‘Aloha! You have just crossed the gangplank into another world – into a segment of paradise…’

The Luau at 421 N Rodeo Drive was the Tiki spot of choice for Frank Sinatra’s Rat Pack and Hollywood in-crowd from 1953 to 1978.

Landscaped with palm trees, carved Tikis, a lava rock waterfall and a bamboo bridge spanning a stream stocked with live fish, it was a Polynesian fantasy in the middle of Beverly Hills, California. Tapas on the walls were from Tahiti, Tonga, Samoa and Hawaii.

Elaborate flaming cocktails, described as ‘island symphonies of rare and distinguished rums,‘were served in ornate Tiki-style mugs and the six-page food menu included (Fridays-only) Aku and Mahi Mahi flown in from Hawaii.

The location was the former site of Sugie’s Tropics, opened in 1936 by Harry ‘ Sugie’ Sugarman,’ the operator and manager of Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard.

Steve Crane (1916-1985) was Stefooma, the High-Talking Chief of the Luau. A former actor, and one-time husband of film actress Lana Turner, he partnered with former professional boxer Al Mathes (1907-1985) to take over the spot in 1953 and turn it into a place of kitschy revelry.

There were two dining rooms, bars, and an outdoor patio dining area, a stage area and a banquet room all done in South Seas décor. Designed by architect George Nakashima and interior decorator Gabe Florian, it was – as the menu said – a place to relax and have fun.

Tiki began to go out of style in the 70s and in 1978 Crane and his silent partner sold the property for $4m, having successfully cashed in on America’s early craze for Tiki.

A year later, the property was demolished to make way for the Rodeo Collection, the city’s first high-end shopping complex.