Post #123367 by tikicleen on Wed, Nov 3, 2004 6:25 PM

maybe we can clear up some of the mysteries regarding the current status of the hanalei in san diego. we had the pleasure of visiting the hanalei (as recommended by polypop and monkeyman) at the end of july this year. we stayed one night, and snapped endless pictures of everything tiki there. we also pulled some info out of one of the long-time waitress' there who let us in on some of the secrets as to where everything went (after the deconstruction). she said that A LOT of things are still in the basement. some artifacts DO come out when they have their luaus. the blowfish lights deteriorated, so those were all thrown out. she described how beautiful it once was...spoke of how the bar we were sitting at was once a huge extension of how 'the islands' is decorated. it was rather sad to hear, while sipping a rum runner out of a new repro bamboo mug (which they sell with the drink) and sitting at a bar stripped of all character.

but anyway, here is a link to all of the pictures we took of anything and everything tiki at the hanalei. i apologize for the dorky photos of me or the drunken hat. we were a bit whiffy, what can i say?
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/share/view?i=EeAt2rly0ZtXsw&open=1&sm=1&sl=1

and yes, i can confirm that the gazebo in the courtyard is all painted (you can see them in our photos) it is covered with thatching now. the yellow tiki from the luau is still there in the courtyard, on top of the little waterfall.

as for the islands, it is still very worthwhile to explore. the main waterfall at the entry NO LONGER connects with the streams in the restaurant, though.

while exploring in the courtyard, i did find this tiki. it was completely covered by plants, and was not visible AT ALL. i plowed my way through the landscaping (i think a caretaker was there too while i was doing this, he sure gave me the evil eye). i thought this was the best one.