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The Aku-Aku in Las Vegas |
Sabu The Coconut Boy
Grand Member (8 years) 
Joined: Aug 20, 2002
Posts: 2784
From: Carson, California
|  Posted: 2002-11-28 10:14 pm Permalink
I recently acquired an old brochure from the Stardust in Las Vegas that had a wonderful artist's-rendering of the interior of the Aku-Aku. I wanted to share it with the group, since so many of you own the various mugs that were unique to this place, but like me, might have always wondered what it looked like.
I'll start though, with a photographic postcard of the exterior, showing the famous giant stone Moai and one of my favorite Tiki Signs of all time.
Here's an artist's rendering of the complex, showing the Aku Aku to the left of the Stardust, with three large moai out front.
Here's the view of the interior of the Aku Aku. Did the artist idealize the place or was it really this cool?
And a a view of the Neptune Dining Room, which also has a nice tropical feel to it.
Did anyone here ever visit the Aku Aku before it was torn down? I'd really be interested in hearing what it was like.
Sabu
[ This Message was edited by: Sabu The Coconut Boy 2008-01-15 22:43 ]
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Luckydesigns
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Sep 15, 2002
Posts: 1893
From: Costa Mesa
| Posted: 2002-11-28 11:46 pm Permalink
You've done it again Sabu. You never cease to amaze me with your finds. Very nice.
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Sabu The Coconut Boy
Grand Member (8 years)
Joined: Aug 20, 2002
Posts: 2784
From: Carson, California
| Posted: 2002-12-02 4:47 pm Permalink
Anyone have any stories or recollections of the Aku Aku in Vegas?
Sabu
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RevBambooBen
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Nov 12, 2002
Posts: 7198
From: Huntikington Beach
| Posted: 2005-12-30 6:15 pm Permalink
Sunset Park, Las Vegas 12/29/05. Last remaining Eli Hedley carved, Aku Aku Moai. Had a lil' family time out there the last few days.
My Mom and I ( first time she's seen it since it was being carved behind Disneyland!!!)
Mrs. Bamboo and Tiki Man Jack !
Myself with Banzai Blake and my Brother Ski, who lives in Las Vegas now and is a photographer. We'll see what pics he comes up with.
My Mom Ba ( pernounced BAY) reflecting on her past incredible life as a Hedley, aka Daughter of the Original Beachcomber Eli Hedley.
Long Live the Aku Aku !!! ( Moai!!)
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Swanky
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Apr 03, 2002
Posts: 4807
From: Hapa Haole Hideaway, TN
| Posted: 2005-12-31 06:58 am Permalink
By the Caddy in this picture, I guess this is about 1957
By the pink Caddy in this one, I know it's a 1959.
Anyone else know the other cars enough to guess these years better?
That's one awesome sign, and it sure looks like the Hedley carving in the park with it's family...
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theARTFINK
Tiki Centralite
Joined: Jun 02, 2002
Posts: 40
From: behind the green door
| Posted: 2005-12-31 09:20 am Permalink
the first card has a black 60 cadillac leaving the parking lot.
so I would say late 59-60.
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RevBambooBen
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Nov 12, 2002
Posts: 7198
From: Huntikington Beach
| Posted: 2005-12-31 11:21 am Permalink
p.s. not to be vain, but do our profiles look alike or what!?!?!
Maybe I should change my name to Rev Aku Aku !!! 
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TikiGardener
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Mar 24, 2002
Posts: 1359
From: 1st website dedicated to Tiki Gardens
| Posted: 2005-12-31 12:43 pm Permalink
Carved? What was used? Ol' General Sherman redwood?
How was this bad boy put together?
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Lava Lounge
Member
Joined: Jan 04, 2006
Posts: 4 | Posted: 2006-01-05 07:50 am Permalink
Wow! The Aku-Aku! What a legend. It's hard to believe (because I love that time period) that places like these existed. I mean we live in such a fast paced, super size world that if it weren't for tiki-files like ya'll swingers we'd have no imagination and nothing to remember today!
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bigbrotiki
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Mar 25, 2002
Posts: 10566
From: Tiki Island, above the Silverlake
| Posted: 2006-01-05 08:50 am Permalink
Quote:
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On 2005-12-31 12:43, TikiGardener wrote:
Carved? What was used? Ol' General Sherman redwood?
How was this bad boy put together?
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You can see Eli work on ONE of the Aku Aku moais on p.74 of the BOT. It clearly shows the two parts of rock that pieced it together. And the above one is seen in all his glory on p. 114.
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Mr. Dale
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jan 26, 2004
Posts: 300
From: a garage somewhere in Arvada, Colorado
| Posted: 2006-01-05 11:18 am Permalink
Its just a bit later, the little mercury meteor cruising the strip in the second picture, (right under the sign and maoi) is a 62-63. Love those things.
I sold my 50 merc, kept my 50's soul, but I bought a 64 Galaxie, I figured that it fit more into my version of a perfect tiki life. Inject me and my car into that picture and cut the cord baby!!!!!
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johnnievelour
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Mar 25, 2002
Posts: 444
From: LongBeach
| Posted: 2006-01-06 12:50 am Permalink
The Aku Aku restaurant is long gone and the tiki escaped. Now the Stardust will be torn down to make way for Echelon.
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tikivixen
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Aug 28, 2002
Posts: 724
From: Vallejo CA
| Posted: 2006-01-06 02:16 am Permalink
Johnnie Velour wrote: "The Aku Aku restaurant is long gone and the tiki escaped. Now the Stardust will be torn down to make way for Echelon."
How 'bout just Eccccchhh.
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Pacific Andy
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Feb 17, 2003
Posts: 193
From: Tahiti
| Posted: 2006-01-06 10:29 am Permalink
I am still amazed that the Stardust is still around. It was old and tattered 20 years ago.
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TikiJosh
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Feb 01, 2005
Posts: 735 | Posted: 2006-01-06 5:47 pm Permalink
Maybe they'll put in something like a tiki bar in the new place? If the stardust must be sacrificed, a little hope won't hurt, right?
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