 The
"Polynesian Pop" trend began in WWII, peaked around the time of
Hawaii's admission to the Union (1959), lost momentum in the mid-1960s, and was
dead by 1970.
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Originally, the appeal of the South Seas theme was fueled by World War II GIs
who had served in the South Pacific. Reinforcing influences included Thor
Heyerdahl's bestselling Kon-Tiki (1950) and James A. Mitchener's Tales
of the South Pacific (1947), which later became a popular musical. |
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Pitcairn Motel
11751 Harbor Blvd., Garden Grove, CA
(Demolished Oct. 1998)
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The Pitcairn was once the zenith of Tiki style in Anaheim. The sign out front complimented the lobby, which looked like a Polynesian hut. Sadly, the
motel had fallen into total disrepair by the 1990s.
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Ala Moana Apartments
530 W. Wilson Ave., Costa Mesa, CA
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This is a fairly well-preserved complex. Tiki features include an arch facade, a jetty-like bridge entrance, tropical landscaping, portholes, a second
arch over the office, and a waterfall made of lava rock.
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Bali Hi Mobile Home Lodge
432 S. Harbor Blvd., Garden Grove, CA
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This is a time capsule of tiki decor,
rather than tiki architecture. The recreation room hasn't changed one iota since
its construction by the CCH Corp. in 1959. Note the bamboo lounge furniture,
flagcrete fireplace and furry lampshades. Lava rock, palms and a great sign
(without its original "cheese-hole" base), enhance the exterior.
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Tiki Gardens
Indian Rocks Beach, FL (Demolished)
(Photos
from Tiki Gardens postcards)
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The world's only tiki theme park was owned by "Trader Frank" Byers,
and closed in the 1970s. In the photo on the right, a "native girl" is watched by Lono (a tiki) at Tiki Lagoon.
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The Enchanted Tiki Home
Slater Ave., Huntington Beach, CA
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This standard one-story tract home,
features some impressive tikis and tropical landscaping. The owner carved the tikis for Lion Country
Safari in Irvine, but got them back when the zoological park closed. He was also one of the original dancers at Disneyland's
Tahitian Terrace.
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