The basement is a re-creation of a 1950s tiki bar. HaleKahiki (or “Tahitian Room”), as Smart and Uhlenkott have dubbed it, was ompleted in 2006 after four months of construction. Beach signs and other artifacts are layered over block-printed and tapa-papered walls. Lauhala-style woven matting is overhead, between the ceiling joists. A faux roof made of bamboo and palm leaves is suspended above the bar; a raised platform at one end of the room accommodates vintage rattan seating in front of an exotic black-lighted volcano lagoon mural that Uhlenkott painted. Artist John Bok created the bar’s rattan panels and hammered rusty-tin-can edging (sealed in a clear resin). The bar top features tiles designed by Uhlenkott, inspired by traditional Marquesan patterns. Tiki Tony, a Camarillo artist, carved several palm-wood posts and skull poles.(Los Angeles Times / September 23, 2008 )

The basement is a re-creation of a 1950s tiki bar. HaleKahiki (or “Tahitian Room”), as Smart and Uhlenkott have dubbed it, was ompleted in 2006 after four months of construction. Beach signs and other artifacts are layered over block-printed and tapa-papered walls. Lauhala-style woven matting is overhead, between the ceiling joists. A faux roof made of bamboo and palm leaves is suspended above the bar; a raised platform at one end of the room accommodates vintage rattan seating in front of an exotic black-lighted volcano lagoon mural that Uhlenkott painted.

Artist John Bok created the bar’s rattan panels and hammered rusty-tin-can edging (sealed in a clear resin). The bar top features tiles designed by Uhlenkott, inspired by traditional Marquesan patterns. Tiki Tony, a Camarillo artist, carved several palm-wood posts and skull poles.(Los Angeles Times / September 23, 2008 )