Obamas To Spend 8th Straight Christmas In Hawaii

Aloha, Mr. President.

Working from the Oval Office calls for rejuvenating Christmas escapes.

President Barack Obama and his family will return to the Aloha State next week for what could be their final getaway to the island as the first family.

The White House confirmed Friday that, unless events in Washington or elsewhere keep Obama at work, the first family will leave Washington for Hawaii Dec. 18, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports.

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In the past, the family has opted for the east side of the island of Oahu, in the upscale town of Kailua, about 45 minutes from tourist-heavy Waikiki. Their lodging has included a stunning $3,500-a-day, beachside rental home.

If previous schedules are any indication, the Obamas will pack in golf, shave ice, snorkeling in Hanauma Bay, a visit to Pearl Harbor and dinners at Alan Wong's.

As the president, who spent most of his childhood in Hawaii, said in Paris this month: "I am an island boy."

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Obama's presidential Christmas trips to Hawaii actually began in 2008, before he took the oath of office -- making this his eighth straight year.

Even before Friday, when the trip was confirmed, signs pointed to another presidential Christmas in America's 50th state.

A Kailua resident told Honolulu TV station KHON2 on Thursday that he noticed Secret Service in the area and received a flyer detailing the security zone for Kailua Bay.

Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration has issued temporary flight restrictions in the area from Dec. 19 to Jan. 4.

On Friday, Obama treated all federal employees to an early Christmas present -- more time with family and friends. His executive order closes federal offices on the afternoon of Christmas Eve and allows employees the time off with pay.

Way to show the aloha, Mr. President.

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