A few months ago it was announced that The Hukilau in Florida would be saying its final aloha. Well, we just received a press release from Christie “Tiki Kaliki” White announcing that it’s been saved! The release reads:
Dear Villagers of The Hukilau – please hear this call to action,
As you are aware, we have announced that The Hukilau 2014, our 13th year together, will be The Final Aloha. While the Final Aloha was a very difficult decision to make, it was necessary by a series of factors at that time. I’m relieved and thankful that we may be able to overcome them.
I’m happy to announce due to recent events that The Hukilau will continue!! I wanted to be very transparent so that you all could know that this as soon as possible. I know how much all of you save and must pull all the stops to be able to travel each year and spend your hard earned vacation dollars during The Hukilau weekender. It’s very important to me that all of you know this could not have been possible prior to meeting with the 2 people that are looking at coming aboard. 6 months ago I could see no way that I could continue the event due to the enormity of the project and the demands of responsibility plus my full time job commitment.
The tremendous outpouring of support, emails, offers and interest in saving The Hukilau since making the Final Aloha announcement has been overwhelming. When I take a step back and see all the lives that this event has impacted over the years, how many relationships have been forged, how many historic moments in our culture have been shared between us, it was clear to me that I didn’t want to end the event – I just could no longer do it alone.
The Mai-Kai is in complete support of The Hukilau and are equally excited of the event continuing!!!! Of course, the Mai-Kai remains as my most treasured place on the planet – their future preservation and history are of the upmost importance to myself and my team.
If some of you feel as though you’d like to cancel this year I completely understand given that The Hukilau will have a life far beyond the 2014 event. I’m thankful that we’ve been given the opportunity to tell you now so that you can let me know if you’d rather make it another year. Please contact me directly so that I can take care of your cancelation personally. You can email me at christie@thehukilau.com
We will announce the dates of The Hukilau 2015 at this years event in June and will give those that registered for the Final Aloha the first opportunity to pre-register for 2015 – we thank you!!! This announcement will be followed by a future press release announcing my awesome partners in the event moving forward.
Mahalo for buying tickets, sharing your enthusiasm of the event, inviting your friends, attending year after year or for the first time – it paid off and a few people have stepped forward to help save us!!!
Please raise a glass in your home Tiki bar, at your local Tiki bar or whatever paradise you prefer and toast tonight – LONG LIVE THE HUKILAU!!!!
Well, since we live only a few miles from The Mai Kai and Fort Lauderdale Beach where this fantabulous event takes place, you can imagine how happy I am that it’s been saved. See you all in June!
-Tiki Chris P