Film director Steven Spielburg isn’t a newcomer to the world of video games (us old-timers may remember “The Dig” from 1995), but it’s been some time since I’ve seen his name involved in the genre. That’s why I was surprised to come across his new game for the Nintendo Wii, Boom Blox!, in U.S. stores now.

The 400-level game takes place in four different “worlds,” including one that’s tiki themed. The premise of the game is simple: players use the Wii Remote to grab, throw, and blast towers of blocks to topple them over for points. Players can compete or play cooperatively. In addition, players can create levels and share them with the world using the Wii’s Internet connectivity.

It’s targeted towards 8-12 year-olds, but it looks like a blast (pun intended) for adults too, and will probably be my next Wii purchase after the Wii Fit comes out later this month.

Boom Box is currently available in the North America and Europe. It will be released in Asia on May 13 and Japan on May 22.

Visit official website | Buy Boom Blox at Amazon.com

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This house, formerly owned by Victor Bergeron, of Trader Vic’s fame, is currently up for sale in Berkeley, California for just over a million dollars.

Although it doesn’t look very tiki, there is supposedly a Chinese oven in the backyard (which is neither in the listing nor in photos, unfortunately).

See details and virtual tour | Thanks, Otto and Will the Thrill!

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Sadly, 2008 is going to be the last year for the Hukilau, a yearly gathering of tiki lovers on the east coast of Florida. The event has been going on since 2002. In 2003, it moved to Ft. Lauderdale to be close to the famed Mai Kai restaurant and offered a souvenir mug — and each year has topped the last.

2008’s mug, by Munktiki, is a fitting end to the legacy. Designed in the likeness of one of the Mai Kai’s giant tikis, the edition of 300 will all be individually glazed so no two are alike.

Note: as of today, there are only 28 of the mugs remaining!

This year, the mug is being offered to the general public and will probably sell out well before the event in June.

$66 + shipping and taxes.

Buy or get more info at the Hukilau website.

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God bless Forbidden Island — this contempory tiki bar really seems to “get it,” rewarding regulars and newcomers with a variety of activities to keep them coming back.

On May 18 at 3:00pm, they’ll be holding their first ever luau, featuring:

• A world-class traditional luau buffet, prepared by award-winning chefs!
• Live entertainment from Tahitian dancers!
• Select Forbidden Island Cocktails at special prices!
• Luxurious gourmet gelato from Gelateria Naia (www.gelaterianaia.com) featuring Forbidden Island Cocktail-flavored gelatos!
• Island treats & collectibles for sale!
• And some surprises!

Admission and entertainment are free, with food & drink for a fee. Please note the event is 21 and over only.

May 18, 2008. Starts at 3 pm.
1304 Lincoln Ave., Alameda, CA 94501, (510) 749-0332

Visit the Forbidden Island website

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On May 9–11, 2008, Wildsville Man and M Modern will be hosting the first ever Tiki Caliente at the Caliente Tropics in beautiful Palm Springs, California.

Activities begin Friday night with a Luau at Hawaiian Bills and on Saturday and Sunday vendors will be selling their goods.

Vendors include: Derek Yaniger, Doug Horne, Happy Chi Jewelry, Tiki Magazine, Dirk Yates, M Modern, Hawaiian Bills. The promoters promise that more artists will be announced soon.

For information please call 949-463-6087 and ask for Rory Snyder. Room packages and event tickets are available here.

Visit Tiki Caliente website

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Saturday, May 31, 2008 - 8:00pm

The Makaha Sons with Hawaii’s legends & Japan’s best! Produced by U’ilani Japan, Inc.

Starring the Makaha Sons, and featuring: Nina Keali’iwahamana, Marlene Aai, Beverly Noa. Showcasing Hokulani & Larry De Rego and the internationally acclaimed Halau Hula ‘o Hokulani.

Special appearances by Danny Akaka Trio, Clarence Kiyoshi Hirakawa Ukulele Troupe, Kyoko Kubokawa, Hula Halau Ka Hula O Hawaii and falsetto extraordinaire, George Matsushita & Island King.

Master of Ceremonies: Harry B. Soria, Jr., Hawaiian radio icon.

Carnegie Hall • Isaac Stern Auditorium • 57th & 7th Avenue

For tickets, call Carnegiecharge at 212-247-7800 or visit carnegiehall.org to order online.

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