Located at the center of Times Square in New York City, The Hawaii Kai was touted as “the world's greatest Polynesian restaurant”. The owner, Broadway producer Joe Kipness, hired one of his scenic designers from the theater to create the elaborate decor where there were caged exotic birds, thatch huts, tropical flowers, murals, and hula dancers.
Upon entry guests were welcomed with a Hawaiian lei to help transport them out of the busy streets of NYC and into The Lounge of Seven Pleasures where there was nightly entertainment or to enjoy the quintessential tiki drinks in the Okole Malua Bar. Diners were encouraged to form conga lines and dance around the dining room.
To attract the tourists, there was a stream of giveaways from tiki mugs to goblets, lighters and salt & pepper shakers, which are now collectors items.
The Hawaii Kai opened in 1962 in the location that one year prior was the short lived Lanai, and in the early '40s was Monte Proser’s Beachcomber. They survived a fire in the '80s (what is it with fires and tiki bars??), and before closing in 1989, a scene from “Goodfellas” was filmed there.
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Men's / Unisex - 60% combed ring-spun cotton, 40% polyester jersey, 4.3 oz 32 singles.
