WASHINGTON >> Straw huts, hula dancers and kids playing with hula hoops were all on display this evening in the White House’s backyard — not the typical congressional picnic.

President Barack Obama wanted it this way for the annual picnic for members of Congress and their families.

“I just want to say to all the members of Congress, you’ve been working hard. I wish I could give you all trips to Hawaii,” Obama said in his brief remarks. “But I figured since, given our budget crunch we can’t do that, that we’d at least bring Hawaii to you.”

The Obama White House turned its first congressional picnic into a Hawaiian luau, in celebration of the president’s home state. Tents were set up on the South Lawn, tiki torches lined the perimeter, and potted palm trees were brought in. More than 2,000 guests, many wearing leis and sipping drinks, were scattered on the South Lawn under the blue sky.

All wearing leis, the president, first lady Michelle Obama, and their daughters 10-year-old Malia and 8-year-old Sasha along with Vice President Joe Biden walked from the White House to meet the crowd. Before Obama shouted an “aloha” to guests, he and Sasha could be seen boogying to the music.

On the menu were traditional luau foods like kalua pig and lomi lomi salmon prepared by famed Hawaii chef Alan Wong.

Wong said he’s been discussing the menu with the White House for more than a month. In addition to luau fare, he was flavoring the menu with some picnic favorites— but with a twist, like wasabi potato salad.

Wong first met Obama several years ago, when the then-senator ate at one of his Hawaii restaurants. Wong said the president is showing his guests great respect by throwing a luau.

“To do a luau in Hawaii is a special occasion,” Wong said. “You throw a luau for your child’s first birthday, or you throw a luau for a wedding.”

Hawaii has seen its profile raised in Washington since its native son moved into the White House. In January, the 50th state held its first state inaugural ball — also a luau — and the marching band from the president’s alma mater, Punahou School, performed in the inaugural parade.

In addition to a Hawaiian meal, the White House said traditional island entertainment was being offered, including a performance by Tihati, a group featuring members from each of the Hawaiian islands.

Many members of Congress and other top figures sent their RSVPs for the luau, including Democratic Sens. Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka of Hawaii; Roberta McCain, the mother of the 2008 Republican presidential candidate; House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio; and Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev.

“I hope everybody’s got their Hawaiian shirts and their muumuus for our luau tonight,” Obama told lawmakers gathered at the White House earlier today for a meeting on immigration.