From: I'iwi Lounge, So.California
Interests: Tiki, Coleoptera, Music, Travel and Nature Photography
Tiki Central Profile

I've been collecting tiki mugs and other tiki items since about 2006, but I've enjoyed all things tiki and tropical for as long as I can remember. I also collect vintage Exotica, South Seas and Lounge vinyl, and really enjoy tunes by Martin Denny, Augie Colon, Eden Abhez, Frank Hunter, Esquivel and other artists of the period.

My favorites are vintage restaurant tiki mugs. An original Mr. Bali Ha'i mug was my first find in a San Diego thrift shop. Then I bought a copy of Tiki Quest...for a person with the 'collector gene,' that was my downfall. Anyway, I like the historical connection to the Polynesian Pop era I get with these older mugs.

I like many contemporary mug designs as well, including cool mugs by Munktiki, Tiki Farm, Crazy Al, Tiki Diablo, Gecko and other great artists. My collection favorite among these newer designs is Munktiki's Trader Mort's mug! What an awesome tiki! Brings back many happy memories of hanging around Shelter Island back in the 70's and 80's.

Treasure hunting the thrift/antique stores for tiki mugs is good fun. Unfortunately good finds are few and far between here in the Inland Empire. See the 'wild finds' tag to see the mugs I have been lucky enough to score on my various urban expeditions.