Post #325547 by WooHooWahine on Tue, Aug 14, 2007 8:50 AM

From Palika of The Smokin Menehunes:

Aloha Tikicentralites,

This is Palika, ukulele player for the Smokin Menehunes. There has been much discussion on this thread about what constitutes a classic tiki/Polynesian restaurant and bar.

Believe me, I love the classic tiki establishments having played many of them along Waikiki when I was regularly gigging in my youth on Oahu. I’m from Kaneohe, home of Honey’s, while not necessarily “tiki” it was the birth place of Waikiki’s premier performer Don Ho.

We must remember that not long ago Sam’s was closed and all bemoaned another nail in the coffin of tiki establishments. Demi, the general manager of Sam’s has worked tirelessly to open a place that has the feel of the classic tiki bar as well as the appeal to market to customers across the spectrum. She has transformed many fine tiki establishments in Southern California such as the Ma’kai in Santa Monica.

If we remember correctly, the old Sam’s left something to be desired in the way of tropical drinks and food to say the least. Demi and her crew have done an outstanding job bringing ono grind to the new Sam’s, and the Tuesday mai tais are discounted only

in price, not taste !!

Concerning hip hop, here are my thoughts on the matter: Hawaiian music has always been an amalgam of musical trends drifting over from the mainland and Europe since the arrival of Captain Cook to the Islands. Now I’m not saying the next Hawaiian musical trend is Snoop Doggie Dog meets Don Ho, but that wouldn’t exactly be out of character for Hawaiian music. After all, Hawaii is known as the melting pot of the Pacific.

Anyways, let’s enjoy the fact that we have an updated classic tiki restaurant and bar nearby, and let Demi continue to conduct the business end of Sam’s as we enjoy a Mai Tai and some great food (one of my personal favorites is the Spam macaroni and cheese!).

Mahalo and a hui hou (until we meet again),

Palika

Ps: The Smokin' Menehunes will be there Thursday, August 16th. I will be there tonight

strumin' my ukulele.