The owner of On the HIYU, Jeff Wilson, is a Tiki enthusiast who like so many are enchanted with the resurgence of this bar trend. When he was remodeling the ferry boat he envisioned having one of the passenger bars transformed into a tropical mindscape.
Believing that every detail makes a difference he wanted the bar to be authentically Tiki. He had custom bar tops made out of natural wood and carried the Tiki detail onto the ceiling and even the walls.
The main part of the bar expanded the theme with the bar tables and walnut finished bar stools making this the trendiest passenger cabin in Seattle.
With the water views as the backdrop this tropical escape redefines a ferry boat. The artwork and signage add elements of polynesian culture mixed with the renaissance of this modern day Tiki vibe.
The large Tiki totems throughout the space are beautifully crafted, but even more impressive is that they are remote control operated to surprise guests when smoke suddenly erupts from the bases. Artwork throughout the space is on point with the theme.
Recently, On the HIYU has created a Facebook group, Tiki on the HIYU, to connect with other like-minded enthusiasts. The ferry boat throws a series of Tiki events throughout the year to enjoy and celebrate this burgeoning trend.