THE 2009 HAWAII VACATION

President Obama, born (yes, BORN!) and raised in Hawaii, looks forward to his annual vacation there with his family and close friends. Given the heavy demands of the Presidency, advanced planning is critical. Despite the fact that he is the Leader of the Free World, President Obama faces the same four vacation decisions as everyone else: When to go; How to get there; Where to stay: and What to do.

When to Go

President Obama likes to spend his Christmas holiday in Hawaii. He has done so in the past and plans to continue this annual tradition while he is President. His most recent Hawaii vacation was from December 24th through January 3rd. President Obama is already beginning to make plans to return to Hawaii for Christmas in 2010.

How to Get There

This is an easy one. President Obama and his family will fly over on Air Force One and will bring his limo, "The Beast" along for those short trips to the golf course and gym. Marine One, the Presidential helicopter, will also accompany the President on this trip so that he and his family can enjoy the stunning views over the Ko'olau mountain range and avoid the perpetual traffic tie-ups on the H-1 and the Pali Highway.

 

Where to Stay

Location, location, location. What's important when buying real estate is doubly so when choosing vacation accommodations for the President.

August 2008:  President Obama stayed at a large beach house located in the middle of Kailua Beach. While this location was adequate for a mere presidential candidate, it does not meet the stringent requirements for the President.

October 2008:  President Obama stayed at the Waikiki Hyatt Regency Hotel when he came to visit his ill grandmother. While Waikiki may be a dream location for many Americans, the President prefers a quieter, more secluded setting.

 

December 2008:  President Obama stayed at the far end of Kailua Beach in a three-estate multi-million dollar compound. This is a perfect setting for a Presidential stay. Beach access was easily secured by posting a couple Secret Service agents several hundred feet down on the beach.

This location is an ideal setting for a return visit, however the President prefers to find a place with a little more flair.

 

Christmas 2009:  Iolani Palace was the President's choice for his vacation home this year. The Palace was the official residence of the Kingdom of Hawaii's last monarch: Queen Lili`uokalani. Overthrown by the US Government in 1893, the Kingdom of Hawaii ceased to exist.

The Queen was imprisoned in the Palace two years later when an attempt was made to restore her to power.

To this day, some malcontents still grumble about the takeover. What better way to put this to rest than to have the President of the United States officially occupy the Palace on his Christmas vacation?

 

What to Do

During the August 2008 and December 2008 trips, President Obama:

• Played golf at Olomana Golf Links, Luana Hills Country Club, and Mid-Pacific Country Club
• Visited the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park
• Visited Aloha Tropical Farms - macadamia nut farm outlet store
• Had a picnic at Magic Island - Ala Moana Beach Park
• Visited Punchbowl Cemetery
• Enjoyed the view at the Pali Lookout
• Toured the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor
• Went snorkeling at Hanauma Bay
• Body-surfed at Sandy Beach
• Watched a dolphin show at Sea Life Park
• Visited the Honolulu Zoo
• Worked out at the Semper Fit Center at Marine Corps Base Hawaii
• Played some basketball at Punahou
• Had a barbeque on the North Shore with old friends
• Enjoyed the local dining - spam musubi, shave ice

In 2009, President Obama tried his hand at poi pounding, fire eating, tiki carving, and hula. And golf. Golf golf golf golf golf. He also played golf.

 

The President's Personal Vacation Photo Album

 

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