Meet Michael Miller of Tiki’s Grill and Bar
Can you give us a quick intro to your background/history with Hawaii?
I was born and raised in Hawaii and have 6th generations of family on almost every island. I grew up fishing, spear fishing, hunting, gathering and learning about Hawaiian Ethnobotany. I am a graduate of the University of Hawaii and am well traveled but always look forward to returning to Hawaii after being away.
Can you give us a quick overview of Tiki’s Grill & Bar?
Tiki’s offers a retro ambiance but features fresh, contemporary cuisine that is truly Hawaii today. Living its mission to offer guests this unforgettable dining experience, coupled with an array of culinary dishes and Aloha, made a tremendous impact on Hawaii’s restaurant scene and is helping to revitalize Waikiki on the island of Oahu. As a result, Tiki’s Grill & Bar has garnered many prestigious awards. Open since October 2002, Tiki’s Grill & Bar is a casual, family-friendly restaurant with a retro ambiance reminiscent of the time period.
Decoration includes wood carved tiki representing the islands of the South Pacific, masks and lava rock flank dining room walls. A 30-foot, man-made volcano is the showpiece of the bar and Tiki’s staff is dressed in the loud tropical floral-print shirts Elvis Presley wore in the film “Blue Hawaii.” Guests are treated with aloha and the staff shares its knowledge of Hawaii’s rich culture. Melodic island rhythms float through the restaurant to accompany the sunset each evening. Guests enjoy contemporary innovative cuisine that captures the diverse ethnic culture in Hawaii.
Who is the core customer base at Tiki’s Grill & Bar?
We have an 80% visitor to 20% local mix. The percentage of local customers usually increases for special events and Holidays.
What make’s Tiki’s a favorite among locals?
The ocean view, great food and drinks, and the live music. The free Valet parking is also a big plus.
What are some unique things about Tiki’s that keeps customers coming back and encourages word of mouth?
- Drinks served in real coconuts or Tiki Tumbler
- Great place to meet up with friends for sunset and cocktails.
- Local live Music Nightly
- Surprise appearances by actors, musicians,
- We host all types of parties: after concert parties with Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz, Eddie Vedder, CD release parties, to book signing, bartending competitions, huge sporting events like the NFL Commission Party to 500 visiting international softball tournament, launch parties new companies and products, weddings, graduations, family reunions and simple dinners.
Tiki’s Grill & Bar is committed to creating innovative cuisine using the freshest produce grown locally on the islands. We select produce in season so our dishes explode with fresh flavors. Chefs concentrate on creating combinations of both sweet and savory offerings in the dishes as well as the presentation. We strive to create innovative cuisine that is enticing to our senses – sight, smell, touch, and taste – all with an element of retro fun.
As a local resident who calls Hawaii home, can you give us some insight into a side of the islands that you feel visitors should know?
As soon as you can, Get in the water! Let you body relax and then play in the water. Get out and explore. Smile and have fun. Make friends with locals and invite them for a drink or a bite out.
What do you do in your spare time?
Spare time is a myth. I get up every morning and take my dog for a walk on the beach, and a cup of Kona Coffee always starts my day out right. I work on my home and yard a little every day. I have taro plants my 90 year old grandfather gave me that are just starting to take off. I enjoy being crew on a few different sailboats that we sometimes race and win. I just got married and I love my wife and spending time or relaxing or driving to work together is a treat. I also enjoy having dinner at friends home.
If you already live in “paradise” then what’s your idea of a vacation?
Sleep in, get a beach lounger chair and read a book until I start napping. Then jump in the water with a mask and look for shells. Get a massage and relax in a spa, have a cocktail and wine with dinner, and snuggling.
*Special thanks to Michael for hosting the So Much More Hawaii bloggers at a tweetup at Tiki’s.
About Michael Miller
Miller brings more than 19 years of experience in sales, marketing and public relations experience, with a focus on the hospitably industry.
His background also includes serving as manager of Gerard’s at the Plantation Inn, Manager and state director of training for Haagen-Dazs Shops, public relations manager for the former Bobby McGee’s Restaurant and Night Club. He is proud to be able to say he worked hard at Hawaii’s Last Pineapple Cannery while high school.
Miller also owned and operated a business for eight years, Happy Maui Diving and Tours, in Lahaina, Maui.
Born and raised on Maui, Miller received his bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He has been involved with the Restaurant Industry Service Excellence program, The National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executive Group, Hawaii Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association, Oahu Wedding Association.
“Michael’s wealth of experience in the food and beverage industry as well as in sales and marketing has been an asset in helping to establish the Tiki’s brand, ” said Bill Tobin, Tiki’s Grill & Bar Managing Partner and CEO. “ His use of promotions with social media have proven to be every effective in engaging both locals and visitors.
Follow Michael on Twitter: mahalomichael
Drop by and say hi to Michael at:
Tiki’s Grill & Bar
2570 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 923-8454
