Post #387596 by ikitnrev on Tue, Jun 17, 2008 12:23 PM

This Hukilau was a good one - I felt a sense of camaraderie and good spirit throughout the weekend. The Friday night event at the Cabana turned out well, and it was nice to hear the Tikiyaki Orchestra perform besides the pool.

The art show was amazing -- the perfect place to be if I had more available wallspace and money, and all of the vendors seemed to have a flurry of activity while the tiki marketplace was open. I'm sure first-timers were pleased with what was available - I heard that the nearby ATM machines had all run out of cash that weekend!

Closing off the Wreck Bar to only Hukilau participants was a good move, and the new murals in that room added to the overall ambiance. The Martini Kings sounded great in this space - even though I broke my own suggestion and was talking a bit while they played - sorry to those sitting nearby!

The seminars continue to be a key part of the weekend. I'd much rather sit and listen in air-conditioned comfort to a lecture on mixology/tiki TV/ tiki architecture than to roast in the hot afternoon sun outside.

The Mai Kai drinks were again superb. The Sunday afternoon rush overwhelmed the available staff though, and although I had to wait nearly 80 minutes for a drink, it is somehow worth the wait when that drink is a Jet Pilot - and you get two drinks during happy hour.

Thanks to Christie and all of the other organizers, artists, musicians, and fellow tiki enthusiasts who help to make Hukilau the event it is.

Vern