Donn Beach was a master of tropical escapism, bringing paradise to those who couldn’t get there via his South Seas themed bars and restaurants, Don the Beachcomber;
“If you can’t get to paradise, I’ll bring it to you.”
Towards the twilight years of Donn’s life, he had visions of creating the next level of escapism; tropically themed huts on double hulled catamarans, resting in an idyllic lagoon with the sights of swaying palm trees on white sand beaches and volcanic mountains as a back drop; locals in pareus and lava-lavas stopping by every morning to deliver fresh fish, fruits and flowers. Donn worked closely with Herb Kane of the Polynesian Voyaging Society to develop the first prototype vessel, christening it the Marama. Unfortunately, Donn wasn’t able to get the zoning to make the rest of these floating catamarans a reality and thus, the Marama was eventually towed to Moorea, Tahiti where Donn lived the remainder of his days until his passing; the Marama eventually succumbing to a series of Hurricanes in Donn’s absence.
