Five places: Hawaiian style on the mainland

Our beloved 50th state may seem far away, but you can still find Hawaii-style fun on the mainland. Say aloha to these five island-themed spots in California (muumuus and hula skirts not required).

1. Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, San Diego

Umbrella drink in hand, you stroll a tropical garden path that leads to an oceanside luau. You pass koi ponds and macaws in palm trees and you feel a warm breeze blow by as you step onto the sand. Honolulu? Nope. This oceanfront, Polynesian-themed hotel on Mission Bay is ideal for those who need a Hawaii fix without the long flight. Highlights include South Pacific cuisine (the place, not the show) at the Atoll restaurant, surf activities year-round and Hawaii-inspired spa treatments. 3999 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach. (858) 488-1081; www.catamaranresort.com. Rates start at $159. The resort's Sunset Luaus are in summer months only.

2. Takahashi Market, San Mateo

Craving some Maui macadamia cookies? Try the Hawaiian aisles. But seriously, this grocery store with lunch counter specializes in Asian and Hawaiian foods that are hard to find on the mainland. Fresh poi, lau lau, kalua pork and sweet bread are flown in fresh from the islands on Thursdays. 221 S. Claremont St., San Mateo. (650) 343-0394; www.takahashimarket.com.

3. Duke's Malibu, Malibu

Named in honor of the "Father of Surfing," Duke Kahanamoku, this restaurant (the same chain as the famous Duke's Waikiki and Duke's Kauai) will definitely get you into the "aloha spirit." Enjoy Island favorites such as Huli Huli Chicken and Scampi Kealoha. On Fridays, Duke's Barefoot Bar has $4 mai tais, "Aloha Hour" and Hawaiian dancers. With the awesome beach view, there's no reason to believe you're not in Hawaii. 21150 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. (310) 317-0777; dukesmalibu.com.

4. Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, Santa Cruz

Three Hawaiian princes are said to have introduced surfing to California in 1885 when they paddled out on their plank boards near the mouth of the San Lorenzo River in Santa Cruz. True or not, let's just say that the sport left its mark on the town. Visit the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, which overlooks the famous surf spot, Steamer Lane, to find memorabilia (like a board that survived a shark attack) and to learn about the origins of the sport in Hawaii. Afterward, hit the waves at one of Santa Cruz's many surf spots. 701 W. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz. (831) 420-6289; www.santacruzsurfingmuseum.org.

5. Trader Vic's, Emeryville

OK, so Trader Vic's might be a little kitschy, but this is the place where the mai tai - the go-to cocktail attributed to Hawaii - was invented. Decked out in total tiki (think fish nets, tribal masks and canoes hanging on the wall), this Polynesian-themed restaurant serves island-inspired fare. It also offers a ridiculously long list of tropical drinks (some served in fishbowls the size of your head). Try the Tiki Puka Puka, Shark's Tooth, Rum Giggle or Potted Parrot for a taste of Hawaii. 9 Anchor Drive, Emeryville. (510) 653-3400; www.tradervics.com.

- Eliza Hussman, travel@sfchronicle.com

This article appeared on page M - 2 of the San Francisco Chronicle