Hilton Head’s Tiki Hut looks different now. Here’s how construction is progressing

Mary Dimitrov
·2 min read

Hilton Head’s iconic beach bar, the Tiki Hut, is reopening May 24 with a larger structure and expanded live music, food, drink and lounging options, according to Beach House general manager Jay Wiendl.

Coligny beachgoers will be able to walk off the beach and into the bar about five months after it closed in October 2023.

After undergoing $13 million in renovations, about $2 million more than initially estimated, it’ll look a little different than the Tiki Hut vacationers and residents have come to know and love. The renovations were driven by EOS Hospitality, a New York-based hospitality management company that acquired the resort in March 2022.

“We are still going to be quirky,” Wiendl said. “We’re going to have the same vibe.”

Park of the quirk will come from integrating aspects of the old bar into the new one. In the corner of the construction site sat piles of wood from the previous structure, which originally opened in 1977.

Jay Wiendl, general manager of Beach House Hilton Head Island, explains on Tuesday that wood from the former Tiki Hut will be cut down to coaster sized drink holders and will feature a Tiki Hut logo on the top.
Jay Wiendl, general manager of Beach House Hilton Head Island, explains on Tuesday that wood from the former Tiki Hut will be cut down to coaster sized drink holders and will feature a Tiki Hut logo on the top.

“We’re going to turn it into (drink) coasters,” Wiendl said.

Another staple that won’t be going away is the palm-thatch-leaf roof. A company called Big Cypress Tiki Huts is installing the roof, and it’ll take them four days to build.

“They learned the art of building Tiki huts from the Seminole Indians,” Wiendl said. “The only thing that’s changed from the 1800s is everything’s not hand woven anymore. They use nails.”

The style of architecture, called “chickee,” was created by the Seminole Indians in the 1800s when they needed fast, disposable shelters on the run from U.S. troops, according to the tribe’s website.

Wiendl said that the bar is expanding its staff to accommodate 10 feet of added bar space and added services and structures including:

  • Weekend brunch featuring live music

  • Expanded music performances with up to three bands a day on a larger and relocated stage

  • A new pool with fully furnished cabanas, including TVs, to be rented out by guests

  • An upgraded wedding venue that can accommodate up to 100 people or 250 for a reception. When not reserved, the space will feature games such as big Jenga and Connect Four

Dogs will still be allowed at the outside bar with the exception of Memorial Day to Labor Day. Hours will be 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Take a look inside the construction:

The Dunes Pavilion, a new beachfront event space at Beach House, is expected to be finished by May.
The Dunes Pavilion, a new beachfront event space at Beach House, is expected to be finished by May.
Workers attach beams to the completely reimagined Tiki Hut, a companion to the Beach House Hilton Head Island near Hilton Head’s Coligny Beach Park. The Tiki Hut will offer full bar service; a larger, live band stage; restrooms and outdoor curtains that can protect customers from wind and rain.
Workers attach beams to the completely reimagined Tiki Hut, a companion to the Beach House Hilton Head Island near Hilton Head’s Coligny Beach Park. The Tiki Hut will offer full bar service; a larger, live band stage; restrooms and outdoor curtains that can protect customers from wind and rain.
This drone photo shows the full remodel of the outdoor beach space at Beach House Hilton Head Island as seen on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, on Hilton Head. Starting at the bottom left and moving toward the top right shows: the stage for live music, the Tiki Hut, the swimming pool and The Dunes Pavilion, a beachfront event space.
This drone photo shows the full remodel of the outdoor beach space at Beach House Hilton Head Island as seen on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, on Hilton Head. Starting at the bottom left and moving toward the top right shows: the stage for live music, the Tiki Hut, the swimming pool and The Dunes Pavilion, a beachfront event space.
Workers, bottom left, work on the Tiki Hut’s new musical stage as a mechanical lift, upper right, holds a beam of the hut itself.
Workers, bottom left, work on the Tiki Hut’s new musical stage as a mechanical lift, upper right, holds a beam of the hut itself.
The pool area will feature cabanas that are equipped with a mini-fridge, television and a sofa when the beachfront remodel opens in May at Beach House Hilton Head Island.
The pool area will feature cabanas that are equipped with a mini-fridge, television and a sofa when the beachfront remodel opens in May at Beach House Hilton Head Island.
The original building of the former Tiki Hut with its live music sign as seen on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at Beach House Hilton Head Island near Coligny Beach on Hilton Head.
The original building of the former Tiki Hut with its live music sign as seen on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at Beach House Hilton Head Island near Coligny Beach on Hilton Head.