They Were Huge In The '70s — Now It's The Vintage Hawaiian Decor To Keep An Eye Out For

In the 1970s, many people on the mainland U.S. were fascinated with Hawaii. To many, a trip to the islands was the ultimate getaway. The region hosted more than 1.7 million visitors in 1970 alone. In a time when you couldn't show off on social media, buying souvenirs was a must. The tiki mug was one item that many tourists visiting Hawaii brought home in their suitcase. These ceramic mugs often featured figures inspired by tiki imagery, which originates in Polynesian cultural traditions and was later widely adapted into early Hawaiian souvenir design. Tiki mugs don't always feature figures. There is, in fact, a diverse array of designs, from tropical beach scenes to stylized recreations of popular movie characters. Either way, they can be a beautiful way to add a trendy, whimsical accent to your home.

The earliest widely recognized version of tiki mugs, which featured the adapted figures, was produced in the mid-20th century. The designs drew inspiration from Polynesian cultural traditions and were popularized in the mid-century tourism industry. However, when a 1930s Hollywood bar and restaurant called Don the Beachcomber started using the tiki mug as drinkware, it really took off, appearing in Polynesian-themed establishments across the mainland U.S. Today, vintage Hawaiiana collectibles typically date from the 1930s to 1970s — including ceramic hula dancers, postcards, travel brochures, and, of course, tiki mugs. There's an active group of collectors attracted by the nostalgic appeal of these items, along with a thriving resale market.

Hawaiiana collectibles are undeniably quirky home decor that double as perfect conversation starters. However, some pieces are also rare and valuable. Tiki mugs, in particular, can be worth a lot of money, with some hard-to-find drinkware from the 1950s and 1960s — considered the golden age of tiki culture — selling for thousands of dollars. Bumatay mugs are, for example, among the most famous tiki mugs. They were carved by Andreas Bumatay and manufactured by Otagiri Mercantile Company (OMC) in Japan. Look for a concave base, a predominantly tan finish, and the text Hoe King Lo, Hala Kajiki, or JPCo. Tiki Bob mugs, one of the most frequently copied styles in tiki culture, were popularized by Bob Bryant, the bar manager at the San Francisco restaurant Tiki Bob. Look for an elongated face on a palm trunk and the establishment's name.

Of course, there are also plenty of affordable vintage tiki mugs to choose from. You can score a single mug for under $20 or a pair of mugs for around the same price. If you're lucky, you may find something for less while thrifting. To identify less iconic but still authentically mid-century mugs, look for a bar name on the base (though that's not always present), thick walls, and a decent weight. Search tiki mug social media groups and collector forums for matches. Or, if you're looking for subtle ideas to incorporate a tropical theme in your home but struggling to find the right vintage tiki mug, consider buying new. Gecko, a master tiki carver, Hawaiian island native, and owner of South Sea Arts, makes and sells handcrafted tiki mugs. Scott Taylor, a ceramic tiki artist and tiki collector based in Hawaii, also keeps the tradition alive.