Tiki Culture

Tiki culture, originating in the mid-20th century, celebrates a stylized interpretation of Polynesian and tropical island life, primarily through restaurants, bars, and home decor. It gained popularity in the United States after World War II, becoming associated with exotic cocktails, tiki bars adorned with bamboo and tiki carvings, and a vibrant, escapist aesthetic. Major influences include bars like Trader Vic's and Don the Beachcomber. Tiki culture encompasses not only food and drink but also music, fashion, and art, creating a nostalgic fantasy of paradise that continues to resonate today.