First Family Vacations on Oahu

Like any good kamaaina (long-time Hawaii resident), President Obama makes a point of bringing his family back to his home state on a regular basis to reconnect with his roots. Although there’s always plenty of buzz surrounding their presence on the island, the first family does not limit themselves to exclusive VIP activities during their vacation. Instead, President Obama, his wife, Michelle, and daughters Malia and Sasha seem to prefer pastimes that are accessible to all Hawaii visitors, from snorkeling and beachcombing to stops at top attractions. 

President Barack Obama walks on the beach with his daughters Malia, 10, left, and Sasha, 7, during his vacation in Kailua on Oahu.// (C) 2010 AP Photo/Marco Garcia

Travel agents can take inspiration from those sunny presidential holidays, turning them into tools for Hawaii family bookings, according to Susan Tanzman of Martin’s Travel in Los Angeles.

“Whenever a well-known person shines the spotlight on a destination, it helps us sell travel,” said Tanzman. “Having the Obamas vacation on Oahu gives the consumer firsthand knowledge of what’s available there for parents and their children. As a result, a new segment of the market is looking at Hawaii as being a family-friendly destination.”

Fun and Games a la Obama
Throughout their two most recent visits — in December of 2008 and 2009 — the Obamas proved how much Oahu appeals to all ages. Visitors who want to follow their lead can start with a drive up to the Nuuanu Pali Lookout for panoramas of the island’s windward side. While marveling at the view, they can find out how King Kamehameha I unified Hawaii on that very clifftop in 1795.

The first daughters are clearly wild about wildlife. That explains why the Chief Executive brought his girls to the Honolulu Zoo to see its newborn tiger cubs, which are still on display today. Malia and Sasha also took part in a dolphin encounter at Sea Life Park, which offers the same program to the public each day.

In Hawaii, nothing bonds families quite like snorkeling, and no place does it better than Hanauma Bay. Of course, the presidential party gets it all to themselves, but even on a crowded day, the nature preserve’s riches provide a thrilling underwater spectacle of triggerfish, sea turtles and colorful coral.

Different generations can spend meaningful time together while visiting Oahu’s historic sites, such as the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl, where the president’s grandmother is buried. On the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, another stop on the Obamas’ itinerary, families can learn lessons about World War II as they stand where it all began on Dec. 7, 1941.

Dining Like a Commander in Chief
When folks are hungering for first-family eats, they might consider the casual Koko Marina Paradise, a deli in east Honolulu. The tuna melt that Obama ordered there has since been renamed the Presidential Order.

For an Obama-esque treat, clans can quench thirsts with some shave ice, Hawaii’s take on a snow cone. At Island Snow in Kailua, the Commander in Chief placed a lengthy order for his girls and their friends before digging into his own frozen concoction laced with lemon-lime, cherry and passion-guava syrups — now dubbed the Snobama.

Local boy that he is, America’s leader has admitted that he’s partial to Spam musubi — dried seaweed wrapped around rice and a fried slice of Spam. Adventurous families can buy the inexpensive snack at almost any island grocery or convenience store. He’s also a self-professed fan of Hawaii’s plate lunch, with its main meat entree, macaroni salad and “two scoop rice.” During his high school days, the president’s favorite plate lunch spot was Rainbow Drive-In, which still sates healthy appetites near Waikiki.

Visitors doing some Obama dining can order inventive regional fare at Alan Wong’s in Honolulu, or savor surf and turf at the indoor/outdoor Lucy’s Grill and Bar in Kailua. They can also try one of the president’s reputed favorites, the Chinatown fusion restaurant Indigo. Better yet, they can go really local by picking up burgers at Honolulu’s Kua Aina Sandwich to share at nearby Ala Moana Beach Park, just like the first family did.

Island-Style Presidential Digs
Even though the president grew up on Oahu, the Obamas don’t own a piece of the rock. Instead, on their past two ventures to the island, the famous foursome stayed in a five-bedroom private house overlooking windward Kailua Beach.

While the average family can’t afford such luxuries, they can book their own version of Camp David: a reasonably priced vacation rental with all the amenities of home. They can also stay at one of the bed-and-breakfast establishments on the windward side, which is more laid-back than bustling Honolulu and Waikiki.

By using the Obamas’ trips as a starting point, everyday travelers can tailor a satisfying Oahu holiday that’s perfect for the family that truly comes first.