Episode Three - Christie White and Zahiki Tiki

This week, Ryley and Ellie interview Christie White also known as Tiki Kiliki about her introduction into tiki, how the tiki revival evolved with the connection brought about by the internet, and her part in starting the Hulikau, as well as her current and future tiki endeavors. This episode’s artist spotlight features Zack and Mahalia from Zahiki Tiki and how their background in community theatre has lead to the creation of dramatic lamps and tiki carvings. 

Christie White was first exposed to the tiki world through music as a child. After-school childcare took the form of an antiques store and the treasures held within. To a little girl in rural Alabama, the colorful and exotic covers of Hawaiian and exotica records seemed enchanting and mesmerizing. As time went on, Christie slowly started her tiki collection. By the 90s and early 2000s she was a tiki fan bordering on fanatic. Tiki fanzines like Tiki News were her first clue that there were others out there who were interested in the same things. This initial connection only blossomed further when the internet lent its helping hand. Tiki Central was a message board that connected tiki fans across the world and allowed them to share their tiki knowledge and discoveries in real time. Eventually, Christie poured all this love for tiki culture into an event for other east coast devotees, the Hukilau. The Hukilau evolved into the second largest tiki weekender event behind Tiki Oasis. Over the years, Christie took a step back from the Hukilau but not from her love of tiki. It was time to bring tiki home. The Tapa Room, Christie and husband, Bill Langley’s, home tiki bar has erupted onto the tiki scene as a paragon for home bars everywhere. And they don’t keep the Aloha to themselves. Be sure to listen to Christie’s interview to hear about how she and her husband enjoy hosting members of their community and an exciting new announcement from Tiki Kiliki. You can find Christie at tikikiliki.com and on Instagram at @tikikiliki and @taparoombham.

Zack and Mahalia’s interest into tiki creation started with the spark of inspiration and developed out of necessity. With the closing of Oceanic Arts, the premier supplier for tiki decor, there was a void left in the tiki community. Many creators have stepped in to create carvings, lamps, and other decor items once easily accessible from one dealer. One such creator has been Zack and Mahalia, a couple from Texas. Armed with photos and the exact design specifications of many of Oceanic Art’s previous creations, the couple set to work making their first sets of lamps. Through much trial and error, they found success and went to a tiki marketplace to hock their wares. Unfortunately, their adherence to authenticity (more specifically the commercial grade sizes) proved to be a setback. Thankfully, they were able to adapt and continue growing their skills and honing their style. Today, they’ve expanded beyond just elaborate lamps to include wood carvings in their repertoire. Zahiki Tiki has seen their lamps and carvings featured in several of their local tiki bars. If you want to see their amazing creations, buy their decor, or commission them for a custom piece, you can find them on Instagram @Zahiki_tiki. 

Thank you for joining us on the tiki talk show. If you’re interested in being interviewed or highlighted as our artist spotlight, send us an email at [e-mail].

-Ryley and Ellie