The Mai-Kai Restaurant Review: It’s Back, Baby!

When you first become interested in tiki, one depressing truth becomes evident right away: the best days of tiki (in its original incarnation) are long gone. Tiki has gone through several chapters since its birth in the mid-20th Century, and the kitsch-and-cheeseball era of the 1970s-1980s devastated public interest in Polynesian Pop such that many of the original and best bars are forever relegated to the history books.

Such is the case for most of the original dinner theaters, which put on Polynesian shows featuring the arts, music, and culture of the peoples who influenced Don Beach and Vig Bergeron in the first place. Imagine my distress at learning that I was decades too late to experience the iconic Kahiki in Columbus, a few hours from where I live. I was similarly distressed when I learned that the last true Polynesian dinner show and tiki bar, The Mai-Kai Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, had shuttered in 2020 – and likely forever.

Luckily, the fates intervened, and a $20 Million investment has saved the Mai-Kai Restaurant. As of late 2024, the restaurant, two bars, and garden are open again, welcoming visitors to experience a slice of tiki history and far-flung culture too.

I had the chance to visit the Mai-Kai Restaurant in February 2025, with my husband and daughter (they’re kid-friendly – always a bonus in my book!). I wanted to put together this Mai-Kai Restaurant review with photos so that you could decide if it’s worth adding to your Florida itinerary and/or ticking off your tiki bucket list. If you still have any questions after reading, please let me know in the comments! Ready to sail away with me into the wondrous world of the Mai-Kai?

Tiki Drinks & Dining Options

The Mai-Kai has an extensive tiki drink menu. It’s organized into mild, medium, and strong drinks, plus there are small non-alcoholic and non-rum sections. In total, there are 52 drinks to choose from – you’re certainly going to find something you like, and not run out of options if you stay for a few rounds! (It doesn’t include every popular tiki drink, but definitely has a lot of them!)

We started with a round of Mai Tais (strong); it’s made with an 8-year Jamaican rum and is as smooth as they describe it. In addition to the Mai Tai, lots of people recommended the Barrel o’ Rum (strong), so that’s what I had as my second drink. My husband had the Martinique Milk Punch (mild) as his second drink during our dessert course.

For food, we started with a delicious, deep-fried pupu platter, which included Shanghai chicken, egg roll, crab rangoon, and Tahitian cheese tangs. My husband had the Kona-braised beef short rib; I went for the poke bowl and the veggie fried rice for our little one. We ended with Macadamia nut pie, which my husband chose because he thought it was the most unique and appropriate choice on the menu (which otherwise features pretty standard American desserts).

All in, our four drinks, starter, two entrees, one side, and dessert (plus tip and service charge) were almost $300. That’s on top of $23 per person for the show, with seats in the elevated Tonga section – kids are not exempt from this price, so we spent over $350. I hope this helps you come up with an appropriate budget!

The only negative of our experience – as others who have been have also noted – is that service is very spotty. We tried very hard to get our server’s attention a few times and were either ignored or just not seen, and it probably cost a third round of drinks as it took so long to place our order for a second round. (Interestingly, the service charge on the bill isn’t explained, but I hope it goes to floor staff – the tip only offered options for 3%, 5%, and 10%.)

While most people will come for dinner and the show, dinner and drinks on its own is still a great time; the food was delicious, the portions were generous, the kitchen was quick, and the bartenders pour strong. Sounds good, right?

Interior (Re)Design

The Mai Kai has undergone major redevelopment and improvement since its closure, but it’s still stunning inside. Every room and area is elaborate and looks real; the craftsmanship is top-notch!

When you first arrive, you’ll probably be swept up in the surroundings: the “lava” volcano near the valet stand, the Bora Bora Bar outside the entrance, and the tempting entrance to the Molokai Bar before you reach the main dining room.

If you have time before your show, you should absolutely wander and enjoy a pre-dinner drink; there’s usually time after each show (even the early show) to explore in case you just want to get to your table and enjoy your meal and drinks. Be sure to swing by the gift shop, some of the other dining rooms, and ladies – the women’s bathroom is a work of art!

The gardens are also open again; be sure not to miss them when you visit. There are a few different paths you can explore, with many tiki statues and motifs for photos. You can also grab fantastic photos of the historic sign that proclaims the Mai-Kai is back and better than ever (like the one I used at the top of this post).

The Show: Cheeseball or Cultural?

Now let’s talk about the show… I have to admit, this was the part of visiting the Mai-Kai I was most ‘nervous’ about. I was worried it was going to be cheesy and disrespectful to the cultures it represents – and which inspired tiki in the first place. I’m pretty passionate about encouraging conscious consumption of tiki, and the absolute worst would have been (for me) was a show that equated to cultural appropriation and disrespect.

Actually the Mai-Kai show is really well done; the host talked us through each dance and song before it began, explaining the country of origin and cultural context it came from, as well as its specific significance and meaning. Even the more bombastic showy parts were rooted in real culture and history.

It probably helps that many of the musicians are long-time Mai-Kai performers too, so they bring a heritage and respect for history to each night’s shows. The performers also seem really committed to doing a good job – both for the show and the people they’re representing.

I was honestly impressed (and relieved) by how well done the show is. For many people, this might be the closest they ever get to Polynesia or Tahiti or New Zealand (or those cultures) – and this might actually inspire people to someday visit, or at least learn more.

Have any more questions after reading this Mai-Kai Restaurant Review? Let me know in the comments below so I can help you decide if it’s worth it for you!