Aloha! Lovers of Polynesian culture and all things tiki - rejoice!  Find your paradise in Des Plaines, at The Tiki Terrace, where the food, décor and weekend shows will put you in a Hawaiian frame of mind.

Wear your finest Hawaiian shirt and lei, and prepare to take in the impressively authentic ambiance: subdued lighting, dozens of tikis, a thatch-roofed bar, hand-crafted Hawaiian artifacts, and sarong-clad waitresses set the scene.  Relax with one of the exotic tropical drinks: Zombie, mai tai, and pina coladas, among them. (yes, you get an umbrella, too).

Friday and Saturday nights feature an “Echoes of Polynesia” dinner and 8:30 p.m. show (reservations recommended, so “Book ‘em, Danno.”).  A $24 seating charge gets you an entrée and the entertainment; appetizers, beverages and desserts are extra. The dinner show is popular with those celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions. Beware the easily embarrassed: celebrants are called up on stage to participate.

An emcee moderates the hour-long show, which comprises Polynesian dancers and musicians performing numbers from the South Pacific region, alternated with the audience participation segments. There’s music, dance, comedy and – not to ruin the surprise – a special guest performer. Mahalo very much.

 The Tiki Terrace, 1591 Lee St., Des Plaines (847) 795-8454 www.thetikiterrace.com