The following tips have been created to ease your experience at The Hukilau™. Your 1st stop once you arrive should be Registration. Registration will be located at the Best Western Oceanside. Once you register – WEAR YOUR WRISTBANDS – they will not be re-issued without paying a fee. Details and hours of Registration on the Schedule.
iVisitLauderdale
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Florida Weather
There will probably be some intermittent rain showers during each day, so you may want to be prepared with an umbrella or a jacket with a hood. Cabs are readily available at both hotels if you’d rather have a ride.
Florida Sun
You might think you’re ready for Florida sun but you’re not. Bring your sunscreen!! You can get a burn just by standing outside and talking with other ohana. Summer will be in full swing around these parts so come prepared. You will most likely need a stronger SPF than you’re used to. We’ve seen several baked lobsters over the weekend so don’t let that be you!!
The Hukilau™ Host Hotels
We currently have 2 host hotels: The Yankee Clipper and The Best Western Oceanside. These are 2 different hotels next door to one another. The Sheraton Yankee Clipper is officially called The Sheraton Ft. Lauderdale Beach Hotel, but we refer to it by its original, historic name: The Yankee Clipper.
Wristbands
How do we know you are a ticket holder? By wearing your wristbands. When you register at the event you will receive your wristbands. If at anytime we see someone without a wristband our security team must ask you to leave. Hukilau attendees pay hard earned dollars to attend this event and there will be some that will try to come in without paying. Therefore, wearing your wristband DURING ALL TIMES/DAYS of the event will show you are an Official Villager.
Washroom attendants
The Mai-Kai has washroom attendants. Be prepared to support this bit of throwback-luxury by having a dollar or two on you when you visit the restroom, for tips.
Where to find people
When you register, you’ll get a program that will tell you The Hukilau™ schedule, but during the few times when nothing is scheduled, you can probably find people congregating at the Poolside Bar at the Best Western or Bahia Cabana, the Tiki Treasures Bazaar Floor at the Best Western Oceanside, poolside at the Bahia Mar or possibly at the Molokai Bar at the Mai-Kai. Plan on keeping a cell phone with you during the weekend to make it easier to meet up with friends, old & new.
Pace Your Drinking/Mai-Kai cocktails
DRINK LOTS OF WATER. Pacing is important. Not just drinks throughout one evening, but through the entire weekend. With the official events starting on Thursday, to the Sunday Finale party, that is 4 very full days of activities and drinking, and although it is a worthy goal, you are not required to experience every single minute. If you feel yourself burning out, go to your room and take a short nap for an hour or two, if it will refresh you. There will likely be ongoing events or room parties happening when you do wake up – and if you’re from the West coast, you may be able to witness the unusual site of the morning sun rising over the ocean. BY ALL MEANS – DRINK RESPONSIBLY! The Hukilau™ also provides you with a shuttle service on Saturday night so no one has to worry about driving!! The Mai-Kai will also gladly call a taxi for you!
Mai-Kai Cocktails/Happy Hour
A gain, pace yourself and DRINK LOTS OF WATER. If you’re not used to drinks like the Jet Pilot and the Zombie, they can sneak up on you when you least expect it and interrupt your entire Mai-Kai experience – do not take that statement lightly, it is true. No matter what dinner show you are attending on Saturday night each one will include Happy Hour. The Mai-Kai Happy Hour now features all drinks and appetizers at ½ Off (some restrictions apply) so trying a couple is now as easy as ordering. Another idea to PACE YOURSELF is order from the Medium Page of the Drink Menu and the other order from the Strong Page – and order Appetizers!! Fill that tummy!
Food – Remember to eat!
The schedule sometimes leaves little time to get lunch, but it’s way important. We have seen too many people so hung over on day two they had nothing but bad times. A huge help in pacing is a full stomach. You will be surrounded by good food all weekend – the Cabana has wonderful hearty and light fare, the Bahia Mar has great pizzas and yummy pastas/sandwiches and of course the Mai-Kai has world winning cuisine. A meal will keep you on an even keel very well. The Bahia Cabana will gladly prepare these meals TO GO!
Bring Cash/ATM Card
You WILL be able to use credit cards at The Hukilau™ merch table but not at our other vendor booths. Bring your ATM card. You will likely see some vendor artwork or goodies that will impress, and you don’t want to be caught short on cash. Some of the vendors will not have a credit card option to pay so you might want to bring some handy cash as well. There are Bank of America, Compass and Wachovia branches in the immediate area and ATM machines located at each hotel but with a premium. Also bring an empty bag, especially if flying into Florida, to have room for all the items you may purchase.
Bring Your Favorite Tiki Mug
It’s always fun to see everyone enjoying their cocktails in their very own Tiki mug. Bring your own and have the bartenders at the different venues fill you up!
Do you have a tip to share? Please share it with us! Send us an email on the contact page.
