The Obama's Family Heads to Hawaii for Christmas

by Pythiian1 | December 19, 2008 at 07:34 pm

1881 views | 28 Recommendations | 11 comments

President-elect Barack Obama, his wife, Michelle, and their two daughters are trading the snowstorms and windchill of Chicago for a family Christmas in Hawaii. They are expected to arrive to Honolulu on Saturday, Dec.20 and will stay through the New Year.

They are staying in Oahu with family friends in one of Kailua's most exclusive beachfront properties.

President-elect Barack Obama is expected to arrive tomorrow in Honolulu for a 10-day holiday with his family and to mark the death of his grandmother.

The stretch of Kailuana Place where the Obama's family will be staying runs along the Kawainui Channel.

Mr. Obama, his wife, Michelle, and daughters Malia and Sasha, plan to stay in a beachfront property in Kailua, according to an Associated Press report earlier this month. The property includes three homes that wrap around a swimming pool. Mr. Obama will come with several family friends who will be staying at the same property.

Mr. Obama last visited Hawaii in October to see his ailing grandmother, Madelyn Payne Dunham. Mrs. Dunham died at the age of 86 on Nov. 3 before her grandson won the presidential election.

NP reported on a public memorial service that was held for Mrs. Dunham last month, but the family did not attend. The family plans to hold a private memorial service.

Mr. Obama, who was born in Hawai'i and graduated from Punahou School, has routinely made Christmas visits to the Islands but missed a trip last year because of his campaign schedule.

In previous visits, Mr. Obama had his favorite places to spend time with family and friends, which included the Puu Ualakaa State Park on Tantalus, the Kapiolani Park at the edge of Waikiki, and Sandy Beach, a locally popular body-surfing spot in East Honolulu. According to one of the World Pro Surfers' posts, the President-elect is also known among the locals as an avid body-surfer.

Hawaiians might be inclined to wish Mr. Obama and his Secret Service a very Mele Kalikimaka if they happen to see him around Oahu, although most tend to respect privacy.

Updated photos of Mr. Obama in Hawai'i would be added to the piece.

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Amy Judd

at 00:00 on December 20th, 2008

I wish I could swap Vancouver for Hawaii right now...

Pythiian1

at 17:02 on December 22nd, 2008

Me too, I'm about ready to swap NYC for Kihei in Maui where the whales spend their annual winter...

Also, check out the main page of World Pro Surfers for some great North Shore waves. If you ever have a chance to see a live competition, please go because it is awesome. :-)

Paschen

at 03:08 on December 20th, 2008

Well, The Carbon Food print is growing for some one that said he wants to improve the environment.

Laughing-Samurai (not verified)

at 16:29 on December 20th, 2008

I think the guy and his family have earned a good vacation before they take up their very busy duties in America's number one house, you can't walk to Hawaii?

Pythiian1

at 17:19 on December 28th, 2008

Re. Laughing-Samurai: Thank you for your comment although I won't know whether or not you'd read this piece again.

Pythiian1

at 11:23 on December 21st, 2008

I appreciate a conversation, and may I suggest that you visit the change.gov website and address your issues there like many other citizens who have contributed their ideas for the betterment of America.

In the meantime, with due respect, there is a large body of water called the Pacific Ocean between mainland America and the state of Hawai'i, where Mr. Obama was born and grew up. The Obama's family returns to Hawai'i annually to visit his relatives, except last year during the Presidential campaign. They have always flown in airplanes like most people who travel to Hawai'i.

Paschen

at 20:04 on December 21st, 2008

I disagree with you, I grow up in West Africa, have Family and friends there and do not go back every year, because it is environmentally Irresponsible, I went back twice in the last 15 years and that is already a big Carbon Foot print as is. For wish I have to make up.

A leader better be an example and does better and more then any else. Sorry this is not what I call leadership. Hot air that is all.

Pythiian1

at 16:59 on December 22nd, 2008

Paschen, you have your opinions and there are countless other people who also have their opinions - and for now, thanks for taking time to offer your opinions.

I also appreciate the civil approach as well. Have a Happy Day.

souljahlight (not verified)

at 19:45 on December 22nd, 2008

So, this is interesting how we all have to save our money and are job less and oh yeah cut back on global warming .... while he flies his family on a huge 767 jet which uses unsurpassed amounts of gas.As he just picked and focused on his environment cabinet a day ago..Small plane perhaps would've been better Any who how much was that house he was renting?? Figures this is the change we really want as long as he is well off who cares... By the way where is Al Gore with his global warming ideas seems like we are still having cool winters??? That's right in hiding with all His B.S.

Blue Crush

at 19:31 on December 23rd, 2008

Well earned vacation, but not all vacation. Obama was at a private memorial for his grandmother "Toot" today.

"Following the ceremony, Obama drove to cliffs east of Hononulu. He and about 20 members of his family climbed over a stone wall and down onto rocky ledges to scatter Dunham's ashes at Lanai Lookout."