Post #266064 by Psycho Tiki D on Sat, Nov 11, 2006 7:28 PM

My third "Tiki Road Trip" was in August, the week before Tiki Oasis (I did not know about this until after my trip was booked). Even though I was staying at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in the marina district due to business the week before, I was able to spend the next week exploring some of the well known Tiki establishments I remembered from my youth and re-discovered in my adult years.

I was able to make a concerted effort to visit all of the highlights I wanted to see. I even picked up an Outrigger Pineapple Mug at an obscure antique shop close to my hotel!!

The most impressive of all (Mr. Tiki, Bali Hai, Humphreys, Trader Morts and Hanalei) was the Hanalei (Bali Hai a so very close second). After a rather long cab ride from the marina, I sat at the bar and enjoyed several Mai Tais before having dinner in the Islands. The drinks were great, the food was excellent and the post-dinner walk through the remaining areas I had not yet explored were pleasurable.

I was very impressed this establishment survived through all the years of change and adopted past business's lost treasures. I remember growing up in LA as a kid visiting my great aunt and uncle in Oceanside, we always went to San Diego and we either went to the Hanalei or Bali Hai for lunch or dinner on these excursions.

I am surprised that in light of the re-newed interest in Tiki and Polynesian culture, this is direction the management decided to go. Then again, the same masterminds in thought closed the only good Hawaiian establishment in Sacramento in favor of Italian food.

Anyway, I have old and recent memories of a wonderful place in my heart and mind and hopefully it won't change too drastically.

The Hanalei, even though it may be changed, will not die, because of TCers like us all.

Long live the Hanalei!!

Psycho Tiki D (I know I am but what are you)?