SEARCHING FOR
Don the Beachcomber
THE BOOK
Coming soon!
Introducing Donn Beach, the American original who crafted an unparalleled paradise through his innovative tiki bars and cocktails. Known to the world as Don the Beachcomber, he was the visionary behind the tiki culture that swept across America in the 1930s through the ’60s. With an imagination as vibrant as the tropical drinks he created, Donn blended flavors from his extensive travels throughout the Caribbean and Polynesia, giving birth to iconic cocktails like the Zombie and Mai Tai. Beyond his mixology prowess, he established a genuine love for island cultures, infusing their essence into everything he created.
Donn’s story is not just one of entrepreneurship—it’s a celebration of escapism during difficult times. He transformed Hollywood’s Golden Age bar scene into a lush, exotic getaway, opening the door for millions to experience a taste of paradise. As we see a resurgence of interest in craft cocktails and retro culture, the legacy of Donn Beach serves as a guiding beacon, reminding us all that paradise can be found right where we are. Join us in honoring this legend, whose creativity and charm continue to inspire today’s hospitality and cocktail movements!
Expected ship date fall2025.
Who is Donn?
Donn Beach was the founding father of tiki style, opening the world’s first faux Polynesian themed bar. Not only did he invent the Tiki bar and Tiki cocktails, he delivered escapism when the country needed it most. From his small town Texas roots as Ernest Gantt he traveled around the world twice in his early 20s. He took all he saw, tasted, and experienced and with his new Hollywood and mob connections, he opened the first tiki bar in Los Angeles. He partnered with a smart blonde, married her, expanded the business, and then lost it to forces beyond his control. Escaping to a stint in Europe in WWII, he returned to plant a Tiki flag in Waikiki, where his Polynesian-Pop style would influence the islands for decades.
While you’re waiting…
This book is the author’s first history of Donn Beach and Don the Beachcomber restaurants as seen through the lens of the world’s greatest Tiki palace, The Mai-Kai. Through first-hand stories and more than 400 images, this book documents the history, allure, and enduring legacy of the mid-twentieth-century Tiki era. It is the story of how it’s iconic elements came to exist, and the men and women who shaped it. Learn more about this book at MaiKaiHistory.com.
We worked with Surf Monkey Films as associate producer and story editor on their recenty released documentary about Donn.
From the Blog
A deep dive into the history of Donn Beach, Don the Beachcomber restaurants, and all things related to that story. Never-before-seen items from Donn’s personal archives.
Donn’s Drinks – A Revolution
https://youtu.be/8Nwl-V3bY7c Filmed by David McCauley
A Cultural Icon
Biography arriving 2025 https://youtu.be/FXJqszjmDyg A Cultural Icon
Unveil the Myth and Magic in Searching for Don the Beachcomber
https://youtu.be/o09QDkRW5ck?si=tIQOtJSikyFhbR7W Arriving on your shore in 2025.
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The Work
This biography recounts the life of Donn Beach, also known as Don the Beachcomber, who revolutionized American cocktail culture and Polynesian-themed dining in the 1930s and beyond. Key themes include the creation of a mythic persona, intricate cocktail inventions, and the complexities of his relationships, especially with Sunny Sund, who helped establish the Beachcomber brand. Notable quotes, such as “All roads lead to the beach,” encapsulate his influential vision of escapism. The narrative reflects ongoing discussions about cultural appropriation and appreciation, illustrating how his legacy endures in contemporary Tiki culture and the broader context of American leisure and hospitality.