`Polynesian pop' is everywhere  A tropical storm is hitting home
design, courtesy of Tiki torches, `hula honeys' and palm trees.
August 20, 2004|By Charlyne Varkonyi Schaub, Tribune Newspapers:
South Florida Sun-Sentinel.  Paradise lost has been found.  Tiki
torches are burning in back yards across America. Thatched-roof
bars are serving mai tais, rumrunners and pina coladas. The hula
girl has become the motif du jour--on everything from kitschy
lamps to dinnerware.  After a 30-year disappearance, it's tiki
time once again. We have seen some indications of the trend for
the past few years, but now the Polynesian drums are beating so
loud they can't be ignored.  Until recently, most folks who
wanted a tiki motif had to search yard sales, thrift stores and
the Internet. But these days you can find "Polynesian pop"
everywhere--from specialty stores to discounters.  Tommy Bahama,
which typically focused on a more upscale tropical look, has
added tableware with hula girl chic.  The always on-trend Target
recently