Hollywood: The Birthplace of Tiki (Sold Out)

Pufferfish lamps, Tiki head swizzle sticks, Mai Tai bowls, matchbooks adorned with beach shacks and hula girls, and colorful menus decorated with  "tropical island" scenes that open to reveal an exciting array of exotic beverages (described with humor and daring) are on display in our "Out with the Stars" exhibit to represent the Polynesian restaurant craze that began in Hollywood in the 1930s and reached its pinnacle in the mid-20th century.

On the closing day of the exhibit, we bow to the cult of Tiki, with an all-day party featuring author Ken Bruce speaking on Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, the subject of his book Before the Birds Sang Words; Alex Lamb and Max Well, co-directors of the new documentary, THE DONN OF TIKI: THE INCREDULOUS STORY OF DON THE BEACHCOMBER; Tiki cocktails; and last looks at the "Out with the Stars" exhibit. Highlights include a preview clip from Lamb's film that illustrates Don's Hollywood presence in the 1930s and '40s, in which Marlene Dietrich makes an appearance. Lamb and Well will share stories about Don the Beachcomber and answer audience questions along with Karen Sund, daughter of Don Beach's first wife Sunny (who drove the restaurants bearing Don's name into a multi-million dollar business).

11:30 – 12:30 PM

Ken Bruce on Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room, followed by a booksigning.

12:30 - 1:30 PM 

Tonga Hut Tiki Cocktails and refreshments on the Museum Lawn.

1:30 – 2:30 PM

Alex Lamb and Max Well on Don the Beachcomber with Karen Sund (Sunny Sund: The Woman Behind Don the Beachcomber, Inc.: A Hollywood Story). Karen Sund, Sunny's daughter wrote about her mother's journey in a male-dominated restaurant world, to multiply the success of the original Don the Beachcomber Hollywood-based celebrity hangout,  into a multi-million dollar chain. The book was written with Cindi Neisinger.

Larry Edmunds will be onsite to sell books.

Tickets are $25 and include access to all panel discussions, book signings, refreshments and the "Out with the Stars" exhibit.

The Museum will be closed today, except to ticket buyers for the Tiki Party. Please note that parts of the exhibit will be obscured, due to the set up for the special event.