Tiki Lounge in Kailua-Kona, but I understand that they've got some custom mugs made by a fairly prominent modern tiki artist, so that's a point in their favor.
posted by Kpele at 9:45 AM on May 26, 2011
Ssssshhhhhhh! Don't let the secret out about the Royal Grove!
Although it's true, as is La Mariana.
posted by chez shoes at 10:02 AM on May 26, 2011
Although it's true, as is La Mariana.
posted by chez shoes at 10:02 AM on May 26, 2011
Ala Moana is still open but has been renovated a lot and is probably not what you are looking for.
posted by oneear at 10:09 AM on May 26, 2011
posted by oneear at 10:09 AM on May 26, 2011
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posted by TWinbrook8 at 9:07 AM on May 26, 2011 [1 favorite]