Item boxes are few and far between, so do your best to grab one from the first group. If you can’t jostle your way to the head of the pack, consider hanging back just enough to see which item boxes your opponents hit. If you do this, make sure you drift through the curve—the Super Mini-Turbo will keep you from falling too far behind.
As you drive through the Tiki Goons, use the Touch Screen to keep an eye on the other racers. The slightest jostle could send you into an enemy or off the course. This is a great spot to draft behind your opponents, but expect trailing racers to use the same tactic.
If you have a Banana handy, try to place it near one of the course’s big drops. These items can be extremely effective on the platforms that lead to the temple.
Don’t forget to grab those coins! As effective as the shortcuts are, they can make it difficult to reach the 10-coin limit. Consider sacrificing an early lead to collect your coins, then try your best to hang on to them as you push your way into the lead.