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This Is The Only Place In Northern Michigan You’ll Find Tiki Cottages On A Sugar Sand Beach

Sometimes paradise is closer than you think.

Mai Tiki Resort transforms Michigan’s shoreline into a tropical oasis where sugar sand beaches meet crystal-clear waters and vibrant tiki cottages create an unforgettable Caribbean atmosphere.

This unique lakefront destination on Lake Huron offers everything from nightly beach bonfires to outdoor movie screenings under the stars, making it the perfect escape for families seeking adventure and couples craving romance.

You’ll discover three distinct resort experiences within Mai Tiki’s collection:

The main Mai Tiki Resort with its colorful cottages and condos, Tiki Too for larger groups, and the exclusive Secret Beach resort.

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Each location maintains the signature tropical theme while offering different accommodations and amenities, ensuring there’s something perfect for every type of getaway.

Accommodations & Beach Activities

Cottage Living: The resort’s twelve vibrant tiki-themed cottages steal the show with their bold tropical colors and unique personalities. Each cottage features full kitchens, private decks, and accommodates anywhere from one to ten guests.

You’ll love the A-frame designs with open lofts and high ceilings that create an airy, beachy atmosphere. The cottages come equipped with everything you need, including grills, picnic tables, and those iconic thatched umbrellas that transport you straight to the islands.

Beachfront Condos: For those preferring modern amenities, the ten air-conditioned condos offer stunning Lake Huron views with fully equipped kitchens and comfortable living spaces. Upper-level units feature vaulted ceilings with skylights and amazing lake breezes, while lower units provide easy beach access. Each condo includes outdoor seating areas and access to communal grilling stations.

Beach Paradise: The expansive sugar sand beach becomes your personal playground with crystal-clear Lake Huron waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and paddle boarding. You can spend hours walking along miles of pristine shoreline or simply relaxing in the provided Adirondack chairs watching spectacular sunrises paint the sky in brilliant colors.

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Water Adventures: Lake Huron’s calm waters invite you to try snorkeling, surfing, or paddle boarding right from your doorstep. The nearby Au Sable River adds even more opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and fishing adventures.

Evening Entertainment & Special Features

Movies Under The Stars: Summer evenings come alive with free outdoor movie screenings right on the beach. You’ll grab your blanket and beach chair for this magical experience that delights both kids and adults. The popcorn and cozy atmosphere make it feel like a private cinema with the best possible backdrop.

Nightly Beach Bonfires: Every evening, the beach transforms into a gathering place where families roast s’mores and share stories around crackling fires. These community bonfires create lasting memories and provide the perfect way to wind down after active beach days.

Live Entertainment: Special events throughout the season include live bands like “Way Out Wayne,” mermaid performers who swim with children, and yoga sessions on the beach. These unique touches add extra magic to your stay and create unexpected delights.

Kids’ Paradise: The playground area with swings and slides keeps little ones entertained, while the sandy volleyball court provides fun for all ages. Cornhole games and other beach activities ensure there’s never a dull moment.

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Atmosphere & Setting

Tropical Transformation: The moment you arrive, vibrant colors and tiki theming transport you from Michigan to the Caribbean. Palm-inspired decorations, grass hut umbrellas, and tropical landscaping create an authentic island atmosphere that feels worlds away from everyday life.

Community Feel: The resort fosters a friendly, relaxed environment where families gather around communal fire pits and children play together on the beach. You’ll find yourself chatting with other guests and feeling part of a temporary vacation community.

Sunrise Spectacular: Lake Huron’s eastern exposure means you’ll witness some of the most breathtaking sunrises imaginable right from your cottage or condo. Many guests wake early just to experience these daily light shows that paint the entire sky in brilliant oranges, pinks, and purples.

Island Vibes: Despite being in Michigan, the combination of clear blue waters, white sand beaches, and tropical theming genuinely makes you forget you’re in the Midwest. The lakeside setting provides both privacy and stunning natural beauty.

Other Considerations

Pricing Value: The resort offers mid-tier pricing that reflects its unique theme and prime beachfront location. When you consider the full kitchen facilities, beach access, and included activities like movies and bonfires, the value becomes quite reasonable for lakefront accommodations.

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Family Traditions: Many families return year after year, with some guests celebrating over a decade of annual visits. The resort books up to 50 weeks in advance for peak summer seasons, indicating strong repeat business and satisfaction.

Seasonal Operation: Mai Tiki operates seasonally, with peak experiences available during summer months when all activities are in full swing. Spring and early fall visits offer quieter experiences but may have limited activities.

Parking & Access: Free parking is available throughout the property, making it easy to explore the greater Oscoda area. The resort’s location on US-23 provides convenient access to local attractions, restaurants, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Group Options: Tiki Too and Secret Beach offer exclusive rental options for larger groups, family reunions, or special celebrations, accommodating up to 34 guests in multiple connected cottages.


Mai Tiki Resort
📍 3322 US-23, Au Sable Township, MI 48750

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Writer: Kathy Bayton
Click to read bio

I have been writing since college, after college I moved to Michigan for good. Nothing beats the Great Lakes in the summer or a cider mill in the fall. When I’m not writing, you’ll find me browsing indie bookstores or hanging out with friends. Michigan has the best sunsets and I will die on that hill.