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Neon sign of Tonga Hut Palm Springs

Tiki Bars in Palm Springs:

Tonga Hut – The oldest still-operating tiki bar in Los Angeles branched out with this second location boasting interesting cocktails, a full dinner menu and a “secret” tiki room.

Bootlegger Tiki – This tiki bar opened in September 2014 in the building that once housed the Palm Springs location of Don the Beachcomber. It also features a coffee shop called Ernest Coffee Co., named after Don the Beachcomber’s real first name.

The Reef – The latest addition to the Palm Springs tiki scene can be found at the historic Caliente Tropics hotel. The Reef is a “tropical-themed libation sanctuary” from Rory Snyder, the founder of Tiki Caliente and Mod Palm Springs events.

Toucans Tiki Lounge – This tiki-themed gay nightclub is getting a retro makeover.

Tiki Places in Palm Springs:

The Shag Store, Palm Springs – A treasure trove of nearly sold-out prints and merchandise from Josh Agle aka Shag. (Note that the shop changed locations since I wrote about it.)

Caliente Tropics, Palm Springs – This tiki-themed motel opened in 1964 and has had a tumultuous history, going from being a rundown place of somewhat ill repute to hosting the inaugural Tiki Oasis event.

Royal Hawaiian Estates, Palm Springs – During Modernism Week 2013, we toured this 1960s condominium community that merged mid-century modern architecture with a Polynesian theme.

Dazzles, Palm Springs – Tons of rattan furniture and vintage jewelry can be found at this Uptown Design District shop.

Vintage travel trailer with a retro tableau complete with ceramic tikis

Tiki Things at Modernism Week in Palm Springs:

Mid-Century Mermaids: A History – Modernism Week 2012 featured this aquatic-focused presentation, plus a performance from Marina the Fire-Eating Mermaid.

Vintage Airstream Trailer Tours – Be on the lookout for tikis at the vintage airstream trailer tours during Modernism Week.

Welcome Aboard – The Pan Am Experience – Among the airline memorabilia at this Pan Am exhibit there were vintage travel brochures that highlighted the allure of Polynesia.

“Tiki Modern: Style for the Sophisticated Savage” Lecture – “The Book of Tiki” author Sven Kirsten brought along a few tiki artifacts to this talk on the history of tiki.