On 2009-04-27 19:48, Dustycajun wrote:
Inspired by Uncle Trav's thread on urban archeology, I set out on a Polynesian Pop expedition in my home town of Santa Barbara. Researched phone books at the local library and perused Tiki Central for info.
In preparation for such a grueling expedition, I had Mai Tais and steaks at Chucks of Hawaii the night before.
Tiki Torches and the sign out front.
Nice carved front door - reminiscent of a Trader Vics door.
Alfies Restaurant - started the morning here for a cup of joe and quick bite. Nice little tiki coffee shop, subject of several threads on TC.
Pit stop
Checked the apartment listings. Found several in Isla Vista (next to UCSB).
The Mono Kai. This building has been listed before on TC. Nice sign remaining and a cool look with the four A-frame features.
The inside courtyard is still very lush - amazing considering the rigors of the college crowd in IV.
Looked out back of the Mono Kai and saw this building.
Went around the block and found The Makaha. Nice sign and some architectural details on the building.
Was about to leave and saw this great A-frame at the entrance to an apartment building down the street. This is a very cool feature.
Saw another A-frame peaking through the trees as I was driving out of IV.
An amazing church with a hyperbolic A-frame design that reminded me of the Waikikian Hotel.
Looked for a few more apartments in the Ellwood Beach area, not much to report. These three buildings did have a nice set of matching "Palms" signs.
Next stop was the Beachside Cafe at Goleta Beach.
Thirsty - must get a Mai Tai.
A little bit of tiki out front.
The bar area with a bamboo drop ceiling and a really big old sea turtle.
Some menu art
As a fisherman, I love these fighting chair bar stools for the counter area.
Checked out the art deco Hawaiian tiles in front of the Sears store.
This tiki stands guard in front of a house on Shoreline Drive.
Went to the Surfing Museum, it was closed (only open on Sundays). You can check it out on their web site.
Last stop, the Kalyra Winery which boasts a tikified tasting room.
Now, for the phone book research.
The Polynesian Motel - phone book records show that this place existed from 1968 to 1994. Here are a few ads from the phone books showing the tiki that was out front.
I also have this postcard and matchbook from The Polynesian Motel.
Just won this postcard of the tiki at the Polynesian Motel - have not received it yet, will post a better pic when I do.
Is has been remodeled Spanish/Mediterranean style like everything else in Santa Barbara.
Don The Beachcomber - Phone book records show that it operated from 1977 to 1989. That surprised me as I thought it was much shorter lived. A somewhat disappointing phone book ad. The only paper item I have seen for this place.
Tropicana Motel - a nice little ad from the phone book. Remodeled and now Spanish/Mediterranean in theme.
Tahitian Motel. Saw listings in the phone book, not much tiki.
I have this matchbook.
A couple of postcards from ebay.
The motel is still there, here is a current photo.
Aloha Restaurant - phone book ad. I used to live down the street from this restaurant and went in for take out. They had great Hawaiian murals on the walls. Been remodeled numerous times.
All in all a fun day in Santa Barbara.
DC
Dusty Cam, your post may qualify as one of the best ever on Tiki Central.
