Hula Kai, a Polynesian-inspired dining and nightlife concept, is planned for 17th Street in Fort Lauderdale, with the operator's Instagram announcing a Summer 2026 target. Per that post, the multi-level venue is expected to span approximately 5,000 square feet across multiple floors, including a mezzanine dining level and a rooftop lounge the operator has named Ohana. No permit filing, signed lease, or direct operator statement has been provided — the timeline and layout details are drawn from the Instagram announcement.
The concept is built around atmosphere as much as menu. The operator describes Polynesian-inspired interiors with high ceilings and layered floor plans designed to make each level feel distinct. The beverage program centers on rum-focused cocktails alongside a menu of what the post characterizes as bold, tropical flavors. No chef, specific dishes, or sourcing details have been disclosed at this stage.
The rooftop Ohana space is described as dual-programmed: a dining-adjacent setting earlier in the evening that transitions into a nightlife-oriented venue later on. That kind of programmatic layering — where a single address runs a food-first floor alongside a separate late-night component — has become a common structural choice for operators trying to extend revenue windows without running two entirely separate kitchens or concepts under one roof.
No operator principals, design team, or prior tenant for the 17th Street address have been identified in the source material. The 17th Street corridor sits adjacent to Fort Lauderdale's marine industry cluster near Port Everglades and has drawn hospitality activity in recent years, though the specific block placement for Hula Kai has not been disclosed.
The Summer 2026 target, as stated in the operator's Instagram, leaves a construction and permitting window of several months. Watch for permit activity and a more precise address as the project moves closer to its announced timeline.
