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The architectural icon of Polynesian Pop. A mix of the traditional meeting houses of the South Pacific, and the traditional meeting houses of Southern California (roadside diners).

Clippings from newspapers, travel guides, and even old phone directories, these old ads sing the praises of tropical escapes.

At restaurants dedicated to escape, leisure and relaxation, naturally there was an ashtray for every table.

Selling a dream evening, a dream vacation, or even a dream lifestyle—all are full of rich visuals designed to suck you in.

Tiki’s most practical contribution to society: the perfection of the tropical drink. Enjoy photos, illustrations and menu descriptions, with no hangover.

That unique tiki bar mood can only be achieved with a lot of dim, exotic light fixtures—windows, televisions and neon are traitors against the cause!

Flames aren't just for volcano bowls and fire dancers: matchbooks and matchboxes were once everywhere.

“Polynesian cuisine”—in truth, typically just Chinese food or ribs—was sold by elaborate menu presentations. Come for the covers, stay for the descriptions and prices!

The curious “big stone heads” from Rapa Nui (Easter Island) have appeal both for their pleasing graphic simplicity, and their mysterious origins.

The tops in Polynesian Pop collecting. If you like looking at these drink vessels, don’t miss Critiki’s sister site, Ooga-Mooga.

Large painted scenes of life in the tropics—with sandy beaches, palm trees, dancing and fishing—enhance the island illusion.

Something as disposable as a small paper napkin wasn’t meant to last decades, but a few have remarkably made it.

Canoes with stabilizing outriggers allowed Polynesians to explore the massive Pacific, and are a common motif in Polynesian Pop.

Traditional dances lend some realism to an otherwise faux paradise. Lots of fire, lots of hips... hey now, keep your eyes on the hands!

These Technicolor missives to home are the best source we have for learning what the insides and outsides of long-gone tiki hotspots looked like.

Idealized versions of an already idealized version of the South Pacific: these artists’ conceptions of restaurants, hotels and attractions exemplify Polynesian Pop.

Beyond the mug: tiki logos and iconography also appear on salt & pepper shakers, plates, drink bowls, glassware and more.

Little plastic picks and sticks to help you eat and drink, and remind you to come back again and again and again...

Traditional cloth made by pounding bark into thin sheets, which are then painted with repeating patterns using brown dye.

Water features, especially waterfalls, have been a big part of Polynesian Pop decorating and landscaping.

Tikis, wall hangings, lamps and more from Witco—the Mount Vernon, WA company of William Westenhaver.