If you’re into architecture, you know about Palm Springs. We are the Mid-Century Modern (flat roof, breeze blocks, big glass walls, open plan, indoor-outdoor flow) Capital of the World. 

But did you know we also have Desert Modernism (deep overhangs, stone walls, wide windows, mountain views); Contemporary Desert Minimalism (box forms, concrete, steel, glass, natural desert tones); International Style (boxy, white, glass and steel, no ornament, flat planes); and Brutalist (concrete, blocky, fortress-like, minimal openings — you know, super cheery)?

Oh, you knew all those. Okay fine. How about these? 

Spanish Colonial Revival: stucco, red tile roof, arches, courtyards, wrought iron.

Ranch/Desert Ranch: single-story, long and low, big windows, easy pool access.

Mediterranean Revival: tile roof, balconies, carved stone, colorful tile, grand entry.

Streamline Moderne/Art Deco: curved walls, chrome, porthole windows, horizontal lines.

Postmodern/Neo-Eclectic: playful shapes, color pops, arches mixed with angles.

Pueblo Revival: adobe walls, rounded edges, wooden beams (vigas), earthy colors.

Mission Revival: smooth stucco, arches, bell tower, clay tiles.

Hollywood Regency: bold contrasts, symmetry, mirrored accents, geometric trim.

Googie/Futurist Modern: boomerang roofs, neon, starbursts, Jetsons vibe.

Atomic Age/Space-Age Modern: angled roofs, spires, atomic motifs, mid-century sci-fi feel.

And the reason why we are all here today: Tiki. Architecturally, it’s A-frame roofs with steep pitches, thatched or wood-shingle accents, carved tiki posts or masks, and exaggerated eaves over lava rock walls. Bamboo, rattan, and palm details are everywhere and there’s neon script signage if it’s a bar, motel, or diner. But emotionally, it’s drums and torches, fire dancers, hula dancers, and coconut cocktails galore. 

What is Alohana?

In Palm Springs we celebrate that culture with our very own Alohana. What’s that, you might ask? Good question. Alohana is a portmanteau of “aloha” (the Hawaiian greeting for “hello” and “goodbye”) and “ohana” (the Hawaiian term for “family”). Thus, Alohana means “hello family.” It’s held every fall and includes a wonderful tiki marketplace, hula dancing, live music, food, and cocktails.

A quick little sidebar because learning is fun: Olohana was the name the Hawaiians gave to John Young, a British sailor who became an advisor to King Kamehameha. Olohana meant (depending on who you asked) “all hands working together,” or “loud noise from work.” It’s a cool name, and I love a man who works with his hands, but my heart will always belong to The Big Kahuna.

Have a tiki time around Palm Springs

Alohana is only once a year, but you can celebrate tiki every day at our fabulous bars and boutiques.

The bars

Bootlegger Tiki — Their landing page tells us that they are a very hot ticket and that we should make a reservation because of it. It says we need to use a credit card to hold that reservation, and that you may not be late, and you may not linger. Food and drinks are good. You decide how rigid you want your vacation to be.

Tonga Hut — On the Tonga side of town, they are the oldest Tiki bar in Palm Springs (1958!) and they don’t take reservations. They also have a secret room you can rent for an event.

Toucan’s Tiki Lounge and Cabaret — Premiere Drag Club with carved tiki totems, bamboo paneling, tropical murals, rattan furniture, palm fronds, faux thatch, and glowing colored lights. The holy trinity of mid-century tiki bar decor, and not just a nod but a full on production of 1950s and ’60s Polynesian pop culture. Playful, theatrical, escapist — you know, gay.

The stores: 

Iconic Atomic — Located next to Bootlegger Tiki.

The Shag Store — Artist Josh Agle, known as Shag, has a strong tiki and mid-century modern aesthetic.

Dazzles – They moved from Palm Springs to Rancho Mirage, and it’s well worth the quick drive to check out their rattan furniture and vintage jewelry with a tiki vibe.

I hope you have a great time exploring Palm Springs’ tiki side, and as they say in Hawaiian (or the internet says they say in Hawaiian, it could be pulling my leg), “E pili mau nā pōmaikaʻi me ʻoe,” which translates to “may good fortune always be with you.” Aloha!