Pakele Lounge means the Escape Lounge…
Tucson is a beautiful city but during the summer months it gets hot, really hot! What most people do is stay indoors to escape the heat. When Paula and Paul Gregg decided to build a tiki bar, they decided to build one inside. They took their fourth bedroom and converted it into the Pakele Lounge. Tiki Bars are all about escapism, sometimes its escaping the heat or life’s stresses but sometimes a home tiki bar is a place to go and relax and have a good time. Here is Paula and Paul’s story…
What is the tiki scene like where you live?
Paula– Tucson is home to the iconic Kon Tiki, opened in the 60’s. Full of traditional authentic tiki décor and libations that tiki enthusiast desire.
We also have Cabali which just celebrated its first year anniversary. Owner Fini is a mug collector and the bar was designed to display his wonderful curated collection of rare and collectible tiki mugs. The atmosphere is typical of a tiki bar, dark and beautiful.
What brought you into the tiki lifestyle and how long has it been part of your life?
Paula– Fun fact, Paul and I have been married for 39 years and have thrown an annual Luau party every year. Having a backyard outdoor Tiki bar at all of our homes. Our parties focused on décor, music, food and friends. During 2020 not only was our world rocked with Covid but I, Paula, was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, leading to a long period of no alcohol consumption. When I was finally able to drink again my doctor recommend rum. I went down the rabbit hole to learn about rum and how I could make cocktails with it. U-Tube landed me on Spikes Breezeway Cocktail Hour.
Can you give a little history of how it all came together?
Paula- Matt Marble (Spike) introduced us into the whole new world of Tiki! Far beyond the traditional Hawaiian luau theme. It blew us away that THIS was a thing! How did we not know???? From there we started watching all kinds of YouTube shows to include Tiki with Ray! We got fully absorbed into this Tiki Lifestyle. Focusing on the cocktails and garnishes at first but then we got the idea to build an actual tiki bar building outside. We made our plans and one day when it was 115 degrees out we looked at each other and thought, maybe not a great idea. It would be hard to keep cool and keep the desert critters out of it, such as rattlesnakes, spiders and scorpions. We both decided that we could utilize our 4th bedroom which was off of the side yard. Opened up the window and made a double door entry and proceeded to create an indoor, personal tiki escape room. Started January 24 and finished, or let’s say got to a good opening point end of March. Paul being the carpenter, electrician and installer and me being the visual designer. Together we have created a beautiful place to enjoy at the end of a long work week and have friends and family over. We did lots of research prior to the build to be sure to encompass everything a tiki bar should have. Although we agree with the theory that Tiki is what you want it to be and different to each person. Several influencers like Sven and his books of Tiki. We have gone on to build a thatched roof palapa and outside seating area off of the Pakele Lounge.
Any story behind the name of your bar?
Paula- Pakele Lounge means the Escape Lounge, we chose this because we wanted to escape the stresses of the outside world and just be. To escape into our own personal paradise and enjoy our time together was what we strived for. Once those doors of our average home close we are transported into a world of peace and tranquility. Life is so precious and being able to just sit and be still is a true blessing. Escapism and Leisure are the ultimate rewards of our Pakele Lounge
How far have you driven to buy something tiki that you saw online?
Paula– Well, we didn’t find anything online but we did drive to San Diego to go to the antique mall there purposely to find tiki treasures.
What is your favorite Tiki drink?
Paula– We have come to love so many but our go to is the Chief Lapu Lapu, with its orange, lemon and passion fruit it’s just so good!
What is your favorite Tiki bar? Not including your own!
Paula– So far, I would say our favorite as we have only just begun our adventures is the Kaona Room Tiki Bar in Miami. First for the amazing authentic décor but also because it is family run and Billy is an artist bartender! Everything he creates is beautifully crafted and exceptional tasty!!
Outside of great drinks, what do you think are essential elements in creating the perfect Tiki environment?
Paula– Décor, palm, bamboo, torches, tiki masks, hula it goes on and on. Then comes the lighting and music, need to set the mood. Next is tiki attire, dress the roll, be in the moment and finally friends to share it with. We have been pretty private in our 39 years of marriage focusing on our family and careers. This tiki lifestyle has opened the door to so many new friendships and I mean true forever friendships. I will never go back, I look forward to each even and opportunity to be around tiki enthusiasts because life in general has too many challenges and people don’t agree on certain things anymore. What I have found in this tiki culture, you leave your personal indifferences at the door and come together to just enjoy each other taking away new things with each person you meet. We love this lifestyle!! It literally has changed our lives for the good!
What does the future hold for you and your home tiki bar?
Paula– We are working on a Chinese breezeway tile entryway and have plans for some type of built in water feature by the palapa. Thanks to this new way of life we have been able to meet wonderful people to include you Ray. You are one of the most down to earth guys we have met. Thank you for coming to our home and making us feel like we have done it right. Even though we are late to the Tiki Resurgence we are glad to be jumping on now. We are constantly wanted to educate ourselves and really understand the history behind the Tiki culture. Our time so far has taken us to Jamaica with Spike and Ed Hamilton where we toured historical rum distilleries. We want to visit as many Tiki bars across the country as possible and just continue to grow true friendships. Again, life is so precious and can be taken away so quickly. Our motto “live life to its fullest” embrace every moment, seek adventure pursue passions, take risks and appreciate what we have. Always live authentically and stay curious and Never take life for granted. I am cancer free as of June 2024!
