Wildwood Doo Wop.com

A small but noteworthy classic, the Ala Kai is the southernmost of the Wildwoods' Tiki/Polynesian-themed motels. The Ala Kai is located on the southeast corner of Atlantic and Toledo Ave. It was formerly bordered to the east by the Cavalier Motel. Its closest neighbor is the Blue Marlin Motel, which sits directly across Toledo Ave. to the north.

• The Ala Kai's original owners were Kurt and Gertrude Burghold.
• "Ala Kai," in Hawaiian, means "by the sea" or "road by the sea."
• The motel is one of the classic L-shaped variety. The longer portion is two stories high, with rooms facing north. The 'eastern wing' is three stories, with rooms facing west.
• The office area is housed in an extention at the corner area of the property. Its roof serves as a sundeck, and is situated directly below the motel's large rooftop neon sign.
• A new, fully-refurbished replica of the Ala Kai's original rooftop sign debuted in the Spring of 2007. It features brighter colors, an underline design below the lettering and the return of the 'Surfer Girl' motif as a centerpiece.

The Ala Kai is technically located south of the Historic Motel District. WildwoodViews.com:
http://www.wildwoodviews.com/Motels/Wildwood_Crest/ala_kai_motel.htm Al Alven, Wildwood Doo Wop Team

As a kid, I remember seeing the great Ala Kai sign as my family drove south on Atlantic Ave., heading toward the Captain's Table Restaurant, deep in the lower reaches of the Crest. That was the sign I would always look for, and would then know that we were close. In later years, I gained a real appreciation for this often-overlooked gem. It was a true relief to see it survive the 'condo boom' of the early 2000s; hopefully, it will continue to thrive. The refurbished rooftop sign looks terrific!