The newly renovated Bali Hai Restaurant, Shelter Island’s Tiki-themed institution is an example of controlled design expertise. The subtly handled remake of the iconic building that has resonated with generations for decades was mastermind by Graham Downes Architecture. "The community has great affection for this harbor landmark," says Downes. "The Bali Hai is like a house you’ve lived in your whole life. Patrons want that hominess and comfortable familiarity. We strived to maintain that pride and history while contemporizing and freshening the environment and improving the functionality." Inside, Graham Downes Architecture restored the original internal timber structure, comprising 15 different species of wood, by sandblasting away years of paint layers. A palette of warm, friendly colors and light sage green, infuse throughout the interior and complement the energizing aqua blue colors of the bay. In keeping with the Polynesian concept, natural materials such as grassy and bamboo wall-coverings/flooring are in place. Bali Hai’s extensive collection of Polynesian artifacts—including tiki figures, statues, antique tapa cloths, wood weapons, ocean charts, maps, and native pictures - have been refurbished to adorn the entire restaurant. Most notable are patterned tapas cloths pressed between glass panels to create room dividers. Other interior additions include a private dining room upstairs, a resort-style lounge featuring a backlit honey onyx bar, and classic-style Hawaiian light fixtures over the bar and staircase. Project team included Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing engineers KHL, Food Service Consultants Orness Design Group, Landscape Architects Garbini & Garbini and General Contractors Hawkins Construction Inc.

Project Information

Project Address: 

2230 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego

Project Owner/ Developer: 

Susie and Larrry Baumann

Owner Contact Name/ Email: 

Susie Baumann sbbalihai@aol.com

Project Architect/ Designer: 

Graham Downes Architecture / Maria Carrillo

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