The historic Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show has been a Fort Lauderdale icon since its opening in 1956. The dinner house, Polynesian show, bar and restaurant draw visitors to South Florida from around the world with events held at the venue such as the annual Hukilau. The Mai-Kai was built by brothers Bob and Jack Thornton who caught the tiki bug after frequenting places like Don The Beachcomber and Trader Vic's in California. After they completed military service they set out to bring Polynesian culture home with them and on December 28, 1956 the doors of the Mai-Kai opened to the public.

Located at 3599 North Federal Highway in Oakland Park, Florida it is one of the last "Grand Polynesian Palaces of Tiki" still in operation today. The grounds and building not only add a beautiful esthetic to the city, but they also employ many Oakland Park residents, cooks, service people, bussers and entertainers who support their families from their employment at the Mai-Kai. This establishment generates revenue, not only for their staff but for the city and surrounding businesses due to the tourism it attracts globally. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2014. Currently, the Mai-Kai has suffered damage to the kitchen and roof of the building which will require extensive, costly repair work. 

Please help save the Mai-Kai by signing and sharing this petition. Let the City Council and Mayor Jane Bolin know that you don't want to lose this iconic fixture that makes Oakland Park a global tourist destination and revenue source for so many.

Mahalo

https://www.maikai.com/