Post #371977 by bigbrotiki on Sun, Apr 6, 2008 12:10 PM

On 2008-04-06 10:13, thetimetraveler wrote:
Greetings! I'm taking a much-needed getaway back in time, preferably the 1950s, by myself Mon-tues
and want to hit all or many of the great retro spots in CA, tiki
clubs as well as any old relics from the past still with us...

My first reaction was a bitter "Good Luck!" But when I saw you mention El Monte, I thought of a classic Tiki tour that still yields some original vintage Tiki places. Most of them are apartment buildings, but you will also have one classic Polynesian restaurant to find sustenance at. AND the most amazing original Tiki store in the country.

I would start on top at the 210 Freeway at the Rosemead Exit, and go all the way South on Rosemead Blvd past South El Monte down to El Monte/Pico Rivera. You will find:

The Outrigger Apartments. Street number is missing here, look for a nice wide A-frame on the left side of Rosemead Blvd.:
http://www.tikicentral.com/viewtopic.php?topic=5862&forum=2

Then the Kona Kai Apts, marvel at all the different Tiki posts and its A-frame/waterfall/Island mosaic entrance:
http://www.tikicentral.com/viewtopic.php?topic=27645&forum=2

Then have lunch at Bahooka (recommended: Ribs and yams):
http://www.tikicentral.com/viewtopic.php?topic=5021&forum=2

Then check out the big Tiki still outside of the Kahlua Apts:
http://www.tikicentral.com/viewtopic.php?topic=9874&forum=2
(ooops, all info removed by some nice person who left and took it all with him...BUT you have the Critiki link there to find it)

and then, quite a bit further South, the three apartment buildings Kapu Kai/Samoa/Aloha Arms (now called Paradise Island):
http://www.tikicentral.com/viewtopic.php?topic=12909&forum=2

And if you REALLY want to top off your expedition, and shop for some classic Tiki, jump East over to Whittier to Oceanic Arts, that will make it all come together for you:
http://www.tikicentral.com/viewtopic.php?topic=7252&forum=2

I took the time to assemble this tour, because I know the information amount on TC and Critiki is a little overwhelming, and you sound like your heart is in the right place. Let us know what you find!