Iconic Hilton Head pool bar reopens as locals look back at history of the Hut

HILTON HEAD ISLAND S.C. (WSAV) – In 1970, the south end of Hilton Head Island had little more than a golf course, a few hotels, a couple of beachy neighborhoods and a plaza.

One of the hotels built an outdoor bar where islanders, visitors and celebrities could come together in a celebration of paradise. It was then that the Tiki Hut first came to life.

“It is better than almost every other Tiki Bar I’ve ever been to,” said Derek Cassidy. “I mean I’ve been to Hawaii dozens of times, Costa Rica…and it’s got to be the people. The customers. Everyone from Bob who was a WWII bombardier who was shot down twice and said he shouldn’t be here and he would come out and have a beer and a cigarette every day against his doctor’s orders… to people who wrote books, sitting there. It was it was a wonderful place for everybody.”

Cassidy was the bartender at the Tiki Hut for 23 years, while local Wee Winn has been a fixture at the volleyball net for 40 years.

“It’s just a place where we can play volleyball and just meet people and get some sun and hang out when we’re exercising.”

Whether it’s the salt air, the sailing, or the sound of good tunes on a sunny day, longtime locals will never forget the old tiki.

“It puts a smile on your heart. It touched everybody,” Cassidy said, with his hand on his heart, “and everybody was a part of it. It wasn’t just a place to come drink.”

After months of being closed for renovation, the Tiki Hut came back to life again Friday at the Beach House Resort, this time with an entirely re-imagined entertainment gathering space.

The new Hut will be serving drinks all week until 10:00 p.m. On May 30, they will have their Grand Opening with special appearance bartenders and charity contests.