What Is Tiki Music?

Tiki music is the soundtrack of tropical escapism. Blending influences from Polynesian pop, Hawaiian melodies, lounge jazz, Latin rhythms, and surf instrumentals, tiki music creates the immersive atmosphere associated with classic tiki bars and mid-century tropical nightlife.

During the golden age of tiki culture in the 1950s and 1960s, artists such as Martin Denny, Arthur Lyman, and Les Baxter pioneered a style known as exotica - lush recordings filled with vibraphones, jungle percussion, bird calls, and orchestral arrangements meant to evoke imaginary island adventures. Their music became the defining sound of tiki bars across America.

But tiki music extends far beyond exotica. Traditional Hawaiian steel guitar recordings, Latin mambo orchestras, cocktail lounge jazz, surf rock instrumentals, and modern exotica revival bands all contribute to the vibrant musical landscape of tiki culture.

The playlists below explore these different sounds, offering curated journeys through classic exotica, Hawaiian island music, surf rock, and modern revival bands that continue to keep tiki music alive today.

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