Hula Kai Tiki Restaurant Opened in Fort Lauderdale
The new tiki-themed destination on SE 17th Street offers a multi-level dining experience for local residents.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Cocktails
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Hula Kai has officially opened its doors in Fort Lauderdale, bringing a new tiki restaurant and bar to the 33316 area. The establishment features an outdoor garden, indoor dining, and a rooftop lounge.
Why it matters
The opening adds a new social venue to the 17th Street corridor, providing residents with a themed space that combines food and craft cocktail offerings. It aims to serve the community with both indoor and outdoor seating options.
Located at 1075 SE 17th Street, the restaurant operates daily starting at 5 p.m., excluding Tuesdays. The venue encompasses an outdoor garden, an indoor dining area, and a rooftop lounge.
The players
Hula Kai
Hula Kai is a newly opened tiki-themed restaurant and bar located in the 33316 ZIP code of Fort Lauderdale.
The details
The menu highlights traditional tiki offerings such as pupu platters, pineapple fried rice, and pork belly. Signature drinks include a classic Zombie cocktail and a gin-based specialty featuring house-made orgeat, egg white, and passionfruit liqueur.
Timeline
Hula Kai opened in Fort Lauderdale in October 2026.
Lunch service is scheduled to launch in November 2026.
Culture Shift
The opening of Hula Kai follows the broader industry trend of the post-pandemic resurgence of experiential dining venues by emphasizing immersive atmosphere and themed decor. This move capitalizes on consumer demand for social spaces that offer distinct thematic environments beyond standard dining.
Local residents can now access a new social venue on 17th Street featuring diverse seating areas and an extensive tiki menu. The expansion to lunch service in November 2026 will further increase the establishment's availability for daytime dining.
The takeaway
Visitors looking to experience the new venue should note the current evening-only operating schedule before planning a visit. The anticipated transition to daytime service next month will mark the next phase of the restaurant's operational growth.
What happens next
Hula Kai plans to introduce lunch service at the establishment in November 2026.
Further reading
Discover more about the evolving mixology landscape in Fort Lauderdale Cocktails.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale.
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