Long before Boca Raton became the city it is today, before IBM arrived in the 1960s, and long before our South Florida dining scene exploded, one legendary local restaurant was already transporting guests to the South Pacific.
Since opening its doors for the first time in 1956, The MAI-KAI Restaurant and Polynesian Show has become a Fort Lauderdale institution. It’s one of the last remaining “Grand Polynesian Palaces” of the mid-century tiki era and has been proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2014.
I hadn’t visited since their four year, multi-million dollar renovation was complete in 2024. Having celebrated a birthday (or two) at MAI-KAI in my youth, I was eager to see the updated space and menu and check out their new family offerings during one of the daytime seatings and shows. Let’s just say, the experience didn’t disappoint!
Located just 25 minutes from Boca Raton, MAI-KAI works to bring its own special brand of island magic to its guests. We booked a Sunday 1 p.m. seating and 2:30 p.m. show to celebrate Father’s Day and it turned out to be the perfect family outing.
My biggest tip? Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your reservation. Valet can back up and you’ll want time to enjoy MAI-KAI’s beautiful tropical gardens before getting seated and/or enjoy a drink at their outdoor tiki bar. They also offer a fun, free activity near the main entrance during daytime seatings where kids can create candy leis to wear (or snack on) during the show. It was a fun little touch that helped set the stage for the experience to come.
Once inside, we were lucky enough to be seated at a table right in front of the stage where the sound of live ukulele music was already wafting through the updated dining room. Our server welcomed us right away, handed us menus and told us what to expect over the next few hours. We also found out that there was another free children’s activity being offered outside involving tropical stamps and a mermaid instructor! Had my teen daughter been a few years younger, this would have been such a hit, but it was an activity better geared toward kids under 10.
My first order of business? Selecting a tiki drink from the massive Molokai bar menu. Did you know MAI-KAI offers more than 50 specialty drinks? I selected the Tropical Temptation as my first cocktail, a frozen concoction featuring tequila, fresh mango, island fruit, and mint. My husband chose something from the “stronger” side of the menu, the Jet Pilot, featuring a blend of heavy rums and juices. Both were excellent.
As for the lunch menu, we were encouraged to try a few appetizers in addition to our main course. If you want a little taste of everything, I highly recommend ordering their signature Pupu Platter. All three members of my family found something on it that they enjoyed!
Our teen ordered BBQ ribs from the kids menu (the portions are actually pretty large!) as well as the chicken fried rice from the regular menu, not realizing that it’s a whole meal in and of itself (we took most of it home). I ordered the savory Panang Chicken Curry, which was delicious. But the best thing that we tasted? The Crying Tiger Skirt Steak. It was marinated in a magic MAI-KAI sauce and so, so tender. I am still thinking about it.
Just before dessert (which was also yummy!), the MAI-KAI’s signature Polynesian Dance show began. Because this was a daytime seating, kids were invited onstage to join for part of the performance. All participants were also gifted a beautiful shell necklace as a little thank you souvenir.
The 45-minute show celebrates the rich cultures of the South Pacific with traditional dances from Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, and even New Zealand! Having just traveled to New Zealand over the holidays, we were really excited to see the Māori performance, which made that part of the show feel especially meaningful.
But if I had to choose a favorite part, it would be the fire dancers. Watching MAI-KAI performers twirl and toss the blazing flames was absolutely mesmerizing. The whole audience loved it.
There’s truly something magical about MAI-KAI. I have only been around for a small part of its 70-year history, but you can easily see why it’s a go-to spot for family occasions and celebrations. Be sure to add it to your South Florida bucket list this summer!
3599 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale; 954/563-3272; maikai.com
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Disclosure: Modern Boca Mom and her family were hosted by the MAI-KAI in order to help facilitate this article.
Michelle Olson-Rogers is a mom of one and the founder of Modern Boca Mom, an award-winning lifestyle website for the stylish & modern South Florida parent. She can also be found on Instagram at @modernbocamom.
