7 Awesome Tiki Backyard Ideas

7 Awesome Tiki Backyard Ideas

Furthermore, to gain a better understanding of this culture, please continue reading. Doing so will likely improve your design choices. 

What Does “Tiki” Mean?

Tiki is a term used to describe the first human in Māori mythology. It can also refer to human-like statues made of wood or stone.

You may have seen these distinctive-looking statues before, namely in New Zealand. There is a lot of mythology surrounding tiki statues. They are often used to signify boundaries in places of importance.

This culture has become more well-known thanks to the emergence of tiki bars. These establishments are usually adorned with symbols of Polynesian cultures, such as tiki statues.

They tend to serve quite unique drinks and cocktails.

These drinks will frequently contain tropical fruit juices, rums, and syrups. They will then be served in tiki-inspired glasses.

The first tiki bar is believed to date back to 1933, though this has not been completely confirmed. Nowadays, there are loads of tiki bars across the globe. 

Are you hoping to embrace this tiki culture? To help implement this style into your garden, follow these top tips. 

1. Tiki Statues

Perhaps the most obvious method you can use to instill your backyard with a tiki-theming is through tiki statues. 

You can purchase these statues in a range of styles, sizes, and colors. They are sold at a range of different prices, meaning you can find the one that works best for your garden.

If you are looking for some inspiration, here are some amazing products: 


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This VP Home Tiki Head has great aesthetic value!

Not only does it look awesome, but it can light up thanks to a solar-powered LED light. 

This will make for an atmosphere light, allowing you to add some character to your late-night garden parties. 


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If you are willing to spend a little extra, this Design Toscano Tiki Fountain will look incredible in your backyard.


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For a third option, this 3 ft Hand Carved Wood Tiki Totem Pole Statue will fill your backyard with a tiki ambiance. 

These statues can be placed throughout your garden. However, if you want to acknowledge the mythology of these statues, you may want to put them close to the entrance of your garden.

This will mark your garden as being a place of significance. 

2. A Tiki Bar

Many people dream of fitting a bar into their own homes. After all, this will mean that you can visit the bar whenever you feel like it.

If you are considering doing this, you may instead want to go for a tiki-themed bar.

To get the tiki look, use plenty of wood. You may also want to use bamboo stalks in the construction of your bar to give it an authentic tiki vibe.

Furthermore, your bar should have a thatched roof to make it feel more realistic.

The tiki bar can be as big or small as you like. It should have comfortable chairs and a bar table in which you can enjoy tiki-themed drinks! Once you have built or bought your tiki bar, you should add some decorative touches.

This can include a tiki-themed bar sign, such as this one. 


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You can also get a blank bar sign. This will allow you to customize your bar, choosing a name that appeals to you.

Your bar will be a relaxing outdoor space for you, your family, and your friends to enjoy.

3. Cool Lights

Lights are not only important from a practical standpoint, given that they allow you to see, but they also have aesthetic benefits.

Warm lights can make your outdoor space feel more cozy and comfortable.

Outdoor fairy lights will be more than sufficient, though lights with a more tiki-vibe will take your backyard to the next level. Here are some amazing suggestions:


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These KYEKIO torches are designed to emulate the look of fire, thus enhancing your tiki garden.


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Next, this pineapple-themed set of fairy lights from Vigdur will make your backyard seem more tropical.

4. Lots Of Plants

Backyards are home to all things natural. This includes a variety of greenery.

Tiki bars are traditionally decorated with lots of plants, making the space appear very natural. If you want to imitate this look, you may want to invest in some exotic plants.

5. Seating Area

Though you can still enjoy a tiki-themed backyard by standing up, sitting down will improve the experience and will be more comfortable on your legs!

Because of this, you should look into getting some comfortable outdoor seating. If you have a tiki bar, you may want to get some bar stools. Ideally, these stools should match the appearance of the bar itself.

6. Tiki-Themed Glasses And Drinks

If you want a tiki-themed garden, you will be expected to serve tiki-themed drinks. You will be able to find lots of online recipes for tiki drinks.

As mentioned earlier, these beverages tend to feature rum. However, you will also be able to find non-alcoholic variations.

When serving these drinks, you may want to serve them in tiki glasses. This will add a sense of legitimacy to your tiki garden. These tiki mugs from HomeWetBar look very awesome. 


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These tiki mugs from HomeWetBar look very awesome.

Furthermore, you should add a garnish, such as mini umbrellas, a sprig of mint, or fruit, to the drink. Consequently, the drink will seem more elaborate. 

7. A Fire Pit

Lastly, you will want to be warm in the evening when you are enjoying your tiki backyard. Unfortunately, the weather can make this somewhat difficult.

To warm yourselves up, consider installing a fire pit in your backyard.

You can either build your own fire pit or purchase a ready-made version online. The presence of a fire pit will mean that your parties can go on for much longer!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes A Great Tiki Bar?

A tiki bar should be very lively and vibrant. It should also have plenty of drinks, primarily cocktails. When you are in a tiki bar, you should feel both relaxed and elevated.

Where Do Tiki Bars Originate From?

Tiki bars are believed to originate in California. The first tiki bar is attributed to Ernest Gantt, who opened "Don the Beachcomber" in 1933.