Bali Hai slates Polynesian blowout in honor of its 60th anniversary



The Bali Hai restaurant, an iconic Polynesian-theme dining getaway on Shelter Island, is poised to celebrate 60 years of idyllic views and sumptuous food and drinks. Courtesy photo slideshow

One of Point Loma’s high-profile restaurants and an iconic destination for locals and visitors alike, the Bali Hai Restaurant on Shelter Island will host a 60th Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, Oct. 30 from 6 to 10 p.m.The Polynesian-theme restaurant at 2230 Shelter Island Drive is throwing a party with live entertainment, including performances by Creepxotica, Desi Realtor, Pride of Polynesian and live painting by Norm Daniels.“There are two generations who have done really well, and we have a legacy to uphold,” said Tommy Baumann, Bali Hai general manager and son of owners Susie and Larry Baumann. “My brothers Andy and Grant and I enjoy that challenge, and we know how lucky we are to be the third generation to continue the success.”Baumann also touted the success of the Bali Hai over six decades in the Point Loma community.“There weren’t very many restaurants in neighborhoods back 60 years ago; we were one of a handful of the restaurants people went to,” said Larry Baumann. “This gave us the opportunity to become woven in the fabric of these people’s lives. These families have allowed us to be a part of every special occasion including weddings, graduations, anniversaries, etc. over the years.”The landmark restaurant, located on the northern tip of Shelter Island, is a chic, sleek Polynesian paradise opened in 1954 by San Diego restaurateur Tom Ham. Bali Hai was the island’s first “tiki temple” and remains one of the largest remaining original tiki temples in the United States.Family owned and operated for more than five decades, Ham’s vision continues through his daughter, Susie Baumann, her husband, Larry, and sons Grant, Andy and Tommy. Generations of diners come for the delicious food, spectacular views and the restaurant’s world-famous Bali Hai mai tais. Its Asian-inspired food features farm fresh ingredients with Hawaiian, Chinese and Japanese influences.The structure, originally built with more than 15 types of wood, some very rare, has been restored to its natural, original sheen.The interior design and décor includes Bali Hai’s collection of more than 100 Polynesian artifacts, including tiki figures, antique tapa cloths, wood weapons, ocean charts, maps and native pictures — all creating a museum-like space for guests to explore.The venue’s outdoor waterfront Hawaiian Village pavilion — the only one of its kind on San Diego Bay – has hosted scores of weddings, graduations, reunions and other celebrations in its special-event spaces featuring stellar San Diego bayside views and lush landscaping.Bali Hai’s dining boat dock caters to Bali Hai’s “dock and dine” guests.Tickets to Bali Hai’s 60th Anniversary Celebration are $40 per person, which includes one limited release anniversary tiki mug, one drink ticket and a ton of fun.Join the festivities and rub elbows with longtime customers, Tiki “fanatics,” friends and family and community dignitaries while dining on succulent roasted pig, fried rice, poke and a beverage of choice.For more information, visit http://www.zvents.com/san_diego_ca/venues/show/53851-bali-hai-restaurant.