- Attraction: Mai-Kai Restaurant & Polynesian Show
- Location: 3599 N. Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
- Industry: Dinner Theater
- Website: https://maikai.com/
Forget everything you think you know about dinner and a show. Since December 28, 1956, Mai-Kai has been transporting guests from the bustling streets of Fort Lauderdale straight into an authentic Polynesian paradise, complete with thatched roofs, flaming torches, and the longest-running Polynesian revue in the entire United States.
This National Register of Historic Places landmark has earned recognition as the “#1 Tiki Bar/Restaurant in the World” by Critiki.com, and after a spectacular $20 million renovation that concluded in late 2024, this South Florida institution is more enchanting than ever.
What started as brothers Bob and Jack Thornton’s childhood dream—inspired by visits to Don the Beachcomber in Chicago—has evolved into one of America’s most authentic Polynesian cultural experiences.
You’ll step into eight themed dining rooms, each named after Pacific islands, surrounded by genuine artifacts some over 100 years old, waterfalls, lagoons, and an atmosphere so immersive that you’ll forget you’re not actually island-hopping in the South Pacific.
The Spectacular Polynesian Islander Revue
The Samoan Fire Knife Dance: Prepare to have your breath taken away. The thrilling Samoan fire knife dance is designed to show off authentic island traditions, and when those flames start spinning, every conversation in the room stops.
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Keep Exploring →The 45-minute show features beautiful dancers who perform traditional songs and dances from islands including Hawaii, Samoa, and Tahiti.
Authentic Polynesian Culture: Managing partner Bill Fuller hired a cultural director of Hawaiian and Tahitian ancestry because “you have to hire artists who have this in their family legacy”.
The performers are all natives of the South Pacific, and many stay with The Mai-Kai for years, ensuring authenticity in every movement and costume. You’ll witness everything from romantic Hawaiian wedding dances to powerful warrior ceremonies.
The Mystery Drink Experience: Order the legendary Mystery Drink and you’ll be treated to a special dance from The Mai-Kai’s sultry Mystery Girl.
This tradition became so famous that Johnny Carson had the Mystery Girl appear multiple times on The Tonight Show, and the Mystery Bowl “remained on Johnny’s desk for the entire night” during one memorable appearance.
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Discover MoreMultiple Show Times: You can catch performances throughout the week, with showtimes ranging from early afternoon on Sundays to late evening shows on Saturdays.
The show runs approximately 45 minutes and takes place on a central stage surrounded by diners, ensuring everyone gets an excellent view of the action.
Tropical Cocktails & Polynesian Cuisine
Over 50 Tropical Drinks: The legendary Molokai Bar serves over 50 unique tropical drinks, and these classic cocktails feature secret recipes that date back to Don the Beachcomber’s groundbreaking libations.
At one point, Mai-Kai consumed more rum than any other eatery in the U.S. Try the Tahitian Breeze or dare to order one of their famous rum punches served in carved wooden bowls.
Asian-Polynesian Fusion: The menu blends Polynesian and Asian influences with favorites like the Pupu Platter, which lets you sample Shanghai Chicken wrapped in bacon, egg rolls, crab rangoons, and Tahitian Cheese Tangs.
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Keep Exploring →You’ll find Americanized Chinese food alongside fresh seafood and prime steaks, plus sushi options. The Teriyaki Combo is a crowd-pleaser featuring beef, chicken, and shrimp with grilled pineapple and your choice of rice.
Signature Appetizers: The Pupu Platter remains a must-try experience that lets you taste multiple island-inspired flavors in one order. Each platter includes breaded cheese with diced ham and mushrooms, marinated chicken wrapped in bacon, and traditional egg rolls.
Enchanting Gardens & Atmosphere
Tropical Paradise Setting: The surrounding gardens feature walking paths through tropical vegetation, simulated rock formations, waterfalls, ponds, and Tiki statues.
The garden area includes different plants and flowers, and you’re encouraged to take a stroll after ordering your food while your seats are saved. These gardens provide perfect photo opportunities with authentic tiki sculptures and cascading water features.
Authentic Polynesian Architecture: The main building features a large A-frame thatched roof, and a wooden slat bridge is crossed to reach the entrance.
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Discover MoreEverything is made of wood with thatch roofing and tiki torches everywhere, plus beautiful lamps hanging from the ceiling. The atmosphere is so convincing that you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a genuine Polynesian village.
The Famous Molokai Bar: The Molokai Bar is designed to look like the inside of a sunken ship, and the waitresses wear traditional sarongs and are a welcoming sight during the popular happy hour. Happy hour features drinks 50% off from 5-7PM daily, and the bar is open from 3:00 PM to closing.
Other Considerations
Upscale Pricing Experience: This is not the cheapest meal you’ll find in South Florida, as it’s fairly pricey, but the experience is part of what you’re paying for overall. A minimum of 1 entree per person is required for show seating, and many visitors find the combination of dinner, drinks, and entertainment worth the premium pricing for special occasions.
Reservations Essential: Reservations can be made up to 45 days in advance and cannot be canceled. You definitely want to call ahead and make a reservation as Mai-Kai is a very popular choice for tourists, celebrations, and date nights. Tables are released 45 days in advance, so plan accordingly for this bucket-list experience.
Special Occasion Destination: This venue shines for celebrations, anniversaries, birthdays, and unique date nights. Many families bring children for birthday celebrations, and couples celebrate anniversaries here. The venue caters to both tourists and locals who return year after year for the reliable escape into Polynesian paradise.
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Keep Exploring →Valet Parking: Valet parking is mandatory with an $8 fee, so factor this into your evening plans. The convenience is worth it given the attraction’s popularity and the immersive experience that begins the moment you arrive.
Mai-Kai Restaurant & Polynesian Show
📍 3599 N. Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
