Hawaiian Vacation: Obama Style

The Obama family is vacationing in Hawaii. They arrived the day before Christmas. Palin family copycats? No! The Obamas' vacation plans have been known for some time; the Palins slipped out of Alaska unannounced. In Hawaii eyes boost to tourism as Obama's vacation brings attention, we're told that Hawaii's tourism industry is hoping to get a boost from the Obama family's visit. A rush of vacationers isn't expected, but with much of the country experiencing cold weather, photos of the Obamas enjoying Hawaii's warm, sunny weather might appear in the media, reminding people that Hawaii offers great vacation experiences. In Taking Work Home (Even When Home Means Hawaii), we learn that, so far, Obama has been staying out of sight. Yesterday, he went to a Marine base, where Michelle worked-out and he played golf.

Before he arrived, Obama was concerned that he might not be able to go body surfing, like he did last year, due to Secret Service concerns. The President did say, however, "I will definitely be enjoying some sun." The Coast Guard has setup a security zone around the Obamas' vacation home, so there is yet some hope that he will be able to enjoy the water. Obama low-profile on Hawaii vacation, but security isn't, provides additional information about the security implications of the President's visit.

President Obama was born in Hawaii. In June of this year, the Obamas hosted a luau at the White House, and, during an earlier visit to Hawaii, the Obamas enjoyed some Waiola Shave Ice.

The Hawaii Convention and Visitors Bureau has setup a website, Barack Obama's Hawaii, which may post news and links to the First Family's visit. It has an extensive collection of photos and links to stories about his life in Hawaii. The Honolulu Advertiser already has Obama Ohana Comes Home 2009 up, with photos, links and news; it may be the best place to find news and photo updates.

Despite all the gawkers and paparazzi out, trying to get a glimpse of the Obamas, it's doubtful that they'll quit their vacation. We shall see. The vacation ends January 2, 2010.