President Obama Brings Hawaii To The White House

Every year, the President of the United States hosts a summer picnic for members of the Congress and their families. However, past events have been a little staid, featuring the usual classics - potato salad and hot dogs. As would be expected, President Obama decided to add a little pizzazz to his first Congressional picnic by hosting a Hawaiian-themed party.

On Thursday afternoon, the south lawn of the White House, lined with tiki huts, tiki torches and palm trees, was brimming with over 2,000 guests, most wearing Hawaiian-themed clothes and plastic leis. The President, First Lady, Michelle Obama, Malia and Sasha all came to the party sporting Hawaiian clothes and leis. Bo Obama joined the fun too, but sans any Hawaiian garb.

President Obama and Sasha boogied to the Hawaiian music, while other guests played 'beach' basketball and even took their turns in the dunk tank. Also present, were traditional dancers, who gave performances, as well as, Hula dancing lessons. Hawaiian fire blowers mesmerized the crowds with their amazing skills.

In keeping with the theme of the party, the menu included foods like kalua pig and lomi lomi salmon cooked by a celebrity chef from Hawaii. Traditional foods like potato salad were also served, albeit with a slight twist - the addition of Japanese horseradish, wasabi.

All in all, the guests and the first family had a great time - the only thing missing? The white sand and pristine blue water of the beautiful islands. Maybe next year?

sources:dailymail.co.uk,abcnews.com, huffingtonpost.com