Obama in Hawaii: An Inside Look at the First Family's Winter Vacation

HONOLULU — -- It was a long year for President Obama (see: ISIS, Ebola, Democrats' staggering loss in the 2014 midterms) -- and the commander-in-chief is in serious need of a little R&R.

Obama and family departed on Dec. 19 for a 16-day holiday in his native state, Hawaii. It was their sixth Oahu vacation since the president took office. Of course, there's no such thing as a work-free vacation for a sitting president, but Obama did tell reporters he hoped the trip would be a "quiet time-out" to enjoy the family.

ABC News was along for the ride, and we'll give you a behind-the-scenes look at what it's like on an Obama vacation.

House Calls in Honolulu: Eddie Vedder Edition

Saturday, Jan. 3

President Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia paid a surprise afternoon visit to the Kailua home of Pearl Jam rocker Eddie Vedder. It turns out the Obamas and Vedder are relative neighbors on Oahu, since the first family also rents a place nearby on the north shore.

Vedder was a prominent supporter of Obama’s two election campaigns. In September 2012, he headlined a $20,000-per-person fundraiser in Tampa, Fla., which the president attended and helped raise close to $2 million.

After Vedder performed an acoustic set at the event, he famously broke out a Hawaiian-made ukulele and joked, "It's got a little birth certificate right in there!” – a reference to those widely refuted claims that Obama was born overseas.

The White House did not allow press coverage of today's visit.

Earlier in the afternoon, the Obamas stopped by the Punchbowl cemetery to see their maternal grandfather and paid a visit to the president's half-sister Maya Soetoro-Ng. No word on why First Lady Michelle Obama did not join.

--Devin Dwyer

Final Day in Paradise

Saturday, Jan. 3

The Obama family is soaking up the Hawaiian sun and surf for one final day before returning to Washington. All told, the president has played 9 rounds of golf, hit the beach 5 times, went on a snorkeling expedition, took a hike into the mountains, attended a luau with friends, and spent a dozen hours at the gym.

Air Force One was scheduled to depart Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam late Saturday evening Hawaiian time, returning the family to the White House by midday Sunday.

Before they board the plane for the red-eye flight, they'll enjoy one last dinner out on the island. No word from the White House on the restaurant of choice, but if past years are any guide they will close out the holiday with steaks at Buzz's Original Steakhouse in Lanikai.

--Devin Dwyer

When a Rainbow Isn't Lucky

Friday, Jan. 2

A brilliant rainbow appeared Friday over the seaside Kailua subdivision where Obama has been vacationing, but it wasn't a lucky day for one of his neighbors.

Cheyne Todani, who has stood along the president's motorcade route for days holding a sign, wanted Obama to stop and say hello. "You are my son's hero. I promised him I'll try my best to get his ball signed," it read. A basketball rested on the ground by his feet.

But as Obama's black armored SUV approached, and the rainbow coincidentally disappeared, it just rolled on by with out stopping. Todani, his wife Miriam Fry and their 7-month-old daughter Cienna looked on as he passed.

The president hit the gym and later played a round of golf at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. For dinner, the first family went to the upscale Japanese restaurant Nobu in Waikiki.

--Devin Dwyer

An Exclusive Dinner, No Membership Required

Thursday, Jan. 1

The first dinner of 2015 for the first couple was a three-hour, multi-course meal at the exclusive Vintage Cave of Waikiki, where the prix fixe menu starts at $295 per person, according to local food blogs. The restaurant also offers $500,000 "memberships," which includes a private wine cellar, discount on meals and an investment stake in the restaurant.

Its website says "gifted masters of the culinary arts" prepare bites to please "the most discerning palate." "Secure in the natural embrace of the cave-like environment, guests are encouraged to relax, 'hit reset' and escape the ordinary," the site says. The White House said it was the Obamas' first visit to the restaurant. No word on whether they became members.

Earlier on New Year's Day, the presidential entourage went snorkeling in beautiful Hanauma Bay, which they had entirely to themselves for four and a half hours. Normally the beach and park would be packed with tourists on a holiday. Aides who were also in the waters tell ABC News they were tranquil and fish-filled. While POTUS swam, Coast Guard ships patrolled offshore and Secret Service agents blanketed the hills overlooking the sea. The outing's security measures illustrate the extensive (and expensive) steps to protect presidents when they recreate.

After snorkeling, the Obamas stopped for shave ice at Island Snow, a local joint that's become a family favorite. The president, dressed casually in beachwear, enjoyed a melon/lilikoi/cherry concoction next to his daughter Malia as they mingled with other patrons.

Pool reporter Carol Lee of the Wall Street Journal, who was on scene, noted that one in particular stood out in the crowd: She "had a large parrot on her shoulder and told pool that her husband said he'd give her $1,500 if she got POTUS to hold the parrot on his shoulder. That did not happen."

--Devin Dwyer

Ending 2014 As It Began

Wednesday, Dec. 31

President Obama closed out 2014 the same way he began the year: on the golf course with his old high school pals. After the round, Obama spent the evening at his rental home in Kailua, Hawaii, with family and friends, the White House said. He remained out of sight of reporters' cameras all day, but members of the traveling press pool caught a glimpse of his entourage waiting outside the clubhouse at the Klipper golf course on Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

All told, Obama completed 54 golf outings this year and 214 since taking office in 2009, according to unofficial White House press corps statistician Mark Knoller of CBS. Meanwhile, on New Year's Eve day, first lady Michelle Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia were off on another adventure, perhaps at the beach for some body surfing.

--Devin Dwyer

Obama Pars 18, No Weddings Disrupted

Monday, Dec. 29

President Obama completed his 7th round of vacation golf today and didn't spoil any weddings, at least so far as we know.

One day after his tee time at a military golf course unexpectedly forced a couple of soldiers to relocate their marriage ceremony, the president appeared publicly focused on his short game.

As dusk was falling at Mid-Pacific Country Club, Obama was seen walking up the 18th before a crowd of onlookers and press. He chipped for birdie – drawing a "Get in the hole!" from someone in the crowd – the ball landing about a foot from the cup, according to the TV pool reporter on scene.

"They actually gave that to me!" he exclaimed, apparently having been offered a gimme by his partners. He tapped the ball in casually anyway before fishing it out of the cup.

"That's how you want to end, with a par," he said.

The 18th is a Par 4, 412-yard hole, according to the website for the course. No word on Obama's total score for the day, though he was said to have shot an 84 on Sunday. Earlier in the day, the president hit the gym and spent more than an hour at the beach with his family.

--Devin Dwyer

When Being President Intrudes On Your Vacation

Sunday, Dec. 28

It's no secret that being President of the United States is a 24/7 gig with no opportunity to fully unplug or unwind. And today, President Obama demonstrated that even in paradise duty calls.

Before hitting the links for his sixth round of golf in nine days, Obama received the presidential daily briefing on the threats facing the country and active crises around the globe. Administration officials say he's also being kept up to date about missing Air Asia flight 8501. The president penned and released a lengthy statement marking the end of combat operations in America's longest war, the 13-year conflict in Afghanistan, and placed a personal call to his Housing Secretary Julian Castro to congratulate him and his wife on the birth of their son. Later, Obama sent a message to his 52 million followers on Twitter to say, "I'm not done." (Translation: I'm not a lame duck.)

--Devin Dwyer

Two and a Half Hours at Alan Wong's

Saturday, Dec. 27

The Obama family kicked off their second week of vacation in paradise with an afternoon at the beach and dinner at Alan Wong's, one of the most highly-regarded restaurants in Hawaii.

The president, first lady and friends dined for more than two and a half hours, according to pool reporters on scene. Wong's menu features regional cuisine prepared with modern flair, including specialties ginger crusted onaga, pan-steamed opakapaka, and macadamia nut-coconut crusted lamb chops. No word on what the Obamas ordered.

While they were eating, White House spokesman Eric Schultz told reporters that Obama had been briefed on the disappearance of Air Asia Flight 8501 and that administration officials were closely monitoring the situation.

--Devin Dwyer

Back to the (Golf and Beach) Grind on President's Hawaii Trip

Friday, Dec. 26

President Obama returned to his routines after the Christmas holiday, heading to the gym - his fourth visit this trip - before heading to the beach with his family and friends - his third visit this trip. He and the family parted ways shortly after midday for the president to get in a long round of golf at Royal Hawaiian Golf Club, his fifth round, for those keeping track.

ABC News actually spied the president for about two seconds at the golf course when he made a quick stop in the clubhouse where the press pool was holding during his 5 and a half hour round of golf. It was too quick and unexpected to get a photo but he was dressed in, well, golf attire.

As usual, no scores were released, but he had some regulars in his party: Greg Orme, Bobby Titcomb and Mike Ramos.

With the exception of that brief sighting, it was mostly motorcade rides and pretty views.

--Jon Garcia

How The Obamas Spent Christmas In Hawaii

Thursday, Dec. 25

Late this afternoon, as promised, the Obamas made the quick ride over to Marine Corps Base Hawaii (site of POTUS' golfing, bowling, workouts and sometimes beaching) to say thank you to military families. The President has made this trip an annual event and he was joined by Mrs. Obama.

"So on a day when we celebrate the Prince of Peace and many of us count our blessings, one of the greatest blessings we have is the extraordinary dedication and sacrifices you all make," he told the troops. "We could not be more thankful. I know I speak for everyone in the entire country when I say, we salute you."

Obama pointed out that the war in Afghanistan is due to come to a close by year's end.

"We've been in continuous war now for over 13 years. Next week we will be ending our combat mission in Afghanistan. Because of the extraordinary service of the men and women in the Armed Forces, Afghanistan has a chance to rebuild its own country. We are safer. It's not going to be a source of terrorist attacks again. And we still have some very difficult missions around the world, including in Iraq. We still have folks in Afghanistan helping the Afghan security forces. We have people helping to deal with Ebola in Africa and obviously we have folks stationed all around the world. But the world is better, it's safer, it's more peaceful, It's more prosperous and our homeland is protected because of you and the sacrifices each and every day," he said.

Before the Obamas went to the base, the family spent about three hours out at the Bellows Air Force Station for a Christmas beach day. This is the second time he's been to that beach this trip.

And no gym today -- but, hey, it's Christmas.

Mrs. Obama was also apparently in the #TBT spirit, posting a throwback photo to her Instagram account of herself and husband. The undated photo was captioned, "Merry Christmas!" and shows the smiling couple standing next to a decorated tree.

--Jon Garcia

Wednesday, Dec. 24

Golf and Fruity Drink Warnings on Christmas Eve

For the first time since President Obama arrived at his vacation home five days ago, the press finally got a brief, up-close interaction with him today – what journalists call a "pool spray." It happened on the 18th green of the Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course (his fourth round this trip, for those keeping count) while he golfed with a new partner: Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak.

Asked if he planned on watching the movie "The Interview," which was released online today, Obama smiled and said, "I'm glad it's being released," according to a pool report from Wall Street Journal writer Carol Lee.

Obama also warned press pool members against imbibing certain drinks while in Hawaii.

"Be careful about those fruity drinks," he said. "They might have a little kick."

The press pool reported that Obama missed a 15-foot putt to the left and Najib missed his putt, too. Obama patted him on the shoulder and told him it was a nice job anyway.

Not too far away from the course, Mrs. Obama participated in North American Aerospace Defense Command's "Santa Tracker" program for the fifth year in a row, the White House said. As part of the annual program, the First Lady took calls from kids and kept them updated on where Santa was - amongst other things.

One child named Cole asked how President Obama was.

"The President is good," Mrs. Obama replied. "He is having a meeting right now with a prime minister somewhere. But he is here in Hawaii. We're here with our family, and everyone is excited for Christmas tomorrow. So I will tell him that you asked how he is doing. I know that he wishes you and your family a very merry Christmas."

The common theme in most calls was urging kids to eat veggies and actually go to sleep so Santa can do his work.

For the record: President Obama made it to the gym today, making it three days in a row.

--Jon Garcia

Tuesday, Dec. 23

Surprise, It's The President!

With the rain cleared out, President Obama promptly moved back outdoors for Day Four of his 2014 vacation.

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President Obama Takes A Hike In Hawaii

The president surprised hikers on Tues. Dec. 23 during a hike in Oahu with his daughter, Malia, and friends.

ABCNews.com

The president started off with an hour-long trip to the gym—two days in a row, Mr. President. Keep it up! He then opted for a 5-hour round of golf at the Kaneohe Klipper course (again). Along for the round were aides and buddies: Greg Orme, Bobby Titcomb & Joe Paulsen. But Obama wasn't done. An hour later his motorcade made its way along scenic oceanside Kalanianaole Highway to eventually arrive at Makapu'u Point Lighthouse trail, where he and daughter Malia and "friends" went for a hike.

Because this outing wasn't announced, the U.S. Secret Service doesn't clear out the site, leaving hikers already on the trail—unaware that the President is there—startled to happen upon him and his party. One woman posted on Instagram about her chance encounter with the president:

And an eagle-eyed press pool videographer managed to get some shots of Obama on the trail from some distance (where they usually keep us). In one scene Obama, clad in a black polo-style shirt, blue shorts and black sneakers, appears to be giving a small child a piggyback ride, though the press pool advises the White House isn't likely to reveal who the pint-sized ride-hitcher is.

Obama finished up his hike around 5:15 pm local time and headed back to his vacation rental. Unfortunately, the press pool wasn't able to witness the terminus of that motorcade movement. The trusty old pool bus had a blowout and was stranded on the side of Kalanianaole Highway. White House aides swear the president made it back to the house safe and sound.

--Jon Garcia

The Traveling White House

Day Four hasn't been all play for President Obama. There bits of news here and there to which the White House needed to respond to -- and they did.

Early in the day, the White House applauded Sony Pictures decision to show the movie "The Interview" after initially pulling it from release, a move Obama said last Friday was a "mistake." In a written statement, Principle Deputy White House Press Secretary Eric Schultz said:

"The President applauds Sony's decision to authorize screenings of the film. As the President made clear, we are a country that believes in free speech, and the right of artistic expression. The decision made by Sony and participating theaters allows people to make their own choices about the film, and we welcome that outcome."

Then came word that a Washington, DC judge had tossed out a lawsuit that sought scuttle Obama's executive actions on immigration. Schultz said the White House was vindicated.

"Judge Howell's decision today confirms what the Department of Justice and scholars throughout the country have been saying all along: the President's executive actions on immigration are lawful," Schultz said in a statement. "The Supreme Court and Congress have made clear that federal officials can set priorities in enforcing our immigration laws, and the actions announced by the President are consistent with those taken by administrations of both parties for the last half century. The court correctly dismissed Sheriff Arpaio's lawsuit."

Still later in the day, upon news of former President Bush 41's hospitalization, Schultz again took to email to inform reporters that the Obamas were aware of the elder Bush's health condition:

"The President has been made aware that President Bush was admitted to the hospital. President Obama and the First Lady send their good wishes to the former President and the entire Bush family during this holiday season."

--Jon Garcia

Monday, Dec. 22

Rain, Rain Go Away

Hours of showers on Oahu kept many inside on Monday. We presume that's what Obama did on much of his third day of vacation. He was out of sight at his vacation rental for the bulk of the day but he did manage to leave twice for two indoor activities: working out and bowling, both on the grounds of the Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

The early outing was to the gym for about 90 minutes. Although this was Obama's first trip to the gym this vacation, working out is one of Obama's more regular activities. Last year he made it to the gym eight out of 15 days. In 2012, he made it five out of nine days. We'll see how he stacks up this year.

The president spent the mid part of the day at the vacation home before venturing back to the base for some bowling. His bowling companions included aides and friends: Bobby Titcomb, Greg Orme, Abigail Orme, Pete Souza, Joe Paulsen and Greg Heard. As with golf, the White House doesn't release the scores or the winners or losers. This outing also lasted about 90 minutes and shortly thereafter the press pool was dismissed.

Like days one and two, the only images we saw were of the president's motorcade. Those images were essentially the same as below, only wetter.

Sunday, Dec. 21

Scenes from a Presidential Motorcade

In DC, everyone's used to seeing motorcades clogging up traffic. But on the quiet shores of Oahu, noisy VIP convoys are not the norm. (A Washington Post pool reporter counted 18 cars in the president's motorcade on Sunday.) Here's what Obama's visit looks like to residents and visitors in the area:

How Obama Keeps Private Time Private in Hawaii

Obama's second full day on vacation brought – you guessed it – more golf. And it was the same course as yesterday, Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Then, after the links, Obama hit the beach. His motorcade wound south along the eastern edge of the island, moving from one military base to another. With family in tow, he arrived at Bellows Air Force Station, which has one of the prettier beaches on this side of Oahu, locals told us. One of the reasons the president spends so much time on the military bases here is that they offer a level of seclusion, helping keep the security apparatus from impacting the general public and avoiding the long lenses of the press. But for the press, that makes for long days with little opportunity to witness much. What the press sees is mainly through the windows of a 24-passenger bus – and mainly motorcade vehicles coming and going.

As Obama golfed, we spent three hours helping keep the Starbucks on the base afloat by consuming lattes and teas while usurping all available power outlets in the store. At the beach, we had a better view, watching a Coast Guard boat armed with a heavy duty machine gun zip around crystal blue ocean waters, standing guard over the President and his party.

The closest we came to actually seeing Obama was as his SUV passed the press van at Bellows beach. Some reporters say they saw him in silhouette wearing a ball cap but that wasn't captured in any photo I took.

Though the press didn't actually see Obama, the day wasn't entirely news-free. For the second day in a row, the president was dealing with the murder of several police officers over the weekend. White House officials told us that Obama called the police commissioners of New York and Philadelphia to express his condolences, condemn the violence and offer assistance in the days ahead.

After a short stop at home, the Obamas and friends headed out to dinner at Morimoto in Waikiki Beach. For the press? Some quality time at the Outback Steakhouse across the street and, you may have guessed it, more motorcade taillights.

-- Jon Garcia

Saturday, Dec. 20

Word From The White House

Late tonight in Hawaii -- just after midnight in Washington -- President Obama released the following statement on the killing of two New York City Police officers:

The round, likely the first of many, kicked off a 16-day vacation that the President had hoped would give him time to recharge and take him away from the bad news of 2014. But Obama hadn't even left the links when news broke of the brutal ambush killing of two New York City police officers. Obama's Attorney General, Eric Holder, spoke for the administration with a statement calling the shootings an "unspeakable act of barbarism." White House officials confirmed that the President had been briefed and was monitoring the situation.

Obama headed back to his vacation rental in Kailua after golf and the White House advised he's likely not going out tonight.

--Jon Garcia

Friday, Dec. 19

Touch Down Oahu

Getting to paradise takes time. In the case of the First Family, a little more than nine hours.

Air Force One landed at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Honolulu a little after 10:38 PM local time, and according to a pool report, the president: "sans-blazer, walked down the stairs from AF1 alongside daughter Sasha, followed soon after by FLOTUS alongside Malia. The First Family was greeted by Admiral Samuel Locklear III, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command."

After a quick chat, the presidential motorcade whisked the Obamas to the Kailua neighborhood of Oahu, which will be the First Family's home away from Washington for the next two weeks.

"There were the occasional motorcade gawkers as we neared POTUS neighborhood but very few considering the late hour," the pool reporter noted.

--Michael Falcone

And They're Off!

Just hours after the president's historic year-end press conference, the First Family boarded Marine One on the White House South Lawn.

The president is expected to spend plenty of time soaking up the sun, snorkeling in Hanauma Bay, biking with his daughters, Malia and Sasha, and tasting local cuisine.

And we're willing to bet he'll squeeze in a few rounds of golf....

--Erin Dooley and Devin Dwyer