Donn Beach: The Man Who Invented the Tiki Bar

1st Aug 2025

Now available: Searching for Don the Beachcomber: Inventor of the Tiki Bar by Tim “Swanky” Glazner, a trailblazer in the modern Tiki movement, is the most comprehensive and meticulously researched biography of Donn Beach, the undisputed pioneer of Tiki culture.

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Donn Beach invented the Tiki bar concept and created many of the iconic Tiki cocktails we cherish today, and he provided a much-needed avenue for escapism during turbulent times. More than just the story of the birth of the Tiki bar, the book tells the fascinating adventures of a true American original. From his humble roots in a small Texan town to becoming a symbol of revelry for generations, Donn Beach meticulously crafted his identity to match his dreams, attaining legendary status along the way. His motto, “If you can’t get to paradise, I’ll bring it to you,” defined him and still inspires many to this day.

Behind the book

Producing a book like this is a labour of love. Every trip to dig through a photo album or scrapbook can cost thousands of dollars, and buying images on eBay means spending money on something that may never be used. But you have to get it, or it’s lost. Thank you to everyone who backed the project on Kickstarter and helped make sure Donn Beach’s legacy is honoured and preserved for generations to come.

Want to know more about the author? Read our interview with Tiki historian Tim ‘Swanky’ Glazner, or browse our Tiki Culture collection.

Here is the trailer for the documentary “The Donn of Tiki”, for which Tim “Swanky” Glazner was an associate producer.