4/30/25 - Pre Party

Day one of Tiki Caliente erupted like a volcano at the swanky Reef bar, where the suave Rory Snyder hosted a private party that had the tiki gods smiling. Fresh off a long journey from Charlotte, NC, I was scooped up from the airport by the legendary Mark Riddle (Marty Lush) and Darren Long of The Tiki Delights, their aloha vibes already setting the mood. After that trek, a Mai Tai—beautifully garnished, naturally—was the tropical elixir I craved to wash away the travel dust.

With my fruity potion in hand, I swayed into a jungle of tiki royalty, the air thick with the scent of orchids and rum. Rory, radiating pure tiki charisma, ushered me to the one and only Otto von Stroheim, the tiki titan behind Tiki Oasis, whose stories were as rich as a 1934 Zombie. As the stars twinkled above, around 10 PM, Kane Manakoora, our steel guitar witch doctor for the Midday Mai Tais show, drifted in like a warm trade wind. We toasted to the night with more tiki concoctions, each sip a splash of Polynesian magic. Finally, we made our way through the palms lined streets of Palm Springs to the V Palm Springs hotel, anticipating dreams of hula girls and the tiki triumphs awaiting at Tiki Caliente!

Tiki Caliente Day 2: A Tiki-Filled Adventure in Palm Springs

Aloha, tiki enthusiasts! Day 2 of Tiki Caliente was packed with tropical vibes, but we carved out time to explore the tiki treasures of Palm Springs beyond the festival schedule. Here’s a rundown of our escapades, from tiki bars to secret rooms and a deli detour that’s become a must-visit.

First Stop: Bootlegger Tiki

We kicked off the day at Bootlegger Tiki, housed in the historic Don The Beachcomber space. With a 3:15 P.M. reservation—highly recommended due to its cozy size—we were ready to sip in style. The bar is intimate, with minimal tiki decor that leans more modern than Polynesian pop. The cocktails? Solid but pricey, though by now, I’m used to California’s wallet-lightening ways. While the drinks hit the spot, Bootlegger Tiki felt a tad underwhelming. It’s not a spot I’d rush back to or urge others to prioritize on their tiki trail.

Strolling Palm Canyon Drive

Next, we took a leisurely walk down Palm Canyon Drive, soaking in the desert charm. We passed The Shag Store, a retro art haven, and followed the walk of stars embedded in the sidewalk. Our mission? To conquer The Tonga Hut, a tiki legend in Palm Springs.

The Tonga Hut: A Tiki Triumph

After climbing a staircase that could challenge even the most seasoned tiki adventurer (note to self: a cushioned landing for over-served patrons wouldn’t hurt!), we arrived at The Tonga Hut. This spacious oasis nails the tiki aesthetic without going overboard—think tropical charm with just the right amount of kitsch. They serve food, too, but we held off for a later feast. Our host, Murph (aka Kevin Murphy), welcomed us warmly and let us pick our table. I went straight for a classic Mai Tai, and it was pure perfection—balanced, refreshing, and everything a Mai Tai should be.

Before we left, Murph tipped us off about the secret room. I’d peeked at it before, but my crew hadn’t, so he ushered us through a vintage telephone booth into a hidden gem packed with tiki artifacts. To our delight, we ran into a group of Tiki Caliente friends from the previous day, making the moment even more memorable. The Tonga Hut is a must-visit for any tiki lover—mark it on your map!

Lunch at Sherman’s Deli

Hunger called, so we headed to Sherman’s Deli, a Palm Springs staple that never disappoints. I’d raved about it from a previous trip, and it lived up to the hype. The portions are the stuff of legend—my turkey club was stacked so high with fresh turkey that I could barely take a bite. If you’re in town, Sherman’s is a non-negotiable stop for a hearty, satisfying meal.

Back to Tiki Caliente

Refueled, we returned to Tiki Caliente for an evening of tropical tunes and cocktails. The night featured Tikitronics, followed by a killer performance at The Reef by Jason Lee and Mark Riddle of Dark Entities. Their spooky, surf-tinged vibes were a highlight—keep an eye out for their new record on House of Taboo Records!

Wrapping Up

Day 2 was a whirlwind of tiki bars, secret rooms, massive sandwiches, and live music. Exhausted but elated, we crashed hard, ready to dive back into the tiki madness tomorrow. Stay tuned for more adventures from Tiki Caliente, and mahalo for joining us on this tropical journey!

Tikitronics

Dark Entities

Cobra Fang - Bootlegger's Tiki

Tonga Hut

Mai Tai - Tonga Hut

Sherman's Deli

Tiki Caliente Day 3: A Vibrant Finale

My final day at Tiki Caliente kicked off with the usual ritual: a steaming cup of coffee at Koffi. Refueled, I headed back to the heart of the event to rendezvous with my tiki tribe and dive into the day's festivities. The cocktails started flowing early, setting the tone for a lively morning.

The infamous "Porn in the Morn" room party launched at 10 A.M., and it was a spectacle. Picture this: fake '70s mustaches, cheeky porn-themed name tags, a DJ spinning retro vibes, blow-up dolls lounging on the bed, and a surprisingly classy continental breakfast buffet. It was equal parts quirky and unforgettable.

Next, I wandered through the bustling marketplace, camera in hand, capturing the vibrant scene. The stalls overflowed with treasures—towering tiki statues, vintage aloha shirts, intricate tiki jewelry, and retro art. If only my suitcase had room for a carved wooden idol! At the Midday Mai Tais merch table, the Mai Tai bar was in full swing, and most of my crew had gathered, ready for the day's adventures.

The music kicked off with Slack Key Ohana, whose soothing Hawaiian melodies set a perfect island vibe. The day also featured two poolside struts: one by the Terrific Terrycloth group and another by The Aloha Caftan Society. These colorful parades were a hoot, though I’ll leave the terrycloth ensembles to the die-hard tiki fashionistas. The Hilo Hi-Flyers kept the Hawaiian spirit alive with their set, adding to the day’s stellar music lineup.

Lunch called, and Sancho’s Mexican Cantina delivered with generous portions and bold flavors—a perfect midday recharge. The highlight of the day, though, was catching my pal Marty Lush and his Mombo Combo band. Their infectious Latin rhythms had the crowd moving, and they absolutely brought the house down.

As evening fell, Jason Hanna & the Swinging Bananas took the main stage. Don’t let the playful name fool you—this jazz ensemble was seriously impressive, delivering a performance that capped the day perfectly.

Sadly, Sunday would mark the end of Tiki Caliente for me, but with a mid-afternoon flight back to North Carolina, I had to bid aloha to my first official tiki event. The Midday Mai Tai Project, a one-time gig, was a blast, but who knows if we’ll jam again. Keep an eye out for me with The Aqualads or maybe even Mr. Moai & The Tikiheads. The tiki spirit lives on, and I’ll be back for more tropical adventures—stay tuned!

Slack Key Ohana