New Hong Kong bar elevates Tiki concept with sophisticated design & consummate cocktails
Update: Mahalo has permanently closed
September 25th, 2015
Hong Kong’s tiki enthusiasts have a new destination where they can escape from the urban stresses and indulge in the breezy tropical islands vibe. Occupying an expansive indoor and outdoor terrace on the top floor of a Wanchai office tower, Mahalo Tiki Lounge is the creation of Hong Kong’s resident tiki guru Max Traverse – whose original tiki bar – Honi Honi – is still packing in the crowds at its location in Central. Opened in July, Mahalo elevates the tiki lounge concept with its carefully curated, up-market take on the quintessential Polynesian island culture, combined with an enticing list of polished rum-based tiki cocktails – served in emblematic tiki mugs, topped with kitschy paper parasols. Try the well-executed classic tiki drinks such as Zombie and Original Mojito, or indulge in exotic cocktails from the extensive list of Mahalo’s tiki-inspired creations – while kicking back in the air-conditioned comfort of the retro-themed indoor bar, or take in the city views amid the lush tropical plants and bamboo furniture on the open-air terrace.
Design Recreating a Polynesian tropical escape on the top floor of a Wan Chai office tower, the design evokes classic tiki cultural icons in a tasteful decor that features extensive bamboo furniture, carved timber totems, tropical plants and floral printed soft furnishings, while a retro aesthetic adds sophisticated elements that reference the 1970’s. A handsome solid timber bar is the centrepiece at Mahalo – showcasing an extensive range of rums – while cheerful bartenders clad in Hawaiian shirts shake up the tiki concoctions.
Tiki cocktails Refreshing renditions of classic tiki cocktails, plus a strong assemblage of Mahalo signature tiki – inspired cocktail creations headline the evocative drinks list – whimsically printed in the form of treasure map scroll. In addition to the many top-notch tiki cocktails crafted from premium spirits and fresh tropical fruits, Mahalo serve barrel-aged rums, and some impressively robust sharing punches such as the Tahitian Vahine Bowl made with Gosling’s Black Seal Rum, Bacardi Superior Rum, pineapple juice, passion fruit purée, cherry purée, mango juice, vanilla syrup, and Taittinger Brut Champagne.
A weekday lunch menu is now served at Mahalo following a recent collaboration with Pololi – a local Hawaiian poké shack. The menu offers a tight selection of poke dishes – a traditional Hawaiian food prepared with raw marinated fish.
Mahalo Tiki Lounge opens daily – check the Facebook Page for special events and promotions.
