Post #384897 by Tangaroa-Ru on Thu, Jun 5, 2008 2:08 PM

Aloha to all of you heading to The Hukilau! I arrived in Ft. Lauderdale early and have been scouting out the territory here for the past few days, so I have some info for those of you flying in. First of all: It's really hot and really humid here right now. (Yes, I know. Let's all put on our "big surprise faces" for that bit of stellar news.) But this weather makes for very sultry nights, which is lovely. So, pack accordingly. I'd still suggest bringing some kind of light jacket or shawl to keep the air conditioning from chilling you at times. And definitely some kind of lightweight cover-up so you don't fry your skin out by the pool or beach. Also, we've been having some scattered thunderstorms here, so pack a travel umbrella just in case.

The Mai Kai is still as wonderful as ever (although it does look like there's some repair work needed by the main entrance overhang), and there are souvenir posters, calendars, key chains, pens, T-shirts and mugs for sale in their gift shop right now. I'm going back tonight to do some photography, and if I see anything else especially noteworthy, I'll let you know.

Although I know we will all spend most of our time at Hukilau happenings, should you find yourself needing to explore... About an hour north of here (in Hobe Sound, Florida -- which is just above Jupiter, FL), there is a Hawaiiana/tropical shop called Algozzini (772-546-5373). They have a decent selection of Hawaiian clothes and really good prices on pufferfish (!), seashells and all kinds of fun stuff like that. You might find it worth the trip up there to check it out.

There is a GIGANTIC daily swap meet in Ft. Lauderdale called "The Swap Shop". It's located at 3291 W. Sunrise Blvd. If you forgot to pack ANYTHING, believe me, they'll have it... at really cheap prices. All new stuff, a lot of knock-offs, plus tropical fruit and flower vendors and a campy kiddy amusement park (that part is open on the weekends). It's situated on a multi-screen DRIVE-IN movie theater lot, so that's kind of unique, since there aren't a lot of those left in the country. (Well, not in Los Angeles, where I'm from...)

It's considered the "off" season right now in Florida, which means that a lot of restaurants and other businesses will be REALLY happy to see you. I've encountered many drink and dining specials, particularly in Miami Beach, which is a very worthy mini-excursion. Ocean Drive (the Art Deco district) is lined with good restaurants and it makes a fun stroll, especially to check out the gorgeous vintage hotels. There is one especially party-atmosphere restaurant/club down there called "Mango's" -- if you're in a "Hey, how did my clothes come off?" Vegas-type mood. Also, there's a great pedestrian mall within walking distance of the Art Deco district, on Lincoln Street, which has nonstop good shopping, dining and people-watching. I highly recommend Sushi Samba (for interesting Latin/Japanese fusion food) and Icebox for killer desserts.

More to come as I discover it. Looking forward to seeing all of you! -- Kari