Obama Back to Hawaii For Christmas Vacation

Kailua's most famous visitor has arrived for the holidays — President Obama and his family are here for their annual Christmas trip. Local television stations provided live coverage of the arrival of Air Force One this afternoon. While the President's visit receives public notice, several other big names in sports, music and entertainment are rumored to also be enjoying a tropical holiday on one of Hawaii's islands. And why not? The weather is a mellow 80 degrees most days, pleasant even if you're not escaping frigid winter temperatures.

This week, I've noticed the arrival of many non-famous tourists spending the holidays here. They're often recognizable because they are wearing lei on a trip to the grocery store, or are looking with curiosity at the unusual food items on the shelves (as I once did myself). Mostly, it's the big smile and the "I can't believe I'm really here" expression on their faces that gives them away. Hawaii's beautiful scenery and gentle weather can seem too good to be true.

A mid-winter holiday break is not only for the wealthy or political and entertainment stars. It's more affordable than most realize, even though more expensive than other times of the year. However, it is not a decision to be made on the spur of the moment. Most of us don't arrive on Air Force One or in private jets to stay in exclusive vacation compounds. The popularity of a mid-winter island visit makes it essential to plan far in advance. How does Hawaii in 2010 sound?

Posted by Cindy Scheopner Follow me on Twitter @Scheopner

Published by Bruce Fisher

Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.

Entry Filed under: Fun Stuff,Hawaiiana

December 24th, 2009

3 Comments Add your own

1. Jennifer | December 25th, 2009 at 8:17 am

Well, consider me one non-famous person who loves Hawaii for the holidays! Arriving on Air Force One must be quite a feeling, but the little airports here (not where YOU are, Ms Oahu, more like Lihue Airport) are so easy to get through that it reduces the stress of holiday travel immediately.
2. Cindy | December 30th, 2009 at 5:10 pm

My only experience at Lihue was on Thanksgiving when it was pretty empty. But, honestly, even HNL is nothing like mainland airports in either attitude or accessibility. Not completely no stress, but definitely less stress – and look what you get to enjoy!
3. Presidential library may &hellip | March 22nd, 2010 at 8:49 am

[...] Obama back in Hawaii for XMAS vacation The Shaka, it’s how locals say Hi An Obama-Style Hawaii Vacation Hawaii’s New Presidential Attractions [...]

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