The Aku-Aku in Las Vegas

On 2006-01-05 11:18, Mr. Dale wrote:
Its just a bit later, the little mercury meteor cruising the strip in the second picture, (right under the sign and maoi) is a 62-63. Love those things.
I sold my 50 merc, kept my 50's soul, but I bought a 64 Galaxie, I figured that it fit more into my version of a perfect tiki life. Inject me and my car into that picture and cut the cord baby!!!!!

Hi

It's a '63 Comet not Meteor... I have one...

Is the the Hedley carving still in Sunset Park to see? In Vegas in April...

Is the the Hedley carving still in Sunset Park to see? In Vegas in April...

I think it's found a permanent home there, so you should be all set for your visit.

On 2005-12-31 11:21, RevBambooBen wrote:
p.s. not to be vain, but do our profiles look alike or what!?!?!

Maybe I should change my name to Rev Aku Aku !!! :wink:

Looking at this now, some 2 years later, I wonder if this had any influence on the recently released Tiki Farm Bamboo Ben Mug....It DOES bear a slight resemblence. :)

[ Edited by: tikiyaki 2008-01-25 12:31 ]

On 2005-12-30 18:15, RevBambooBen wrote:
...
...

On 2008-01-15 22:48, Sabu The Coconut Boy wrote:
I went ahead and restored the links to my pics on the first page of this thread. They're awfully small. I'll see if I can take some clearer, larger photos of those items.

Thanks Matterhorn, Icebaer, and Bigbro for the additional eye-candy!

Sabu

Mahalo, Sabu.

I am saddened I missed the golden Tiki age of Vegas - although I did make it to Venus. Mahalo to Tiki Diablo for keeping it alive.

On 2008-01-25 12:29, tikiyaki wrote:
Looking at this now, some 2 years later, I wonder if this had any influence on the recently released Tiki Farm Bamboo Ben Mug....It DOES bear a slight resemblence. :)

You bet your ass.

keoki @ stardust:
http://www.openvegas.com/vegas/forums/showthread.php?t=49290

On 2008-01-12 11:27, bigbrotiki wrote:
...

pictures from vintagevegas showing:
"Aku Aku -
Polynesian cuisine in an exotic island atmosphere"

icebaer69,

Great find on those photos. What an amazing tiki stationed outside the front door. What the heck are those figures stalking the tables on the inside of the restaurant??

DC

I was curious about the figures also so I messed around with the image to try and get a better look.

..note that all the lamps on the tables are black moai heads....so many lamps.....wonder why we have never seen any in the wild or in someones collection yet....

(vintagevegas)

Ran across this PuPu Menu from the Aku Aku on ebay.

DC

Vintage postcard

The Aku Moai still stands, now surrounded by birds:

http://www.critiki.com/cgi-bin/pictures.cgi?loc_id=424#/images/locations/424/1880_large.JPG

Man, I really would love to see a close up of those neon-lit Easter Island scenes on that added wall (above)! Too bad that a couple of icebear's images from that aereal shot sequence on page 2 disappeared, but one still can see how the gigantomania of Las Vegas swallowed up the Aku Aku (like everything else that was on a human scale).

Now somehow I missed icebear's later post with that interior shot of the Aku Aku, which blows my mind:

Not only is it cool to see that glass float theme seen in the one interior shot in the BOT continued...

...but since I had never found any other interiors of the place, and Jeff Berry established in Sippin'Safari that Edward Brownlee and Donn Beach had nothing to do with decor anymore after it had burned down, I just assumed that it's style was more minimalist, stripped down Tiki Modern, as the one photo conveyed. But to see THESE figures as room dividers points to the use of an icon in Easter Island imagery so far UNPRECEDENTED in Polynesian pop, the Kava Kava man, or Moai Kava Kava:

The term literally means "figure with ribs". That's why my assumption always was that, since these hunched over, gaunt ancestor images did not befit promises of a sumptuous Polynesian repast, they were never used in South Seas supper clubs. But what I believe we have here...

...are examples of an ethnographic sub-genre of the Kava Kava man, the Moai Papa, or "flat figures":

...or the Moai Tangata, "realistic figures":

....or a combination of the two. In any case, I sure wish that there was more and better quality photographic evidence of this unique feature of this now more than ever mysterious Tiki temple!

One of these daze I'll compile a book of all things Eli...

Bamboo Ben
Custom Tropical Decor
I build stuff for you!
Google search me and see!

[ Edited by: RevBambooBen 2009-04-07 10:24 ]

[ Edited by: RevBambooBen 2009-04-07 10:27 ]

Planning on going out to see the Aku Moai while in Vegas.

Bigbro, here is the close up you wanted...

Mucho Mahalos, Zeta! As boring as that wall was in comparison to that "exploding universe" sign, those sure are fine scenes! Wonder how they were constructed...they look like 3D cut-outs. Hey, maybe Yesco built those...but I doubt they kept any plans. (Has anybody ever researched if the Young Electric Sign Company archived their design renderings and plans?)

On 2009-04-07 07:15, bigbrotiki wrote:
In any case, I sure wish that there was more and better quality photographic evidence of this unique feature of this now more than ever mysterious Tiki temple!

Come to think of it: Ideal would be a photo with customers sitting along that wall while happily cannibalizing some spare ribs! :D
(Even if those carvings are NOT specifically Moai Kava Kava.)

On 2009-04-07 12:05, Zeta wrote:
Bigbro, here is the close up you wanted...

Wow! If only I could have seen that back in the day!
Mainstream Vegas does old skool Moai!

On 2009-01-23 22:38, Dustycajun wrote:

What the heck are those figures stalking the tables on the inside of the restaurant??

DC

On 2009-04-07 07:15, bigbrotiki wrote:
But to see THESE figures as room dividers points to the use of an icon in Easter Island imagery so far UNPRECEDENTED in Polynesian pop, the Kava Kava man, or Moai Kava Kava:

The term literally means "figure with ribs". That's why my assumption always was that, since these hunched over, gaunt ancestor images did not befit promises of a sumptuous Polynesian repast, they were never used in South Seas supper clubs. But what I believe we have here...

...are examples of an ethnographic sub-genre of the Kava Kava man, the Moai Papa, or "flat figures":

...or the Moai Tangata, "realistic figures":

....or a combination of the two. In any case, I sure wish that there was more and better quality photographic evidence of this unique feature of this now more than ever mysterious Tiki temple!

Bigbro,

Thanks for that perceptive explanation on those figures! Mystery solved.

I have a series of postcards that show the historical progression of the Aku Aku and Eli's Moai.

The first is an early one that shows the Moai in its original location with the first Aku Aku sign out front.

There is also a second Moai back by the building - is this also an Eli? How many moais where there?

This next card shows the moai next to the new Aku Aku sign that was placed out front. You can see that the original Aku Aku sign is still there.

In this card the original Aku Aku sign is gone.

This next postcard shows the moai being moved out front next to the Stardust marque.

Finally the more modern wall signs with the moai images.

DC

Nice photodocumentary.
Of course, now it is gone in its entirety.

Blame it on the entropy or what I call "the lameification of the universe"

7

( Eli also did the interior)

( I will put those in the Book of Eli)

On 2009-04-07 20:33, RevBambooBen wrote:
7
( Eli also did the interior)
( I will put those in the Book of Eli)

BambooBen,

Holy Moali, There were 7 Eli Moais!

I think I saw 4 different ones in your Polaroid shots.

Thanks for posting that great bit of family history

(now that you have learned to scan, we will have to teach you how to crop the images, young one)

Do you have photos of all 7? Did only one survive?

DC

On 2008-02-19 06:58, icebaer69 wrote:

On 2005-12-30 18:15, RevBambooBen wrote:
...
...

Actually, it is not gone forever.
It still reigns supreme and even closer to water, so one could argue it is in a more appropriate spot!

Great old photo of the Aku Aku building.

I never really noticed the little A-frame building on the right of the main restaurant before. Does anybody know what that was? There are two Eli moais in the photo.

Also picked up a couple of the Lucky Aku Aku coins.

DC

7 total...

DC rocks!

Another early photo of the Stardust and the Aku Aku. A different Moai by the restaurant sign?? I can't seem to figure this thing out.

DC

On 2009-04-26 10:37, Dustycajun wrote:
Great old photo of the Aku Aku building.

I never really noticed the little A-frame building on the right of the main restaurant before. Does anybody know what that was? There are two Eli moais in the photo.

I think this was the entrance to the hotel lobby and casino. As I recall there was a air conditioned hallway with Aku Aku decor. It led to the casino or left to the casino entrance of the Aku Aku.

A little history from the Classic Las Vegas site.

In keeping with the times, the beloved Aku-Aku Restaurant opened in January 1960. Playing on the current rage for all things Polynesian and tiki, the Aku-Aku paid homage to the island cultures of the South Pacific. It was built between the Stardust and the old Royal Nevada. Out front, a neon rimmed shield and giant arrows sign was added along with the giant moai that immediately brought to mind the giant statues on Easter Island and the adventures of Thor Heyerdahl. The word Aku-Aku was from the Easter Islands where they were said to be the guardians of the sacred family caves.

The restaurant cost $620,000 to build and decorate. The opening was a black-tie event that brought out the cream of Las Vegas society and numerous politicians. The moai statues and most of the interiors were created by Eli Hedley who was a self-styled "beachcomber". The drink menu was designed by Donn Beach who was better known as "Don the Beachcomber" and he had his own Polynesian restaurant at the Sahara. The Aku-Aku Gold Cup was served in a "stemmed glass containing its own little bandshell of crushed ice cooling "Mexican Limes." The Savage Island Pearl Cocktail was "especially recommended for the ladies with a genuine pearl in each cocktail." Both would set you back $1.20.

A rendering from the Stardust in Vegas from 1962. Though it's not Tiki it gives a feel for the times.

On 2009-05-24 11:17, Dustycajun wrote:
Another early photo of the Stardust and the Aku Aku. A different Moai by the restaurant sign?? I can't seem to figure this thing out.

DC

Those were the days!

This article was in the Dec 67/Jan 68 issue of the casino's "STARDUST NEWS" magazine.

The Magic Touch: Kenny Ryan Knows The Ingredients That Make For A Great Restaurant

*If a tourist wants to combine a trip to Las Vegas with a visit to the South Sea Islands all he has to do is lift up his telephone and make a reservation at the Stardust's Aku Aku.

The minute you set foot in this exotic restaurant you are instantly transported to the romantic atmosphere of the legendary islands of the South Pacific. You see tropical plants growing against stone walls. You hear the gentle splash of water like the sound of a waterfall in a peaceful clearing.

The soft music of the islands engulfs you and you may even find yourself swaying just a little to its hypnotic rhythms.

As you pass through the bar you see that its roof is thatched. By the time you enter the main dining room with its peaked Polynesian Roof, you will know you are in another world.

But the best is yet to come. Look at that menu. There is pressed duck, Yokohama teriyaki steak, curries, broiled mahimahi and other Polynesian and Chinese dishes to tease the palate of the most sophisticated gourmet. This is the restaurant which Holiday Magazine described as "Perhaps the best on the Strip."

You would swear that they must have imported a whole tribe of Polynesians to make the Aku Aku the kind of place that it is. but the truth of the matter is that the fellow who helped make it a great restaurant came out of Peoria, Ill.

Kenny Ryan, Manager of the Aku Aku, broke into the hotel business while he was still in college in Peoria. He rose from night bellman to Executive Assistant Manager working nights. When he came to Las Vegas he soon became the top dining room captain on the Strip.

In 1960 the Stardust gave Kenny a chance to prove that he could create a great restaurant. He was given the authority to buy the finest foods and to get the best staff he could find. It didn't take Kenny long to make the Aku Aku the busiest diner restaurant in Las Vegas.

So in 1966, when the Stardust wanted to open another unusual restaurant, they knew where to turn. They wanted a fine seafood restaurant and with a location in the desert. You can imagine what problems that posed.

But today ask any native of Las Vegas what's the best seafood restaurant in Las Vegas (as well as the best steakhouse) and they'll tell you its the Stardust's Moby Dick.

They may not know why it's so great, but if anybody asks you, you can tell them. When it comes to restaurants Kenny Ryan has the magic touch.*

The Neptune dining room? Awesome.

Good job netting the rendering.

Another small picture from a Stardust brochure:

:up: It looks like sign might read "Dining Room".

Nice find Sabu. Love the bridge over the river feature at the restaurant entry.

Looks like a giant Tiki Bob at the Aku Aku!

DC

Found another nice photo of the Eli Moai out in front by the Aku Aku sign.

Check out the early version of the stretch limo/station wagon Vegas style!

DC

Never heard of the place....must be old...

Thought I would post a mug on the thread. And a beat up swizzle that I haven't seen before from the Aku Aku, the only thing that saves it from the trash.

Nice post, Uncle Trav. Now I will have to sort through my mugs to see if I have one with that on the back!

Well the Aku Aku Shield and Spear sign might be lost but at least they salvaged the "STARDUST" signage.

Here's a picture that I took. Pretty cool, huh? :)

Great story!
Although I never got to see the place in its heyday at least I now know about it and its history! What a wonderful place post war America must have been. When are they going to invent a time machine so I can go back and see all these places.
Trader Bob

I found this. It belongs here....

Ha, what an irony! The Tiki under the neon sign, rented for this film set from Oceanic Arts, originally stood at the upstairs entrance to the Sahara Don The Beachcomber in Las Vegas! Was that shot actually in the movie?

The story goes that this "Tiki" came from the Stardust (Aku Aku) in Vegas. There seems to have been LOTS of stuff in the Aku Aku, so I guess it's possible.

It's about 5'10" tall and Witco-ish (Witcoesque?) in materials but not really in style. Anybody ever see this guy before (or something like it)?

Classic Silver Line Boats

[ Edited by: SilverLine 2013-01-06 18:21 ]

On 2010-03-09 18:26, SilverLine wrote:
The story goes that this "Tiki" came from the Stardust (Aku Aku) in Vegas. There seems to have been LOTS of stuff in the Aku Aku, so I guess it's possible.

It's about 5'10" tall and Witco-ish (Witcoesque?) in materials but not really in style. Anybody ever see this guy before (or something like it)?

Nice! Looks like it could be one of these figures. Maybe? I messed around with the photo in an earlier post. Looks like it was also meant to be seen from both side as the figures in the photo. I think you may have the real thing there.

"Anyone who has ever seen them is thereafter haunted as if by a feverish dream" Karl Woermann

[ Edited by: uncle trav 2010-03-09 18:57 ]