The Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show is located at 3599 N. Federal Highway, Oakland Park. Call 954-563-3272 or go to MaiKai.com. Staff writer Phillip Valys contributed to this report.

The Mai-Kai Restaurant opened on Dec. 28, 1956, by Bob and Jack Thornton. At the time of its opening, many residents thought that no one would drive that far north to eat.

The Mai-Kai, a taste of Polynesian food, dance, and Tiki drinks in the heart of Broward County had been the go-to spot for family fun, a dinner and show, weddings, and anniversaries.

The Mai-Kai originally opened in 1956 when brothers Bob and Jack Thornton spent $350,000 — making it America’s most expensive restaurant project that year — to bring Polynesian culture to a ...

When the Mai-Kai opened its doors on December 28, 1956, the A-frame building was considered the most expensive restaurant in the country, costing $350,000 to build.

The Mai-Kai dancers enter for the offering ceremony during the reopening of Mai-Kai on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, at the restaurant in Fort Lauderdale.

The Mai-Kai offers nightly shows with seating beginning at 5:30 p.m. Located at 3599 N. Federal Hwy. in Fort Lauderdale, this refreshed Polynesian paradise provides an immersive escape that honors ...

And, of course, Mai-Kai’s legendary Polynesian show, complete with hula and fire dancing, is the high-energy cap to every meal. The vibe: Festive!

Currently, Mai Kai is getting ready to host some of this weekend's Hukilau events. As part of the festivities the restaurant will be bringing back three of its classic cocktails that are no longer on ...