Beloved Hyannis Chinese Restaurant Tiki Port Closing After Nearly 50 Years

HYANNIS (WBSM) — It’s the end of an era as another of Massachusetts’ most beloved Chinese restaurants, the true throwback known as Tiki Port in Hyannis, is closing for good after nearly 50 years in business.

Although the news had been buzzing around the Cape for a few weeks following some municipal meetings, Tiki Port made the official announcement via its Facebook page on December 22.

A Cape Cod Staple Since 1977

“Since opening our doors in 1977, Tiki Port Restaurant has been more than a place to eat – it has been a place to gather, celebrate, and create memories. After almost 50 years, we will be closing permanently on December 31, 2025,” the restaurant posted. “We are deeply grateful to the generations of customers, families, friends, and staff who made Tiki Port what it was. Thank you for your support, memories, and loyalty over the years.”

Fans Are Taking Pieces Home

Of course, there are those who want a piece of Tiki Port to remember it, and some have resorted to allegedly stealing keepsakes from the restaurant.

One online review even noted that when visiting on December 26, a couple had to share one menu between the two of them “because most have been stolen.” The reviewer also stated that their Scorpion Bowl for two was “delivered in a serving bowl” because “the special bowls have all been stolen, too.”

Why Tiki Port Is Closing

Rumors had been swirling for quite some time that Tiki Port would close. Back in February of 2024, the restaurant posted to Facebook saying there were “no immediate plans” to close, but gave insight into why it might eventually happen.

“The restaurant property has been leased and owned by the Cape Cod Airport since we opened in 1977, and negotiations with them continue and are ongoing to remain open, as it relates to their continued renovations of the Airport Plaza complex,” the restaurant posted, noting Tiki Port was also undergoing a management change as well.

What Makes Tiki Port So Special?

Tiki Port is one of the last surviving Chinese restaurants that I like to refer to as a “Polynesian palace,” with the decor and atmosphere that was more akin to the Pacific Islands and their “tiki” culture than China. It has been a go-to for many on the SouthCoast since Wareham’s Hong Kong Island closed in 2017 and Chuck’s China Inn in New Bedford closed in 2020.

READ MORE: Bái Bái, Hong Kong Island

READ MORE: Chuck's China Inn Was a New Bedford North End Landmark

You enter through a glass-enclosed foyer and are greeted by a pair of golden lions standing guard over the waiting area.

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As soon as you walk in, you are met by the sound of trickling water from the terra cotta fountain just before the double doors that lead into the restaurant and lounge.

Turn left at the golden Buddha statue (don’t forget to rub his belly for luck) to enter the lounge or take a right for the dining room.

The waiters still wear Hawaiian shirts, and never let your glass of water or pot of tea go empty. Until recently, they’d still bring you pineapple chunks speared by toothpicks to finish off your meal, along with a plate of fortune cookies. The food is still served in covered stainless steel serving bowls, and don’t be surprised if your Fogcutter or Mai Tai is served in a tiki mug.

One Last Meal for Old Time's Sake

You have a few days left to enjoy Tiki Port one last time (or maybe for the first time), so get yourself to Hyannis and transport yourself to the South Pacific.