Welcome to the World's Only Hulaquarium
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A MESSAGE FROM NELSON - Creator of The Hulaquarium
My fascination with tiki culture began just before Labor Day in 2011, when my friend Brad suggested we host a luau. For months, we had been smoking meat together, and we wanted a fun way to gather friends and share our creations. By the time the day arrived, I had constructed an 8-foot tiki idol out of sonotubes (cardboard)—not just as a bar centerpiece, but as a striking feature to set the scene for the party.
The following year, I wanted to create another “wow” feature, and that’s when the idea of the Hulaquarium was born. Friends had brought us dashboard tiki dolls, and I thought it would be a clever way to display them—an animated venue where wayward hula characters could escape the sun-bleached fate of being stuck on someone’s car dashboard.
Originally, the Hulaquarium featured about 14 performers. Over the years, the lineup has grown to 21, including originals like Miss Piggy, Sarah Plain and Tall, a monkey, and the iconic Miss Liberty (a rare gem). In the spirit of celebrating diversity, we once added a star performer: Scooby Do. His four-month engagement stirred controversy, as he took center stage, temporarily displacing the diva Miss Liberty. Although we assured visitors that Miss Liberty would regain the spotlight, Scooby’s presence kept the debate alive—much to the amusement (and occasional protest) of patrons.
Today’s Hulaquarium lineup includes multiple swine, two dogs, a Native American figure, a monkey, and a brother-sister duo. We’re also proud to feature Nelvis, who identifies as they/them.
The Hulaquarium continues to bring joy to friends and neighbors who visit the Hat Guys Tiki Hut. But to truly uncover its secrets, you have to be there in person—inside the Hut itself.
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