Obama and the first family spent Saturday morning at their vacation home in the breezy seaside town of Kailua and were greeted by sunny, blue skies. A handful of protesters stood outside the home's entrance holding signs that read “Close Guantanamo Now!” and “No more drone killings.” Bicyclists and joggers swooshed by taking little notice of the heavy security around the neighborhood. Obama's Hawaii vacations have become part of the holiday experience on Oahu.
The White House Press Office said Obama headed out before noon to play golf with three friends at Marine Corps Base Hawaii on Kaneohe Bay, an emerald-colored bay flanked by jagged mountains just north of Kailua.
Typically, Obama spends much of his vacation playing golf on Hawaii's lush courses, joined on the green by longtime friends and occasionally a celebrity or professional athlete.
A gym at the Marine Corps Base allows the president to get in an early-morning workout. He and Mrs. Obama also dine out at landmark restaurants in Honolulu, and join daughters Sasha and Malia for hikes, beach time and trips for shave ice—a Hawaiian treat similar to a snow cone.
In years past, Obama's vacation has been interrupted by pressing crises, sometimes forcing him to delay his departure or even return to Washington temporarily. This year, with Congress having approved must-pass legislation just ahead of its year-end deadlines, White House aides were cautiously optimistic that this year's trip wouldn't be disturbed.
Obama has no public events scheduled during his stay, but islanders typically have a few opportunities to spot the president and his family out and about during their stay.
Obama is scheduled to return to Washington on Jan. 4.
