San Diego's Aloha Spirit

In order to live in balance, harmony, and joy, we need to have aloha in our minds. Hawaii is perhaps what we love most about our trips there. Almost indescribable natural beauty, the spirit of the people, and the food are the highlights of this incredible place.

Fortunately, some places in San Diego offer aloha spirit experiences without having to fly all the way to Hawaii. We have places to celebrate the tiki culture, traditions, allure, and charm of Hawaii and the Polynesian Islands in America's finest city.

In the sand, Aloha is written with waves coming in

The tiki culture of San Diego began in the 1950s. In contrast, other parts of the country developed a tired attitude towards its kitschy and somewhat outdated vibe. The cuisine, the drinks, and the decor of Polynesian escapism are experiencing a resurgence in the last few years.

CATAMARAN RESORT HOTEL

Three999 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109

Phone: (858) 488-1081

The Catamaran Resort Hotel is a tropical hideaway on Mission Bay in Pacific Beach. There are lush vegetation, koi ponds, waterfalls, tiki torches, and exotic birds at this Polynesian-themed resort.

You feel as if you are entering a Hawaiian resort when you enter the lobby. In the lobby's centerpiece, a waterfall and koi pond are surrounded by palm trees, ferns, bamboo, and orchids. In addition to more than 1,000 different kinds of trees, plants and ponds filled with fish and colorful ducks, the resort grounds contain water features and waterfalls. In an oasis of tranquility, guests can relax by the beautiful swimming pool.

BAHIA RESORT HOTEL

Location: 998 West Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109

Phone: (858) 488-0551

Bahia Resort Hotel is situated on a fourteen-acre peninsula just steps from Mission Beach and the waves.

A quiet and secluded private beach with classic rattan and azure blue-covered cabanas is available for guests of the beach-themed resort (a sister property to Catamaran). The cabanas at Bahia are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

HUMPHREYS HALF MOON INN

92106, 2303 Shelter Island Drive

Phone: (619) 224-3411

The best kept secret in San Diego. You will understand why once you visit.

Located on Shelter Island, Humphreys Half Moon Inn presents a throw-back flavor of the South Pacific from the moment we enter. Tropical plants decorate volcanic rock walls, flickering torches, and palm trees rustle in the breeze giving the resort an authentic Hawaiian feel.

THE BEST PLACES TO DRINK AND EAT IN ALOHA

BALI HAI RESTAURANT

Accessed from 2230 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106

Phone: (619) 222-1181

Bali Hai, located on Shelter Island near the tip, was one of several locations where Tiki found a home in 1954. It was one of several Christians Hut locations built for Hollywood's Mutiny on the Bounty remake crew on California's Balboa Island.

Bali Hai, which is configured like a Hawaiian ceremonial house, offers guests 180-degree views of the harbor, Coronado's North Island, and downtown's twinkling lights. There is a spectacular view from nearly every seat in the restaurant. As the crown jewel of the eatery, the Tiki Bar is one of the most beautiful tiki bars in the world.

DUKES LA JOLLA

The address is 1216 Prospect St. in La Jolla, CA 92037

Phone: (858) 454-5888

Located oceanfront over La Jolla Cove, Dukes La Jolla combines delectable Hawaiian fare with spectacular views of the ocean.

This restaurant pays tribute to Hawaiian and Californian beach styles as well as the father of modern surfing, Duke Kahanamoku. It comes as no surprise that the two-tiered teak wood restaurant features surfboards and surfing photos.

Duke's Mai Tai, a lush mix of fresh Hawaiian juices and two types of rum, is the signature cocktail. In addition to mojitos, mule, margaritas, and lavender drinks, we have other drinks sourced locally.

An umbrella and pineapple slice top this Mai Tai cocktail in a Tiki-inspired glass

Dukes La Jolla's Mai Tai.

THE GRASS SKIRT

Phone number: 910 Grand Ave, San Diego, California 92109

Phone: (858) 412-5237

The restaurant and speakeasy are hidden behind a secret entrance, but it is a great place to enjoy island food. The casual restaurant Good Time Poke fronts Pacific Beach's Grass Skirt. A tiki bar featuring rum punches, smoking volcano bowls, and flower leis makes this a nighttime destination.

The Mai Tai (an anchor cocktail of tiki retro culture) is one of the libations offered here, along with Pain Killers, Scorpion Bowls, Zombies, Carmen Mirandas, and Grogs. Featuring serrano-infused tequila, high-quality Jamaican rum, pineapple, coconut, pomegranate, and topped with a lime rind holding a flaming shot of Bacardi 151, the Fire & Ice is another favorite.

MISS BS COCONUT CLUB

San Diego, CA 92109, 3704 Mission Blvd

Phone: (858) 381-0855

A colorful, laid-back beach club, Miss Bs Coconut Club is named after a bathing beauty cover model. In the early 20th century, Mission Beach was mostly a grassy, Hawaiian-style tent city filled with cabana-style huts.

A wood table with a pineapple-shaped copper cocktail glass decorated with pink flowers stands in the foreground, with an empty bar in the background