Post #361527 by The Mayor Of Exotica on Sat, Feb 16, 2008 10:30 AM

I think Tiki, just like any other subculture, lives wherever it is manifested. Places like the Mai Kai are its hallowed shrines. Events like the Hukilau are celebrations of its greatness, where spirits are nourished and knowledge and appreciation are shared. There is a pyramid, with the vast unwashed masses at the bottom, who decide to buy up a bunch of tiki crap at target for a luau weekend somewhere where no one knows crap about tiki. They probably drink margaritas and listen to Jimmy Buffet and have a good time.

Somewhere above that is they individual who gets the spark. Maybe they saw Tiki Bar TV after that weekend luau. They get that there is more to it than what decorated the luau. They read a book, or find references in TV shows or movies, and start to put the whole picture together.

Still further up the pyramid is the person who lays out money for shirts, carvings, one or two at a time, starts to find the music, maybe a couple of websites, including this one. Eventually, they may spring for an event nearby, Oasis, HHRH, Hukilau, London Luau, to name some of the more high-profile gatherings.

Near the top of the pyramid are the people in this discussion, for whom the respect and preservation is all-important.

The pyramid can't remain stable without any of it's layers, and for the top to grow, the bottom has to grow exponentially.

I would posit that both Target and Tommy Bahama are important, but nowhere near true to Tiki's essence.