Step into a world of sun-soaked escapism and island enchantment—an opulent weekend retreat where the rhythms of the tropics come alive in the Midwest.
Sip on artfully crafted cocktails, savor vibrant island cuisine, and lose yourself in the sultry sounds of exotic music and dance. Wander through a paradise of curated vendors, cultural seminars, and immersive experiences designed to awaken your senses and transport your spirit.
Slip away to The Lei Away - September 26-28, 2025 in Kansas City.
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SVEN KIRSTEN
Meet
Mr. Tiki Revival
Without Sven Kirsten, it’s probably safe to say that the modern Tiki Revival wouldn’t be what it is today. His groundbreaking 2000 release, The Book of Tiki, ignited a global fascination with Polynesian Pop. The book quickly became the bible for anyone striving to create an authentic tiki escape and was followed by three more books that explore the rich, exotic tapestry of tiki style. With an eye for mid-century modernism and the theatrical flair of Hollywood escapism, Sven is a true cultural archaeologist who lectures internationally, consults on immersive tiki environments, and, of course, designs tiki mugs inspired by mid-century exotica. Sven’s passion for 20th-century pop culture has preserved Tiki’s golden age and reimagined it for new generations of island dreamers. Get your tickets and join Sven for an unforgettable Lei Away escape.
SPIKE MARBLE
will be mixing things up with us!
Spike Marble, a longtime fixture of Southern California’s vibrant tiki scene, is the charismatic host of Spike’s Breezeway Cocktail Hour, a YouTube series serving up vintage cocktail culture with a twist since 2020. His show blends classic mixology with special guest appearances, plus excursions to other tiki bars, both commercial and home-brewed. If that wasn’t enough, Spike is also the frontman of the rockabilly-meets-exotica band The Hula Girls. So, whether behind the bar or on the road, Spike brings a deep passion for Polynesian pop and mid-century style to share with you at Lei Away.
TIKI TOM-TOM
​
Tiki is calling,
and he must go
Tiki Tom-Tom, the alter ego of Tom Jaynes, is a modern-day wayfinder charting the lush, rum-soaked corners of America’s homegrown Tiki bars. A writer, photographer, artist, educator, and musician, Tom lives and breathes the exotica aesthetic—fully immersed in mid-century Polynesian pop's sights, sounds, and spirit. His book, Polynesiacs: Tiki at Home, chronicles an epic road trip across the U.S., where he visits 75 handcrafted home Tiki bars and captures the personal oases of those who live the
island fantasy daily. A full-time Polynesiac in both heart and habit, Tiki Tom-Tom continues to celebrate and elevate the escapist world of Tiki through his vibrant storytelling and creative work. Lei Away is Tiki Tom-Tom’s latest adventure.
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The Lei Away Mission and the Spirit of Ohana
From the event’s inception, the Lei Away team has had a focus on supporting and representing the Polynesian community, here in the Kansas City area and beyond. We have local Polynesian makers, musicians, dancers, and food vendors participating in the event.
In addition, HITIDES and Collective EX, led by owner and Lei Away Creative Director, Johnny Dawbarn, is proudly committed to partnering with companies in Hawaii to provide ingredients and floral products for their business.
A portion of the proceeds from Lei Away as before, will continue to support Polynesian community and events in Kansas City. We also continue to be committed to the raising of funds to support the 2023 tragedies in Maui. Those organizations are The Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center, Kolua Restaurant & Hospitality Fund, Maui Agriculture and The Maui Humane Society.
We hope you’ll join us at Lei Away, in the spirit of Ohana…the spirit of family…and a celebration of the beauty and splendor of tropical locales, right here in land-locked Kansas City.