Vintage Tiki Lifestyle at the Kahiki 12

The Tiki Lifestyle was born from the despair of World War II. Young men and women stationed in the middle of the Pacific couldn’t escape the ravages of war but, must have been soothed by the majestic allure of the ocean and its beaches. Pair that with the gentle aloha spirit of the Islanders who are happy to share their way of life and the gifts from the land provide what they need. Clever use of natures bounty seems to slow the pace of life, to enjoy simple things such as a hat made of palm fronds.

After the war, the returning service members held onto that beachcomber way of life. Sharing stories of the enchantment of the Island way of life.

Restaurants embraced the Island life experience as an escape from the 9-5 work week. Showplaces like Trader Vic’s and the Mai-Kai restaurants providing entertainment in a tropical oasis with exotic decor, music, food, and cocktails. Bartenders served up libations mixed with rum, fresh fruit juices, and imported ingredients.

Restauranteurs, Bill Sapp, and Lee Henry had a vision for such a place. From that vision, in Columbus, Ohio, they built the Kahiki Supper Club.

A visit to the Kahiki restaurant was an experience that was cherished. From the time you drive up to the front of the unique architecture of the massive A-frame building designed after a Pacific Island tribe meeting house. A valet attendant opens your door and whisks your car away. Passing over a moat of water and foliage on a bamboo bridge stands the front doors replicating a cave entrance that welcomes you inside with Rockwall waterfalls on both sides of the hallway. With the use of blacklight lighting and the tremendously loud sound of the rushing water cascading down the walls, there is no doubt you are entering a world of adventure. Entering through the interior doors of the Kahiki, you encounter a large luau pig fountain where you can toss a coin into his moat to make your wishes come true.

The fountain is the centerpiece of the meeting room guiding you to your destination. To the right of the centerpiece, you could check your coat with an Island wahini. Continuing to the right was the Beachcomber Gift Shop where you could purchase souvenirs of the Kahiki to commemorate your visit. Continue around, and up a couple of steps, you entered the Outrigger Bar where master mixologist served up tropical concoction cocktails under a canopy of an outrigger canoe.

At the entrance to the main dining room, is a Maitre D orchestrating the dining experience of up to a 500 person capacity, directing an Island girl hostesses to lead you to the central dining locations or down the stairs to the private party rooms.

My dad, Bill Sapp and Lee Henry sold the Kahiki in 1978 to Mitch Boich. My dad and stepmother had a warehouse full of their household items and some things for the restaurant. Stepmom saved three bolts of the fabric they used to make the uniforms for the employees at the Kahiki.

Even after 40 years the fabric is in fantastic shape and washes up beautifully! A few of us have had shirts and sarongs made out of this original Kahiki material.

May the Aloha Spirit be with you!

by Linda Sapp Long @umeone, https://www.etsy.com/shop/umeone

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