Great episode! I paid $200 for the 17 year Mai Tai at Wusong Road in Boston and thought it was worth it. Now I need to run to Laguna to get a cheaper one.
The Birds probably have one of the best home tiki bars?! No sir, I'm pretty sure they definitely have the best home tiki bar! If the Hale Manu was a public bar I would frequent it lol
Fantastic re-model. Love that they kept to a traditional tiki theme. The workmanship and attention to detail is up there with the best. Great to see the BIRDTASTIC Mo and Justin again. Spike you have surpassed yourself with this episode which I will watch over and over again as I do with all your great videos. 🌴Aloha🌴
Thank you. This is a trip back home for me. I lived in Laguna Beach from 1992 to 2001-met my wife there, in fact-and spent most of my bar time either huddled over a Lapu-Lapu at the old Royal Hawaiian or knocking back Patron while enjoying the Missiles of October at the Marine Room. Damned good times. I'll be going back this summer, as I do every year, and plan on spending a lot of time at the new RH.
Finally made it down to the Royal Hawaiian. The good stuff: the interior is amazing. Very high quality on the makeover. You wouldn't know from looking at the outside. I tried the Zombie. They don't use the Beach Bum blend I've heard about. They pour three different rums. It was good and probably worth the $22. Exceeded expectations. Also ordered the rib dinner and it was also good, but the veggy egg rolls seemed frozen and not worth the money. Now the not-so-good stuff: there's not much else on their menu I would order. And if you see a "Brunch" menu on-line, they don't use that menu any longer. And at 1PM on a Saturday I expected the place to be much busier. Less than 10 people in there at the time. They were not tourists, but locals. Probably picks up later in the afternoon. Hope so. I want them to survive. Next visit (maybe this summer) I'll just sit at the bar and try some of their other drinks, but skip the food. I'm also removing my comments from a month ago.
Great episode. So happy for you guys that you got to taste that rare rum. Jealous of course, but good for you guys. You were obviously well tipsy by the end. 😀
Great episode. I so need to return to the Royal Hawaiian. Last there in 2002 or so. Lived nearby from 91 to 95 . I d love to see the new 'perfect' Royal Hawaiian. How cool. And that Mai Tai. WOW!
I'm so glad I subscribe. Great episode! Had to pause it half way through to make myself a Mai Tai per your 1944 Trader Vic Recipe. Also goll-darn it. I have been designing a Tiki "Murphy Bar" out of a 2ft by 4ft by 6ft Kodak film roll grate. (I live in Rochester NY) and you keep showing me great items of Tiki decor that I have started to add to the design. In other words, I really look forward to your postings on Friday nights. Keep it up!!! It's very appreciated.
Such an amazing place! Hey Justin & Mo, we're planning a return trip to Royal Hawaiian with Marcus and Sharon from Lost Delta Landing. We'll let you know when and hope to see you there! 😉😄
Thanks for trying to describe the taste profile. It’s very interesting that it reminds you of Martinique. Maybe it’s not that wrong to have some aged agricole with some funky Jamaican as I always have preferred it.
What a Bar looks awesome!! It would be interesting to compare different spec mai tai’s. We are not all going to afford a $500 bottle of Rum. I hear the Denizen 8 year makes a good mai tai too. I’m rewatching the educated barfly - who makes the best Mai Tai episode and making it tonight.
OK, you guys are laughing, but I've personally experienced the Royal Hawaiian ghost on more than one occasion, and one time in the 80s, to the extreme. The core location of the spirit in the 70s & 80s was in the upstairs Ladies restroom. Things that would happen included the temperature in the room would drop 20 degrees, water faucets would turn off & on, the lights would go off & on, and the doors would slam - but the biggest effect was at times an overwhelming sense of anger & sadness was palatable anywhere within 15 feet of the spot. My dates would come back from the loo clearly shaken or even terrified. In the 80s, there were times when I was being held 'delightful hostage' by girls (ask me why in person-it was the 80s) in the Ladies room, and once we were all driven out by the ghost. Just ask Jr Cabang about it! No Joke! It was a thing well known by Laguna locals. They finally moved the restrooms to the ground floor by the front door.
No doubt that Mai Tai tasted great but i wonder how much of that is psychological, you know, just knowing WHAT the rum is that's in it makes you think it's amazing. It's a shame so little of it was produced (putting the cost factor aside) because i'd really love to know how it would stack up in a blind side by side comparison against several Mai Tais using different rum combinations. The flavour profile might definitely stand out but i wonder how many people would prefer it.
By the way, what would setting up a bar like that roughly cost? Anyone know? Or is it one of those things one does not talk about? 😀 100s of Ks? Upward of a mil?
Dude; BTW The real (street) translation of Okole Maluna in Hawaii means; 'I Want Your Ass', and is generally perceived as either overt flirting, or as an implied threat - as in a fight over something. Saying this as a 'Cheers' in a bar is WAY OFF. Not a good/suggested thing for a Haole to ever say to a local, especially to any guy you dont know well. Could easily be misconstrued by a stranger. Brah, better to try say O' Pono (abbreviation of Ho‘oponopono, meaning to make good, to restore, or to protect).
You've said that a MILLION TIMES. That may be slang in modern Hawaii, but in the context of vintage tiki, it is regarded as 'Bottoms Up,' not ' I want your ass.
My family and I are taking our first trip to California this June. At one point we will be traveling from SD to Anaheim. Going to make a stop at The Royal Hawaiian after watching this vid.
![TV Show Built My Tiki Bar?! [Reaction Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/V7MtuwxdlLY/mqdefault.jpg)
Lol. You guys were so drunk at the end. So great!
Yeah I was noticing the bit of slurred speech there, lol
Great episode! I paid $200 for the 17 year Mai Tai at Wusong Road in Boston and thought it was worth it. Now I need to run to Laguna to get a cheaper one.
I did the same! I was apparently the first one to try the bottle, I was shocked
Would you pay $75 for a Mai Tai? www.youtube.com/@BreezewayCocktailHour?sub_confirmation=1
We love to see the Hale Manus on your show! They are always smart and funny. Go birds!
The Birds probably have one of the best home tiki bars?!
No sir, I'm pretty sure they definitely have the best home tiki bar!
If the Hale Manu was a public bar I would frequent it lol
I should add that Mo and Justin Bird are great fun & guests ❤
Fantastic re-model. Love that they kept to a traditional tiki theme. The workmanship and attention to detail is up there with the best. Great to see the BIRDTASTIC Mo and Justin again. Spike you have surpassed yourself with this episode which I will watch over and over again as I do with all your great videos. 🌴Aloha🌴
So cool. Edit on this video is top notch. Can’t wait to go next time I’m in Anaheim. So close.
Thank you. This is a trip back home for me. I lived in Laguna Beach from 1992 to 2001-met my wife there, in fact-and spent most of my bar time either huddled over a Lapu-Lapu at the old Royal Hawaiian or knocking back Patron while enjoying the Missiles of October at the Marine Room. Damned good times. I'll be going back this summer, as I do every year, and plan on spending a lot of time at the new RH.
You should check out the new St. Louis place Mainlander and come to see "Matisse and the Sea" at the Saint Louis Art Museum.
Great, great episode, Spike! One of your very best (and that's sayin' somethin'!).
Thank you so much 🙏
Absolutely fabulous makeover. We enjoyed our visit a few weeks back.
It really is beautiful
Great job editing, sound was perfect…what an incredible place!!! $75 is an awesome price for the A17 Mai Tai…great show Spike 👏👏👏❤️🤙
Thanks so much!!
Finally made it down to the Royal Hawaiian. The good stuff: the interior is amazing. Very high quality on the makeover. You wouldn't know from looking at the outside. I tried the Zombie. They don't use the Beach Bum blend I've heard about. They pour three different rums. It was good and probably worth the $22. Exceeded expectations. Also ordered the rib dinner and it was also good, but the veggy egg rolls seemed frozen and not worth the money.
Now the not-so-good stuff: there's not much else on their menu I would order. And if you see a "Brunch" menu on-line, they don't use that menu any longer. And at 1PM on a Saturday I expected the place to be much busier. Less than 10 people in there at the time. They were not tourists, but locals. Probably picks up later in the afternoon. Hope so. I want them to survive.
Next visit (maybe this summer) I'll just sit at the bar and try some of their other drinks, but skip the food. I'm also removing my comments from a month ago.
Love this episode! The Birds are awesome too!!
Fun show! Had our daughters wedding rehearsal dinner there in 2017. Wow what a beautiful transformation!! Gotta get a bottle of Appleton 17!!
Loved this episode. We will visit this great establishment hopefully in October. Thanks for the tour.
Great episode. So happy for you guys that you got to taste that rare rum. Jealous of course, but good for you guys. You were obviously well tipsy by the end. 😀
Great episode. I so need to return to the Royal Hawaiian. Last there in 2002 or so. Lived nearby from 91 to 95 . I d love to see the new 'perfect' Royal Hawaiian. How cool. And that Mai Tai. WOW!
Trying this place out today!
Great “off-site tour” type episode! How fun! Looks great! Can’t wait to check it out in person. Thank you so much for sharing, Spike!
Excellent video we love the Royal Hawaiian
I'm so glad I subscribe. Great episode! Had to pause it half way through to make myself a Mai Tai per your 1944 Trader Vic Recipe. Also goll-darn it. I have been designing a Tiki "Murphy Bar" out of a 2ft by 4ft by 6ft Kodak film roll grate. (I live in Rochester NY) and you keep showing me great items of Tiki decor that I have started to add to the design. In other words, I really look forward to your postings on Friday nights. Keep it up!!! It's very appreciated.
Thank you so much
Wow, a beautiful slice of tiki heaven. I'd imagine that mai Tai is killer
Those "cabana" booths made me think of the Bahooka (minus the aquariums).
Five bills for a mai tai...P.T. Barnum would have loved that.
Such an amazing place! Hey Justin & Mo, we're planning a return trip to Royal Hawaiian with Marcus and Sharon from Lost Delta Landing. We'll let you know when and hope to see you there! 😉😄
On my way!
Thanks for trying to describe the taste profile. It’s very interesting that it reminds you of Martinique. Maybe it’s not that wrong to have some aged agricole with some funky Jamaican as I always have preferred it.
Good point!
I'd have to say that may have been the best episode ever.
What a Bar looks awesome!! It would be interesting to compare different spec mai tai’s. We are not all going to afford a $500 bottle of Rum. I hear the Denizen 8 year makes a good mai tai too. I’m rewatching the educated barfly - who makes the best Mai Tai episode and making it tonight.
This was awesome. Can’t wait to go here one day…. what specs did they use for the 17 year mai tai?
It was the 1944 Trader Vic's recipe
Amazing review can’t wait to check it out!
I hope to go there one day! I don't know if I'll ever have an Appleton 17 Mai Tai though, lol
It's worth a trip!
Great show. Now I’m on the hunt for an auctioned Appleton 17 year. I need this in my life!
$850 on Ebay. Or $400 just for the freakin' box! 😀
I wonder how the box tastes
Awesome episode tonight
I love lamp
OK, you guys are laughing, but I've personally experienced the Royal Hawaiian ghost on more than one occasion, and one time in the 80s, to the extreme. The core location of the spirit in the 70s & 80s was in the upstairs Ladies restroom. Things that would happen included the temperature in the room would drop 20 degrees, water faucets would turn off & on, the lights would go off & on, and the doors would slam - but the biggest effect was at times an overwhelming sense of anger & sadness was palatable anywhere within 15 feet of the spot.
My dates would come back from the loo clearly shaken or even terrified. In the 80s, there were times when I was being held 'delightful hostage' by girls (ask me why in person-it was the 80s) in the Ladies room, and once we were all driven out by the ghost. Just ask Jr Cabang about it! No Joke!
It was a thing well known by Laguna locals. They finally moved the restrooms to the ground floor by the front door.
I am planning an overnight trip to Laguna Beach just to go here! Sadly will not be getting a $75 Mai Tai but I think we'll enjoy ourselves regardless!
Have fun!
That place is amazing!!!
Now I know where I want to go for my birthday 🎉.
Such the perfect spot to enjoy the 17 year
Is that a Robert Wood painting on the stone wall? ❤
Place looks great ... but why is there like no one there ? ... very empty
It was past closing time
No doubt that Mai Tai tasted great but i wonder how much of that is psychological, you know, just knowing WHAT the rum is that's in it makes you think it's amazing. It's a shame so little of it was produced (putting the cost factor aside) because i'd really love to know how it would stack up in a blind side by side comparison against several Mai Tais using different rum combinations. The flavour profile might definitely stand out but i wonder how many people would prefer it.
I would imagine that a lot of it is psychological from the marketing… But it really was an interesting experience.
This was fun to watch. As the video progressed, you guys started to speak slower and slurrier, enjoy!
lol, yes.
I met a couple that got the appleton for 500 and made mai tais out of it. Great episode!
good one thanks
Curious what Curaçao they are using?
By the way, what would setting up a bar like that roughly cost? Anyone know? Or is it one of those things one does not talk about? 😀 100s of Ks? Upward of a mil?
I think you're looking at around a million dollars.
Please more tours
More on the way!
So beautiful 💜
Cheers!
Been there quite a few times. I hope they last!
Awww, I remember the Royal Hawaiian as a kid, and a young adult (I wasn’t as impressed). This version is an improvement.
Where'd you pick up that Bogart/African Queen cap?
Me thinks Tiki Heaven Spike. When next I can afford a trip across the pond with the Mrs, it will be the first place we visit.
You should have tried it with Royal Hawaiian Mai Tai specs! :D
No thanks.
I want to join you at your drinking soirées 😂😅
Only $75 for the Appleton 17 Mai Tai?? Sign me up!
Keep those pearls!
looked up the price .. saw a bottle for 500 dollars..
all that amazing food and drink and you pronounced spam musubi like a true haole!!! smh. but love the work keep it up!
Spent 125 on mine!
$519.99 for 750ml bottle retail.
Yeah, retail... if you can get it. Probably more like $1k-2k on the secondary market now.
Dude; BTW The real (street) translation of Okole Maluna in Hawaii means; 'I Want Your Ass', and is generally perceived as either overt flirting, or as an implied threat - as in a fight over something. Saying this as a 'Cheers' in a bar is WAY OFF.
Not a good/suggested thing for a Haole to ever say to a local, especially to any guy you dont know well. Could easily be misconstrued by a stranger.
Brah, better to try say O' Pono (abbreviation of Ho‘oponopono, meaning to make good, to restore, or to protect).
You've said that a MILLION TIMES. That may be slang in modern Hawaii, but in the context of vintage tiki, it is regarded as 'Bottoms Up,' not ' I want your ass.
I thought the $75 drink was going to be because of the Uber rides.
tiki dorks spend too much money
Please no more burnt in subtitles, really annoying and distracting.
I'm reevaluating that. Thank you for your input.
You guys were wasted!
Delightfully Darn Wobbly, It Would Seem...
Correct.
My family and I are taking our first trip to California this June. At one point we will be traveling from SD to Anaheim. Going to make a stop at The Royal Hawaiian after watching this vid.
Great!
I was at the Royal Hawaiian on the 11th and got to see the empty bottle you and the @halemanutikibar left.