Hale Tiki TC Grand Opening

May 21-22 - Augusta, GA - Hale Tiki wil have a special Grand Opening for the tiki freaks.

There will be a luau with food, Polynesian entertainment by "Da Islanders" and loads of Aloha spirit.

"Da Islanders" are a local dance group who whose fire and knife dancers were second only to the Mai Kai dancers last year nationally.

You can book a room at the Ramada Plaza by calling 706-722-5541 NOT the 800 number. This hotel is just next door. They will give a special rate if you say you are with the Tiki Central group. What that is, I don't know right now.

The Swank Pad Broadcast - If it's Swank...

[ Edited by: swanky on 2004-05-17 00:34 ]

We're there!!

Let The East Coast Tiki Revival continue!!

(...even though I'm very bitter about missing Oasis and camping out in room 135)

We're There, Too!!!

Called this morning, though (Cinco de Mayo) and was told that the Ramada had no idea what I was talking about. I think I'll try again next week (like it really matters).

Just wanted to be a handy helper.

The Ramada manager was in Hale Tiki when I called and they had just arranged the deal. So, it may take a little time to actually get set. You can likely book your room, and get the discount before you check out.

I can suggest Nacho Mama's for a big fat burrito for dinner. Good stuff. Abotu a block or two up from Hale Tiki (11th street maybe) or Blue Sky for a little finer food, also just up te street.

The Swank Pad Broadcast - If it's Swank...

[ Edited by: swanky on 2004-05-06 00:09 ]

Will any of the events be "family" events? I other words, can children come or is this more of an adult event?

I understand either way.

tb

Recommended for eats: Nacho Mama's with logo by BK

Blue Sky Kitchen

Both just a couple of blocks up from Hale Tiki. A nice stroll.

Swanky,

I'm going to miss Friday night, but will be there Saturday. Will there be a Polynesian Dance Revue on both nights?

Yes, the dancers will be there both nights.

They actually perform on the large sidewalk outside the bar. Maybe this answers the all-ages question. You can enjoy the dancers and the luau dinner without going in the bar. But the bar is 21+. I assume that rules out the kids, at least during business hours. I'll inquire further wiuth Brad.

Dang! Looked at both of those menus and Now I'm Hungry!
Called this morning and Got the Deal (and it's SWEET, too!).
We're gonna miss Friday, too, but plan to get to Augusta early enough to cruise around a bit on Saturday. Can anyone tell me where Brad's store is in relation to all this other stuff? Does Augusta these days have a "Hip & Trendy" shopping district?

Everything is there on Broad. Brad's store is on an intersecting street, but I can't recall which. It's on the same side as Hale Tiki, a couple blocks up, maybe 900 block area, and just a block off Broad. Sorry I am not more helpful, but you actually will likely find it with that.

Okay, I know nothing about Augusta except that area, but...

The Swank Pad Broadcast - If it's Swank...

[ Edited by: Swanky on 2004-05-07 17:52 ]

Yeah
Does anyone know any cool places to go in Augusta besides Hale tiki? We just made our reservations for friday night, but would like to check out the town Sat.
I live in atlanta but haven't been to Augusta in years...

I think some of us may venture over to the Marine Room or Discotheque...


But that's not everyone's taste.

The Soul Bar down the street is pretty cool. Lots of James Brown stuff.

Brad & Basement,
Where in the hell do you fly into to in order to get there? Mahalo, Al & Shelley

ATL

...plus a 1.5 hour or so drive.

Awesome that you're coming.
Looking forward to meeting you.

[ Edited by: pablus on 2004-05-12 07:09 ]

Al,

You can fly into Augusta but the flight may cost more.

Another alternative is to fly into Charleston and ride over with me. I could put you up and even give you a tour of Charleston. Charleston is the same distance to Augusta as Atlanta is - about 150 miles.

There are also cheaper flights into Savannah and you could drive up to Charleston, over to Augusta and then back to Savannah.

Call me if you need more details. Would love to see you. It has been a long time since Oasis 4 and I miss you and Shelley!

Maybe the motel has a 135 we could get!

TB

Hey Gang,

Sorry I have not been around lately. I have a few answers for the questions on here. The closest airport in Augusta Regional Airport at Bush Field. The city code is AGS. It will be much more expensive to fly into Augusta but Columbia SC is only 70 miles up I-20. Atlanta will be the cheapest to fly into (ATL) and is only two hour up the street.

There are many cool things to do down town in Augusta and a decent eclectic collection of shops, art galleries, restaurants, and bars.

As far as the kids go, they are not allowed inside of the Lounge but they could come in the Restaurant area where the food as well as the dancing will take place.

The dancers will be down both nights but the Luau (food) will be on Saturday night.

I hope to see many of you all here,

Brad

The dancers will be down both nights but the Luau (food) will be on Saturday night.

I still have time to rehearse my line, "Pass the poi, please."

What time will the dancers be going on? We'll be driving in from atl friday evening and we don't want to miss it!
Also, any good thrift shops, stores, etc to check out?
We're really excited-we've been waiting for the "grand opening" to come visit and can't wait to see Hale Tiki!
Tim

There are many thrift shops around to include my vintage shop.

The dancers will be there till about 11pm.

Mahalo,

Brad

Everybody learn "The Hukilau Song" cuz Me, Swanky and Ona Koka are going to be singing it all night.

This is going to be great.

Really looking forward to throwing a mug at Basement Kahuna when he says "We're out of falernum, Big Man."

Brad - get plenty of mint.
And maybe have a defibrilator at hand.

Aloha Gang,

I have just confirmed that we will have Da Islanders for both nights.

Also, we are having polynesian finger food Friday night and a FULL Luau Sat. We will be using both sides for these events and that insures plenty of room for all. The other side is not Tiki but it is all original from the 1967 build out after the fire. It is rather swank and perfect for the food and dancing.

Much fun to be had by all.
I hope to see as many of you as poss here for this event.

Mahalo,

Brad

Rather Swank is certainly Swanky Enough for Me!!!

It dawns on me that I have seen reference to "Tickets" to this event mentioned in the General Chat Forum? Do we need Tickets?

Also... What is the Name of your Shop, Brad?

We're lookin' forward to Every Moment!!!

Brad 'The Beachcomber' Owens wrote:

As far as the kids go, they are not allowed inside of the Lounge but they could come in the Restaurant area where the food as well as the dancing will take place.

There is a restaurant in Hale Tiki? If thats the case, I may be able to come Friday night. The deal is, I'm part of small group on this trip and we have a toddler and her parents to consider; we previous decided we couldn't go because it would leave the kid (a fine child, I shot her pic with a tiki today) and one of her parents out in the cold.

Tikijackalope,
Brad may be too busy to see this, so I'll give you my semi-informed speculation as time is running short for you to make plans.
The restaurant portion of the building was not leased to Hale Tiki along with the bar. I suspect Saturday is a one-time use for the luau.
The building owners were being cautious and didn't want to put all their eggs in one basket. Of course, now that they've seen what a first class operation Hale Tiki turned out to be, they are very pleased with their new tenants. I wouldn't be surprised if the restaurant eventually did become part of Hale Tiki.

-JTD

Yes, Hale Tiki is one side of the building, with the former restaurant side vacant. They have use of it for storage, etc. So it will be cleaned up and used this weekend for the food. Plans are to hopefully move over into that space one day, but not yet. I think the performers will be out front, but it sounds like Brad is implying they would be in there as well. They are connected by the same front entrance and a short hallway.

Aloha Gang,

I would like to bring you all up to date on the plans here at Hale Tiki.

I do in fact have use of the restaurant side and intend to open it up for use soon. The theme that I am considering is late 50s early 60s Las Vegas. The Rat Pack era that I love so much.

The restaurant side has booths from the 1967 build out and all original gold wall paper along with the light fixtures too. I have tried to figure out a way to keep it original and fit in with Hale Tiki too. Here are my ideas. I would like to name each booth after one of the famous entertainers from the golden age of Vegas or a casino. For instance, the first booth would be Sammy Davis Jr. and the second one the Sands. The next would be Frank Sinatra and the one after that the Flamingo. Each booth would contain authentic memorabilia from whoever or whatever it was named after. I have an artist that has volunteered to do a life-size pen and ink head shot of the entertainers to be hung in each booth. Also many photos are available of the original casinos that made Las Vegas great during the golden age of the Rat Pack.

I think that the theme would fit well with Hale Tiki and still stay somewhat pure to the era.

What do you all think?

Brad

By the way. I hope that many of you come up for this event this weekend. It will be a blast.

What is the address for the Hale Tiki?

Directions from I-20 would also be helpful.

Thanks,

TB

Tikibob asked:

What is the address for the Hale Tiki? Directions from I-20 would also be helpful

660 Broad Street; according to mapquest, from I-20W do the following:

Take the GA-104/RIVER WATCH PKWY exit- exit number 200- toward AUGUSTA. 0.2 miles

Turn LEFT onto GA-104 E/RIVER WATCH PKWY. Continue to follow GA-104 E. 5.1 miles

Turn RIGHT onto 13TH ST/JEFFERSON DAVIS MEMORIAL HWY/MCKINNIE ST. Continue to follow 13TH ST/MCKINNIE ST.

Oh, and the total trip time from Charleston is supposed to be about three hours and eight minutes. We are still planning to go Friday, but have to come back Friday too. Man, we must love Tiki.

[ Edited by: tikijackalope on 2004-06-17 04:37 ]

The place is easy to find. Broad is the main street through town. Tiki jack, don't beleive that time. You know you can do it a lot faster than that!

Wowza Brad that sounds like quite a happening in Augusta, like the local Taj Mahal is finally opening. Good luck with them Tiki Central revelers I think they have some drinkin scheduled, "Make ready the buckets!" I think if you absolutely can't imagine a polynesian dining motive next door then the rat pack is great backup. Wasn't Jerry Lewis in the rat pack...he's my kind of guy. You can call it "Ocean's 12" (counting Jerry) Well congratulations and happy Grand Opening!

Thanks King,

Maybe one day you will grace us with a performance?

Brad

Yesiree Brad,
I'd be happy to perform for you at the Hale Tiki, I thought you'd never ask...wait a minute!! You did ask, last summer in Ft. Lauderdale! Well it sounds like quite a palace fit for a King and I wouldn't mind testing it out at all. Well once again congratulations YOU DID IT!! Now its miller time...no stop, reverse that. Now its Mai Tai time. (Do you have virgin Pina Coladas?)

We went last night and have two words for the place: seriously cool! I'll write more when there is time.

[ Edited by: tikijackalope on 2004-06-17 04:40 ]

What a weekend. I was only able to attend Saturday night but I'm so glad I made the drive to see everyone and the Hale Tiki. What an amazing place! Brad, you've got a great vision and it shows. And I got to see Tiki Bob! I'll be back to Augusta very soon!

Yee-Haw & Aloha,

The World of Tiki Kiliki

[ Edited by: tiki_kiliki on 2004-05-23 18:16 ]

Absolutely Spectacular! The place is beautiful. The drinks are perfect. The Staff... The Music... and, on Saturday Night at least, the Customers were Wonderful!

Brad! You did it, man! It was great seeing and meeting everyone and we hope to get back down soon. Anyone who ever has a reason to be in the Augusta area Needs to experience the Hale Tiki.

It was really great seeing old friends and making new ones. A wonderful surprise to see Bree and Tristan again. Greta to hang out with Pablus and sing along. And a real treat to see the Hale Tiki record for most drinks in a night by an individual shattered: 20+

Unfortunately the dancers had a crossed signal and didn't show up.

And it was good to hear from Bamboo Ben by phone from the James Brown show...

*On 2004-05-23 23:45, Swanky wrote:*And a real treat to see the Hale Tiki record for most drinks in a night by an individual shattered: 20+
WhOA-Ho! Now you GOTTA let us know - was it one of us/ours?!?

the tikis on the bar look SWELL! good job on the build out fine toooning!

thanks for the pics

I had a great time on Saturday. If I had any rum-soaked dreams that night I don't remember them. But I do have a lot of good memories of meeting fellow TCers and experiencing the incredible tiki vibe that is Hale Tiki. Brad, when you get the Hale Tiki chain going, put Huntington L.I. on the top of your list. I'll be your best customer.

Uhhhh... I wasn't trying for a record - I was just drinking and strumming the uke all night.

I recall Swanky turning to me at one point during my blathering nonsense and saying "It does me good to see you like this - I wasn't sure it was possible."

Jerk.

I was back the next night with a big smile and those tasty "Concubines." I love that drink. Drove all Sat. night to get back to Tampa, too.

How easy it is to recover when it's ALL top shelf and fresh juices.

Mahalo Hale Tiki!

I must admit that when Brad pointed out the previous record holder and said that he had 16 in one night, Ona Koka and I just looked at each other and laughed out loud. OK had 16 or 17 himself. And he's lighter than me about a buck-fifty.

Ona Koka and I have been to many wonderful events together much to the dismay of our loving wahines.

One of note was Oktoberfest:Munchen 2001. That's when Europe still liked us and would by us beers.

BTW: More pics coming.

[ Edited by: pablus on 2004-05-24 20:29 ]

Quite simply: the Hale Tiki is a MUST SEE for any Tikiphile.

The decor is incredible!!! I’m talking Hala Kahiki/Trader Vics caliber. In fact, it blows away many of the Trader Vics. It’s “TIPSY” factor is off the chart. Bamboo Ben, Crazy Al, Swanky, Brad and anyone else involved deserves canonization. The Hale Tiki is indeed, a first-class tiki shrine and raises the bar for other tiki establishments.

As for the drinks.... WOO HOO!!! Ya won’t be disappointed guys and gals. We were lucky enough to benefit from the master mixology skills of Basement Kahuna (much of his handiwork adorns the walls and floor space of the Hale Tiki). This hipster can concoct a tiki drink so smooth that your tongue shudders with delight (the Kava Bowl is our fave).
Dave, come live with us as our very own personal mixologist, pleeeeease???

Ok, enough about the digs, let’s talk about the company. It’s always a wonderfully warm and fuzzy time with members of the tiki family. Before you die, you have to enter a room and have Pablus greet you. His warmth and enthusiasm make you feel like a star. Pablus, my dear, we are amazed at the fact that you ordered every drink on the menu and stayed gracefully in your chair. I hadn’t seen Swanky or Kiliki since the Hukilau and they both looked great!! (mark you calendars kids... Hukilau 2004’s coming up in September....). Tiki Bob, always lookin’ fine and delightful company (TB, I did get your point about people and their dogs...I was just messin’ with ya!). Julee, Tristan and I loved hanging out with you and getting to know you better. (Brad, you are one lucky guy).Tom (our Jacksonville bud that we met at Exotica last summer), it was great to see you and meet your son (start ‘em young), and John - a newbie from Long Island - it was nice meeting you too. We hope to see you at more gatherings of the tribe! And to everyone else in attendance, we loved the good vibes and sensational company that surrounded the sublime libations.

It was a fantastic weekend in the tradition of great tiki locales hosting a great group of very drunk tikiphiles. Tristan and I are so glad we made the trek.

Kudos to Brad for making it a non-smoking establishment, ensuring that the decor will look and smell fresh for years to come (and ensuring that you won’t go home smelling like an ashtray), THANK YOU!

It’s official, Hale Tiki is a southeast tiki mecca!!!!!!!!!!!

Aloha Gang, It was so fun to have you all visit Halé Tiki. There was an overwhelming response and so many positive vibes. For those of you who couldn't make it this past weekend . . . we are waiting for you!

I enjoyed getting time to speak to each of you and I look forward to your next visit.

Brad has been working very hard to get everything just right and after seeing all of your flattering posts I believe it was worth his effort.

It sounds like everyone was pleasantly surprised by our newly revitalized downtown. It has come a long way in the past few years. Halé Tiki surely will help bring new life to our end of Broad Street. Thanks for the support and we can't wait until you all visit again soon. Pablus, we will be ready for you in a couple of weeks.

Mahalo,
Julee (Tikiccino)

*Bamboo Ben we are still waiting for your surprise visit!