Time for Some Tropical R & R

Aloha!  If you want to explore the exotic beauty of Hawaii and other Polynesian islands, you don’t need a six-plus hour flight, you can stay in San Diego to experience it all.  This weekend you can get to know the culture, food and activates found on the Islands.  

The Pacific Islander Festival Association (PIFA) is bringing the magic of Hawaii to Mission Bay.  This Saturday and Sunday (September 26 and 27) Ski Beach will be transformed into an Islander cultural event you will not want to miss.  The theme this year is “Heroes of the Pacific”  and the cultures of the Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia people will be showcased at this free event.  The fun starts Saturday at 8:45 PM with a procession and a traditional conch shell call and winds down with the Devotion Band playing at 3:10 PM.  Sunday starts with a traditional worship service at 8:00 AM and ends with the Nonosina dance from Tahiti at 3:00 PM.  

There will be delicious food, heart-pounding music and stunning dance performances, as well as tons of vendors in case you want to get your shop on.  Look for the different specialty crafts unique to each culture for the kids.  Parking might be a little tight, so the event has organized shuttles ($1 each way) to take you from designated lots to Ski Beach.  Check out their Facebook Page for more info.

For an authentic and delectable taste of Hawaii, head to Leilani’s Cafe.  They specialize in breakfast and lunch (they close at 3:00 PM), and are known for their friendly atmosphere and creative takes on Hawaiian fare.  Everything here is truly ‘ono’ (Hawaiian for scrumptious), but we would recommend the Hilo Style Loco Loco (hamburger patty over spicy fried rice topped with gravy and two eggs) and the Spam Musubi Leilani Style (spam and scrambled eggs rolled in seaweed).  The family-owned restaurant feels like you’ve stepped onto the island and you have even more ‘ohana’ (family).   

Paddle boarding originated on the Pacific Islands and dates back over a hundred years.  What better way to enjoy our gorgeous weather and beautiful city than to spend some time at sea gliding on the water?  Bliss Paddle Yoga (in Mission Bay) is a paddle boarding company that offers rentals along with lessons for beginner paddle boarders and even yoga lessons on a paddle board (for the adventurous).  The company’s goals are to promote healthy and happy lifestyles both inside and out, and they will make sure you are comfortable, no matter at which level you are at.  Paddle boarding is a great way to work out, find your zen, and soak up the rays.

A tasty Hawaiian dessert that’s all the rage is 'shave ice' as they say in Hawaii (as opposed to ‘shaved ice’).  The ice is literally shaved and not crushed the way it is in a snow cone, so it melts in your mouth.  The Kona Ice Truck in Pacific Beach serves the perfect shave ice with  luscious flavors like kiwi, Pink Lemon Sour, and salted caramel, as well as classic like Blue Raspberry, watermelon, and pina colada.  This food truck also gives back to the community; they have currently donated over $27 million to humanitarian organizations all over the US.  Check out their Facebook page to find where the truck is parked.  Be warned: it’ll be nearly impossible to decide which flavors to choose. 

You don’t need to leave the 'Mainland' to enjoy Polynesian and Pacific Island culture.  So pack your favorite Hawaiian shirt and sandals for a mini holiday at one of our Luxurious Homes in Mission Bay.  You will be telling us ‘Mahalo.’  Aloha!