(photo courtesy of Lucky Tiki)

Although the popularity of Polynesian décor, fruity rum cocktails and escapist exoticism has ebbed and flowed just like the tides of Tahiti, tiki is currently experiencing a renaissance that knows few parallels – especially in Los Angeles, the home of the tiki bar since 1934. In this one-page tropical paradise, you’ll find our rum-soaked-roundup of L.A.’s best tiki bars.

Tiki Ti East Hollywood

Tiki-Ti resembles a beloved neighborhood dive bar that went on vacation to Hawaii and never came back. Founded in 1961 by Ray Buhen – a protégée of the Donn Beach – the iconic watering hole is still run by the same family to this day, in the same dimly lit bar roughly the size of a broom closet. You might have to wait in line for over an hour just to get into this Los Feliz staple, but it’s worth it. The no-nonsense tropical drinks are punch-you-in-the-mouth strong, and the bartenders don’t waste time on fancy garnishes or elaborate mugs, so you’ll have to bring your own if that’s your thing (really). But they are exceptionally friendly, just like the devoted regulars. Ask either for a story from over 60 years of swirling and swigging Scorpions and Saturns, and you might never leave. 4427 W. Sunset Blvd.

Tonga Hut North Hollywood

We’d be remiss not to mention the oldest surviving tiki bar in Los Angeles – Tonga Hut – a favorite of North Hollywood since 1958. With indoor and outdoor seating, this slice of paradise offers more space for those looking to savor the South Pacific décor and sip perhaps the best Mai Tai in Los Angeles. This gem of the Valley is just about as classic as it gets. 12808 Victory Blvd.

Trader Vic’s (coming soon) West Hollywood

For half a century, visitors to the Beverly Hilton could sail the seas with Trader Vic’s, a Polynesian restaurant and bar with tropical cocktails and signature crab Rangoon. Unfortunately the ship ran adrift in 2007, when the restaurant closed seemingly forever. But fret not tiki fans, because Trader Vic’s will soon return with a sprawling new location on the corner of Doheny Drive and Santa Monica Boulevard. An official opening date has yet to be announced, so keep your eyes on the winds of West Hollywood.

The Lucky Tiki West Hollywood, Highland Park (coming soon)

The 1933 Group made a name for themselves by restoring some of L.A.’s most beloved haunts (The Formosa Café, Idle Hour). When they needed to fill the empty space above the refurbished Tail o’ the Pup hot dog stand, a tiki bar was a no brainer. You’ll need a secret passcode to enter this speakeasy-style tiki lounge, where you’ll find modern twists on rum-forward drinks in a kitschy-meets-cool setting. The Lucky Tiki pays homage to the legends of yore with drinks like “The Elvis in Hawaii” and “The Ghost of Jim Morrison.” Many of their drinks include a theatrical component, so snag a reservation here if you’re looking to dazzle a date. 8512 Santa Monica Blvd. Stay tuned for a second location inside a L.A.’s oldest bowling alley.