Post #783465 by Hurricane Hayward on Sat, Jan 27, 2018 11:39 PM

Mike (and anyone else questioning the value of The Hukilau): I totally understand your financial concerns and I'll pass your comments along to the "powers that be." They will definitely take it into consideration. I can't compare The Hukilau to Tiki Oasis, but I think the value is there if you add everything up. I also realize that airfare, lodging and meals have to be taken into account, but I can address what you get at The Hukilau itself.

I don't have the data at my fingertips, but I've been told that prices have not increased that much over last year. And if you get your passes now, symposiums are much cheaper ($15 for Brother Cleve, Ian Burrell, et al.). In the past, symposiums have often been in the $25-$50 range. The South Seas pass does include the Wednesday night pre-party at The Mai-Kai, which always sells out. Plus early admission to the Tiki Tower Takeover, which is worth well over $100, IMHO. It's unlimited drinks from six of the best bartenders in the world in a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. The luXotica Party will also feature all you can drink in addition to two great bands.

All passes include free access to the pool parties (and more free cocktails) both Friday and Saturday, again featuring some of the best Tiki drinks in the world. When it was introduced three years ago, I believe the pool party was an extra charge, and just one day for limited hours. The Tiki Treasures Bazaar will also feature many complimentary drinks and rums. Not that it's all about the booze, but if you were to pay for all those drinks ala carte, the costs would be huge (especially in places like London and Maui). At The Hukilau, however, the cocktails are at a much higher level. We're light years ahead of even three or four years ago. Where else can you enjoy cocktails from The Mai-Kai one night; then Brother Cleve and Trailer Happiness and Three Dots and A Dash and Pagan Idol and Dirty Dick and Nu Lounge Bar the next night, just for starters. Then all of the other participating bars and mixologists all weekend. There's really nothing else to compare it to.

The South Seas passes also include a pendant by Crazy Al and other items TBA. Again, you'll have to decide if it makes sense for you, but if you're looking for a total Tiki cocktail experience, I don't think you can find everything The Hukilau has to offer anywhere else. That's not even including the icing on the cake: The Mai-Kai.

Though they cost more than the symposiums, the Cocktail Academy classes are a unique experience. They also include lots of free goodies, and they're very intimate and intensive. I guarantee my class will be worth the cost.

And if you're still on the fence, remember that Rum Renaissance Festival is a mile away, beckoning with its hundreds of rums. You may need a liver transplant after this weekend, but I guarantee you'll be able to get your money's worth if you try.

There's also the option of joining our team as a volunteer. There are many positions available, and you can work with the volunteer coordinator to find time slots that work for you. I know the bar team is always looking for more hands on deck. Volunteers receive perks that can help offset some of the costs of admission.

Since this is a thread about the cocktail guide, I'd rather not use it to discuss The Hukilau's pricing, but feel free to send me a PM if you (or anyone) would like to discuss further.

Okole maluna!

On 2018-01-27 13:51, mikehooker wrote:
I was seriously considering making the pilgrimage to Hukilau this year but I'm a bit confused and alarmed about pricing. The $400 South Seas pass says it includes "passholder pricing" for symposiums. So after the $425 (including fees), we still have to pay for a bunch of symposiums (and more service fees)?!

Last year we went to Oasis and it was $450 for the top tier pass that included EVERYTHING. I thought that was a hefty chunk of change but justified the expense since I didn't have to worry about buying anything else or the potential of not getting into any event I wanted to attend. I had a great time and was glad for the experience but it's difficult to justify returning once you factor in airfare, transportation, lodging, food, shopping and other odds 'n ends for two people. We quite literally could have taken an international trip for the what we spent on a domestic tiki weekender when all was said and done.

I'm surprised Hukilau doesn't have an all inclusive pass to simplify things. There are several symposiums that I would want to attend, but I can't fathom how pricey it will get after paying for them individually on top of the full pass. It's been several years since we've attended but I don't recall these events costing an arm and leg. Is this much pricier than years past, or is my recollection fuzzy? I mean I know the tiki revival is bigger than ever but how sustainable is it if people are getting priced out of going to the numerous fun events offered each year.

[ Edited by: Hurricane Hayward 2018-01-27 23:56 ]