Lee Koplin is the original designer of the Tiki (Moai) Stone Face but was fabricated by Koplin’s employee, Mike Kautza. who worked for him almost 40 years ago. After Magic Carpet Golf closed down, local artist from Amado, AZ, Tom Prevatt, re-designed and renovated the now seen Tiki head on 4th Avenue. The entire process was a team effort by: Galileo Construction, Division 2 Construction, Broderick Engineers, Parson Steel Erectors, Marcos Crane, Caid Industries, Lanning Architects, and The Hut, according to the Tucson Citizen.

There was recently a grand Tiki Convention held in San Diego, Calif. where the two headlining bands who performed at The Hut Street Party also played. The convention and musicians unmistakably brought fans to Tucson as the unveiling was publicized on their Web site (www.tikicentral.com), which encompasses more than 250,000 members, according to the Tucson Citizen.

The Magic Carpet miniature golf, once located at 6125 E. Speedway, closed its doors in December of 2007. Its famed statue was highly regarded and even featured in Sven Kirsten’s “Tiki Modern” book in 2008.

“[Sven Kirsten] is the author of “The Book of Tiki” considered the best reference material on the subject.” Tucson Citizen

The Hut
305 N. 4th Ave.
Tucson, AZ
huttucson.com