OK, so the Hukilau, my favorite South Florida summer event, is back for 2010 and better than ever. For the uninitiated, a Hukilau is a traditional Hawaiian festival held in the fishing villages of old. A large net is cast into the sea then the villagers herd the fish and slowly pull the net to the shore. The feast that follows is meant to emphasize the spirit of family and community, or ‘ohana.

This modern mainland Hukilau is a net thrown out to the entire world, bringing the lovers of “Polynesian Pop” or “Tiki” culture together for our own special celebration. The Hukilau began when a few people on the Tiki Central message board discussed gathering at Trader Vic’s in Atlanta. Tiki Kiliki (Co-founder and Producer) and Swanky (Co-Founder & former Organizer — click here to read his bio) began planning what is now “The Hukilau” — an annual event celebrating Hawaiian and Polynesian Pop culture while honoring a historic Tiki bar/location. The reaction and excitement was phenomenal! The first event held in 2002, honoring Trader Vic’s Atlanta (open since 1976), was three days of entertainment and events. All venues sold out and the crowds poured in. It also sparked a fire to do more, thus an annual Tiki Gala was born!

Hukilau saw a change of location in 2003 when the producers were encouraged by other Tikiphiles to honor the amazing Mai Kai in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (open since 1956). Thanks be to the Tiki Gods – The response was overwhelming, as attendees from all over the world made the pilgrimage and once again the event was extremely successful. Now it its 9th year, it is a party that must be experienced. It is a “moral imperative.”

I could go on and on, but please hit the event web site and get all the details yourself. Circle the dates, break out the Rum and Tiki Mugs and make it to South Florida. You will never be the same.