Hau'oli Makahiki Hou ...

I would like to wish all visitors to the Secret Island Hau'oli Makahiki Hou where ever you are in the World.

Come back in 2011 for more celebration of Polynesian Pop - Past, Present and Future.

Bedroom of Bamboo ...

When we lie down and close our eyes at night we hope for a restful nights sleep, without the savages waking us up too many times, where our dreams can take us where ever we want to go...

Check this guest room which belongs to Tiki Central's Tiki Lee. Looks like a nice place to take a nap amongst some Tiki design touches...

Well after years of longing for a real tiki room he could call his own, and not being able to get off his ass to do anything about it (His words not mine!) he called in the big gun: Bamboo Ben.

Bamboo Ben crafts beautiful bamboo pieces, tiki bars in particular, but also other furniture and home decor items. Ben specializes in custom work, but always has a number of pieces for sale in his showroom. Ben is also the grandson of "the original beachcomber," artist Eli Hedley.

I'm sure that you'll agree the finished results are stunning... its enough to get me thinking about some New Year design changes of my own here on The Secret Island.

Aloha Aulani ...

Aulani is a Disney Resort & Spa under development at the Ko Olina Resort & Marina near Kapolei on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Phase 1 is expected to open in August 2011; it will be the third Disney Vacation Club Resort located outside of a Disney theme park property.

Aulani" has more than one meaning. It is "the messenger of a chief", yet it is also "the one who delivers a message from a higher authority." To that end, Aulani tells the epic story of Hawai`i through every brushstroke, beam and sculpture.

So what can visitors expect?

The white sandy beach, tropical gardens, turquoise lagoons and sparkling waterfalls are just a few highlights of this balmy paradise. Inside the Resort, lava rock rises up through the floor of the grand lobby as dual pools of water cross the expanse: one gently flows with flora while the other rushes wildly through.

Check out more renderings of what you can expect in the Aulani Resort gallery.

In this short video clip imagineer (... love that Disney job title!) Joe Rohde, the leader of the creative team on Aulani, talks about the ongoing thrill of discovery and how the design and experience of Aulani are inspired by the stories and culture of Hawai'i itself.



I have to admit to having more than a soft spot for the Enchanted Tiki Room as well as anything produced by SHAG for Disney. If they can manage to weave some of the Disney magic into the local culture and traditions and people of Hawaii then they could be on to a good thing... just please keep the Mouse ears off the Tikis!

Wahine of the Week: Vivi Louise ...

Its that time of the week again for what you've all (... well most it would seem!) been waiting for... this weeks Woo Hoo Wahine. This week I'm especially excited to bring you Vivi Louise the perfect mix of retro class and modern sass.

Hailing from Hawaii and now residing in the Northwest of the United States, this saucy little mama has been modeling for a little over a year and has already established herself in the pin-up world; features in magazines, extensive work with notable clothing companies, websites and more. Other than being a self managed model she also balances the life of a mom, wife and aesthetician. Her future plans include doing make-up professionally and expanding her modeling career by challenging herself with different genres and delving into new mediums. Keep your eyes peeled for more because she's just getting started...

Official Website - Vivi Louise.

Beachbum Berry's Tiki+ iPhone app ...

My expired mobile contract provided me with a late Christmas present today a fourth generation iPhone, something that I've been after for a while. This opens up a whole new world of online Tiki opportunities!

My first downloaded app was an obvious choice, Tiki Drinks aficionado Jeff Beachbum Berry's Tiki+. For a mere $3.99 you get all of his published recipes that in book form would cost you over $45! It serves as a searchable database of tropical drinks recipes drawn from years of Jeff's detective work identifying the weird and wonderful mixtures of old school tiki bartenders.

Not convinced yet ... then here's more to wet your appetite!

* Over 150 drink recipes.
* Mark your favorites for easy-finding.
* Photos and old menu illustrations.
* Add your own notes to the recipes.
* Thumbnail histories of the drinks.
* Email a recipe with the touch of a button.

I'll be serving visitors to the Secret Island (... and myself!) some of these really soon!

101 Strings. Romance of Hawaii 1969 Alshire Records ...

101 Strings was the brand for a highly successful easy listening symphonic music organization, with a discography exceeding a hundred albums and a creative lifetime of roughly thirty years. Record label mogul David L. Miller came to prominence by releasing the first Bill Haley & His Comets’ records in 1952-1953 on his own Essex label in the United Kingdom.

Following the rise of popular mood music artists Mantovani and Jackie Gleason Presents, Miller subcontracted the Northwest German Radio Orchestra of Hamburg conducted by Wilhelm Stephan to play in-house arrangements of popular standards. The first 101 Strings album was released in late 1957; an astounding 24 titles were released in 1958. These records were pressed by Miller’s own plants and released through his own distribution channels such as grocery stores, part of the reason why they are so common in dusty thrift store record piles.

In 1964, Miller sold the franchise to Al Sherman, a successful record label distributor, who renamed the label Alshire (based in Los Angeles, California) and moved recording to London. The Alshire era is characterized by large-scale expansion of product, attempts to branch out into younger markets and, beginning in 1969, eventual stagnation despite some late efforts from Les Baxter released under the 101 banner!

This pre the stagnation (in my opinion)release titled Romance of Hawaii...

Conjures up pictures of surf on sun drenched beaches, azure skies, shimmering corals, blue lagoons, lush jungle and exotic flowers!

Enjoy 101 Strings - Romance of Hawaii. 1969

Mele Kalikmaka ...

Mele Kalikmaka everyone ... have fun out there. While we're in the mood check out this video from the Californian self proclaimed purveyors of Hula-billy the Hula Girls, which incidentally was shot at Don the Beachcombers! I know that they have been working on some commercials for them so I'm sure this would have been recorded at the same time.

For you Hawaiian music historians the song was written in 1949 by Robert Alex Anderson and recorded by Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters in 1950. If you're already in the mood for a Christmas movie the song is featured in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation!
The Hula Girls - Official Website.

It's the most wonderful time of the Year...

All at Mia Huna Moku would like to wish all our readers a Mele Kalikimaka and thank them for their support during the last three months...

... eat drink, be merry and come back in 2011 for more of the best of Polynesian Pop - past, present and future.

Some new additions ...

Here are a couple of my most recent additions to the collection here on the Secret Island. The first is a mug from Tiki Location John's Garden, Malibu, manufactured by Tiki Farm in 2010. The mug is available in two colors: bright orange and blue, the colors of nearby Pepperdine University. The mug is a highball design, with four surfboard "shields" and a tiki. I ordered this from Hermosa General Store which is an excellent online eBay store. Check them out.

The other is a set of SHAG coasters in a collectible tin. I must mention that the first set I ordered were lost in the post but the seller expressed a second set to me when I mentioned that they'd not arrived. Proof that there are some nice people still out there.

More from Derek Yaniger ...

Okay so we're a not too many hours away from Santa O'Clock so its too late to start thinking about purchasing online gifts for the big day. There will however be plenty of goodies for yourself to spend money on when you end up disappointed with the socks and undies you get again this year!

Derek Yaniger has been as busy as one of Santa's elves creating a fantastic deal and a new serigraph.

First up is the Tiki Oasis Serigraph Set. This collectible five serigraph collection includes all FIVE years of Tiki Oasis Serigraphs and is printed on heavyweight archival French paper all signed and numbered by the artist in a super limited edition of 15. All for a mind boggling $225!

Second on offer are the Ding Dong Devils! Groove on this way-out super-sexy mini serigraph by Derek! This collectable four color silk screened serigraph is printed on colored heavyweight archival French paper and measures 12" x 12" all signed and numbered by the artist in a limited edition of 75. Only $35!

Wahine of the Week: Sabina Kelley...

It's been a little while between Mai Tai's as I ventured up the coast of the Secret Island with the wahine and the savages for a spot of camping. I've returned fresh and revitalised to bring you the best in Tiki Lifestyle...

The good people at Blogger tell me that the three of the top five posts here on Mia Huna Moku are the regular Wahine of the Week posts... for obvious reasons! What better way to mark my return than to feature my next Wahine of the Week: Sabina Kelley.

Sabina Kelley has established herself as a true, modern day, pinup and icon. With a wide international presence, she has graced dozens of magazine covers as well as major ad campaigns, television, music videos, calendars, and so much more. Sabina has been modeling professionally for over 10 years and dancing since the age of two. She is professionally trained in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and pointe. She went from a small town ballerina to a big time Las Vegas showgirl performing in Jubilee for 2 1/2 years at Ballys Hotel. She is currently training to headline her first ever burlesque dance show.

While modeling with a lot of tattoos goes against industry norms, Sabina has been very successful in the mainstream-modeling world. However she shows the world that you can be heavily tattooed and still be beautiful, classy, and sexy. Sabina co-owns two tattoo shops in Las Vegas; Bombshell Tattoo and Staytrue Tattoo with her husband, Kent Kelley. Ironically enough she also owns her own laser tattoo removal business called Bombshell Tattoo Removal.

Introducing Bosko ...

Since graduating from Art Center College of Design in 1988, Bosko Hrnjak has carved out quite a career for himself. Literally: His hand-chiseled palm and redwood Tikis have become sought-after collector’s items, enabling him to create his own Polynesian hideaway on the outskirts of Escondido, California.

Taboo Cove a Bosko Bonana!

Between 1963 and 1976 his family moved four times, but always in the same area: Just off of Rosemead Blvd in Southern California's San Gabriel valley. From the back seat of their 64 Impala, he was amazed by the nightly drive past all of the mid-century Architectural landmarks; by day, peddling his bike, it seemed quite natural to see huge Tiki Gods, waterfalls, and volcanoes in front of A-frames. But by the mid 80's, he started his Tiki mug collection which kept growing and growing. Sven Kirsten explained to him in 1992 that there was a California Tiki style -- at once modern, primitive and cartoonish -- it was like an epiphany; it all made sense.

A couple of months later someone dumped a load of palm logs in a vacant lot down the road, and he took some home to carve Tiki stuff for his home bar. Two weeks later he had his first mask and pole designs (as seen in Tiki News #1). Soon after Bosko decided he needed his own Tiki mug, so the ceramics came next; he’s currently up to design #45!

Bosko has always held the forgotten masters in the highest regard, so it was an honor when, in the late 90's, he met Mr Westerhaver, creator of the legendary Witco furniture company, which featured in a previous post. It turned out both had attended Art Center School of Design in Pasadena, although 40 years apart. With his advice and support he developed his burnt-wood carving style.



His most recent exhibition was Mod Scapes & Shapes at M-Modern. Check out the slideshow…

Bosko Official Website.

Like Bongos! Time Records 2000 Series ...

For your listening pleasure I have Like Bongos! a Time Records release from the 2000 Series.

I found it quite difficult to find out much about this record. However I do know that it does feature Johnny Pacheco: Latin all-star, chief exponent of the pachanga, and (at this early date) sideman Latin percussionist. Some of these tracks featured on other Time Record releases, particularly "Monterrey" and "Bongolina."

... I'm not the biggest bongo fan in the World however the version of "Caravan" is worth the download alone. You too will Like Bongos!

Wahine of the Week: Masuimi Max ...

For your viewing pleasure this week I have Masuimi Max an American model of Korean and German descent. Masuimi is known for her many tattoos and her interest in several fetishes. She has appeared in dozens of magazines and photoshoots, music videos and appearances at car shows.

As well as modeling she also has her own range of cosmetics and a fashion label through Pin Up Girl Clothing.

Christmas Stocking Fillers #3: ModCloth's Tiki Me Home Pepper Grinder

Okay so so far we've got the Whirlingturban Dress and the Derek Print and the Shag Pirate Boy collectables. But what do you buy the Tiki Fan that has everything?

Well ModCloth bring you the Tiki Me Home Pepper Grinder!

Press the chiseled plastic statue's nose to grind and season meals with a Pacific Islander twist! This will be your favorite functional kitchen appliance that doubles as a conversation piece!

ModCloth was founded by high school sweethearts, Eric Koger and Susan Gregg Koger, and built on a foundation of love for vintage and retro clothing, ModCloth.com is an online clothing, accessories, and decor retailer that aims to provide a fun and engaging shopping atmosphere for you, our customer. Check them out ...

Aloha Lanes ...

Now its been a long time since I created a model here on the Secret Island, and when I did it resulted in the use of a basic kit, some glue which seemingly was only useful for attaching fingers and a lot of swearing from my Dad! I ended up with a Spitfire of sorts and lots of spare parts... I've had no interest since ... until now!

Mike Cozart has always loved model making and spent thirteen years working for Disney and is still building and designing models today! His latest project is the wonderful Aloha Lanes (originally to be called Tiki Bowl ... Aloha Lanes is better!) inspired by several structures in the San Diego area some which are still standing today. Aloha Lanes also features a coffee shop called "TIKI COVE" and a cocktail lounge called "THE PELE ROOM."

The good news is that you may be able to purchase a version of Aloha Lanes in a 1/8Th (HO Scale) laser craftsman kit, Mike points out that the version of the final kit may not be as elaborate, and the coffee shop section may become a separate kit to keep the model size a bit smaller but he hopes that these will be sold under the CENTURY SCALE MODEL line.

I'll update when Aloha Lanes becomes available...

Introducing the Blue Hipster ...

The Blue Hipster is Dutch artist and musician Bert. Working from a gallery in Utrecht his work can be filed under feel good, colourful, retro, cartoonesque, cocktail, music, travel and mid-century commercial art.

Having started out as a freelance illustrator he was soon encouraged to take his vibrant works to a much larger scale. In addition to continued illustration work he now also paints on unusual panorama-wide canvas (150x60 cm or 200x80 cm).

His recent illustration work has featured on many magazines, some of my favourite websites, record cover art, posters and print artwork. If you’re looking for something “Hip’n’Cool” for your project then check out the link on his website.

His painted works are painted with acrylic paints and great for a big wall in your living-room, bedroom, office, restaurant or Tiki Bar! These are often created as commissions following a brief from the soon to be owner. You issue the brief, check out the initial sketches before sitting back for a couple of weeks and wait for it to arrive! Check out more about how you can get the Blue Hipster painting for you.

His website also features some classic Exotica and it would seem that he does more than just listen having put together an album of Dutch Exotica tracks. I hope to do a little more research and find out more about the musical side of the Blue Hipster in future weeks!