| Though tiki culture peaked during the 1950s and | | | | decor. These mugs are great to display, but even |
| 1960s, today tiki collectibles remain popular with a | | | | better to keep at your home bar to serve tropical |
| wide group of enthusiasts. In fact, according to | | | | drinks, as they were meant to be used. |
| many, there is currently a resurgence of tiki culture. | | | | Tiki drinks, of course, have never gone out of style. |
| Those who weren't old enough to remember the | | | | Though eclipsed for a time by the margarita and |
| original decor are gravitating towards this unique and | | | | other trendy drinks, the Mai Tai is here to stay. In a |
| exotic style. As some have noted, the appeal of tiki | | | | unique blending of the Mexican and Polynesian |
| is nearly universal. | | | | cultures, a new brand of Mexican tequila has a five |
| Today, vintage mugs are coveted collectors' items, | | | | inch glass tiki inside the bottle. |
| and they are quickly scooped up from any thrift | | | | Tiki culture has recently been covered in several |
| store or antique shop. As the majority of tiki bars | | | | newly-published books. Many of these focus |
| and restaurants closed throughout the 80's, and 90s, | | | | specifically on the tiki mug, the most iconic |
| such stores were flooded with tiki mugs and other | | | | representation of the culture, while others |
| wares, where they sat untouched. Though they once | | | | commemorate this unique cultural phenomenon as a |
| collected dust as relics of a bygone era, tropical | | | | whole. Thousands of fans lament the demise of fun |
| memorabilia is now very hot, partly because of its | | | | and unique tiki restaurants from the heyday of the |
| "camp" or "kitschy" value. Collectors enjoy the | | | | era. Tiki collectors also gravitate towards various |
| over-the-top designs, while decorators love their | | | | websites and ezines covering Tiki culture, such as |
| unique style. | | | | "Twisted Times." |
| Tiki memorabilia is not just seen in kitschy collectibles | | | | Polynesian themes can even be seen at a site at |
| from years past. Tropical decor is today a wildly | | | | Burning Man, an annual Nevada desert gathering of |
| popular decorating style for the home. There are | | | | artists and neo-pagans, where the Tiki Camp began |
| even modern artists who carve wooden Tiki gods | | | | around 1994. Other annual tiki events include those at |
| that have sold out instantly to collectors. They don't | | | | Tiki Oasis in San Diego and The Hukilau at Fort |
| need to be vintage or rare to be enjoyed by many | | | | Lauderdale, both popular spots where thousands of |
| who simply want to bring a little island style to the | | | | Tikiphiles gather. |
| mainland. Though island decor is quite varied, Tikiphiles | | | | Not only are there gatherings for fans, but new tiki |
| will remind you that it does not mean plastic neon | | | | restaurants are beginning to open in what many have |
| Hawaiian leis and a cheap ukulele. The movement | | | | described as a tiki revival. The newest tiki bar has |
| was much more sophisticated than that. | | | | recently opened at the Venetian in Las Vegas. As |
| New tiki mug designs blend the traditional shape with | | | | new tiki-themed bars and restaurants open, the |
| bright new colors for a new generation. Since they | | | | world of tiki fans is sure to grow as more people are |
| are so popular, mugs can also be purchased new, | | | | drawn to the unique charm of tiki décor. |
| especially in souvenir shops or those offering tiki | | | | |