Post #249788 by Swamp Tiki on Sat, Aug 19, 2006 6:04 AM

Wow!

While hanging around Chicago I drove over to the old Kona Kai. Should have just walked in but chose to keep everything on the up and up so checked in with front the desk. Needed pictures for an architectural paper I'm writing for UGA. Hotel management seems very uneasy about publicity and is not sure how much longer the decor will be in place (perhaps 2 years). I assured them that my work is strictly academic in nature and nobody would probably read it anyway. I recieved mixed reactions from my guide who watched me the whole time I was there until I exited the hotel. Doom looks to be hovering on the horizon. I suggested that the pedelum swings in two directions and that the popularity of places like this is on the rise. All they need is to be run by someone with vision and backed by a kick-ass marketing strategy. While there, the hotel was setting up for a wedding party. There is still interest by the local folks, but most around there do not not think it would pay for itself again as a restaurant.

I was marveled at the stream that flows through the place(they are taking care of it). The waterfall was nice and the peacock, strangly tasteful. The dining areas are also in good shape, some of the booths are showing wear. The indirect lighting was great. The bar area looks good and is stocked with new mugs (display only). The carvings seen throughout the place were great (museum-like), including the wooden beams overhead as you walk thorugh the entryway. Man, this was probably a great place to dine back in the day. The bamboo work is astounding, especially in the center of the restaurant. Bamboo Ben would love it. I was looking at the pictures I took and found that the majority came out (no blurries). The major faults I had was with the typical (mauve) hotel chairs around the tables. Surely this place at one time had more appropriate seating. Next was its new name...The Nikko Room. Whats with that? What does Nikko have to do with Polynesia and Tiki? I could not get a straight answer. Oh well...I would have posted a few pictures with this thread but cannot upload them until I get home.
Anyway....the bottom line is that locals who might be interested in the hotel keeping this attraction need to show interest by contacting the hotel or renting the space regularly and state the reason they are doing so. If the hotel removes it then they (managment) should know the potential revenue that will be lost. Also, the National Register of Historic Places makes exceptions when designating unique places (interiors) that fall beneath their 50 year requirement. This place is truely unique and worthy of preservation.....remember the Kahiki? It made the list until removed by a big money deal (demolished, dammit..).

I really enjoyed looking the place over and am very happy with the documentation work completed for my records anyway. Go by and check it out. Its easy to find, just avoid going through the proper channels if you want unlimited time to absorbe it all. Just remember, look but don't touch.

Going to Hala Kahiki tonight for Volcano Bowls with friends.

Hang Loose, everybody! See you at Hukilau.

Swamp

[ Edited by: Swamp Tiki 2006-08-19 06:05 ]