Post #391738 by Dr. Mai Tai on Sat, Jul 5, 2008 9:10 AM

I would definitely have to put my vote in for checking out Gecko's work.

I've lived in Hawaii 13 years and have been over to his place a couple times. He's a friendly, great guy. Always kind to my kids.

I recently decided to take a job in Perth, Australia and I was really lamenting my imminent potential reduction in Tiki lifestyle. But when my new employer told me they would ship everything I own down there - no matter how much it weighed - I quickly contacted Gecko to see if he had a a big carved Tiki ready to go on safari. He came through with this 6.5 foot beauty! It graced the memorial service of Martin Denny in Waikiki a few years back. Absolutely awesome. (It is shown here in my garage awaiting the big move this Monday).

I also picked up a black velvet painting from Gecko as well, to accompany the Tiki. I like the Polynesian pin-up style ones he has quite a lot, but my beautiful, half-Tongan wife prefers more traditional scenes. Gecko had a perfect fit - a local hula dancer framed by a Tiki from Puuhonua O Honaunau.

Well, when I picked up the Tiki up at his place I could tell it took something out of Gecko to part with it. The carver loved his creation... as do I. If you are reading this my friend, trust I will take great care of it, and install it in a manner that respectfully promotes the expansion of Tiki culture around the globe.

Mahalo,
Paul