The Tiki aesthetic originated in the United States with the opening of Polynesian-inspired bars and restaurants in the 1930s. Tiki became popular after World War II, when America became fascinated with Polynesian and South Pacific culture. Dim lighting, rum cocktails, tiki decor, hibiscus flowers, and nautical objects (such as maps, fishing nets, and netted fishing floats) are all aspects that make up the Tiki aesthetic. The first major establishment to assume the Tiki aesthetic was a tiki bar called Don the Beachcomber, which Donn Beach opened in Hollywood in 1933.  Many other establishments followed, some of the most famous including Trader Vic's, which Victor Bergeron opened in 1936 in Oakland, California, and Mai-Kai, which opened in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1956.

As mentioned above, the Tiki aesthetic is ever-present in tiki bars and other Polynesian-themed establishments.  The Tiki aesthetic can also be seen in popular culture.  A perfect example of this is the animated television show Spongebob Squarepants .  The nautical-themed show is packed full of Tiki art, as seen in the backgrounds, title cards, and time cards of each episode.

On general Tiki culture -- anything by Sven Kirsten :

Tiki culture with cocktail recipes:

Tiki cocktail recipes: