My collection started in 2003 when I discovered Tiki Central and Tiki in general.
Tropical plants are a love of mine, and my Grandmother was smitten with Tahiti, Hawaii and all things exotic. She passed away the month I ventured forth into what has become a lifestyle for me.
All but a few of my vintage mugs have been found at local thrift shops, and the new ones have been bought from the artists, events, or through manufacturers & retailers. I have zero local shops on my island that sell new mugs, so they are often bought on Tiki adventures.
I live in Canada which makes the internet a very important connection to the Polynesian Pop community.