Hanging out at a tiki bar is a very relaxing and laid-back experience. It is not uncommon to encounter poolside and beachside bars that have tiki-inspired designs. These bars often have accessories, which consist of large wood and stone carvings of humanoid forms that originate from the Central Eastern Polynesian cultures. These tiki bars are strongly associated with the Hawaiian culture as well.

One of the staple accessories of these bars are tiki totems because they are good in giving the bar an authentic tiki feel and look. A tiki bar is simply not complete without one of those tiki totems. In fact, these totems are not just décors in Polynesian cultures because each totem has a significance and meaning. In Polynesian culture, some of these totems were carved to remember significant historical or family events. Sometimes the totems are inspired by animals or gods.

Learn about the meaning of common totems below so that you will also know the significance of having each one in a tiki bar.

• Hurricane tiki totem. This tiki is believed to protect you against the elements.
• Maori tiki totem. A particular Maori tiki totem with its tongue hanging out is believed to be effective in scaring away bad spirits with its tongue.
• Kailua tiki totem. Like the Maori tiki totem, a Kailua strength totem is believed to give protection against bad spirits.
• Makaha tiki totem. Luck and abundance are the promises of this particular totem.
• Love tiki totem. One of the popular totems because it is believed to bring love into one’s life.
• Oahu tiki totem. Similar to the Kailua and the Maori totems, this totem is said to give protection against bad spirits.
• Kauai tiki totem. This totem is also known as Akua Kai or protector of the ocean and hurricane.