Plan an Obama-style vacation in Hawaii
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http://boardingarea.com/blogs/pointswizard/2009/01/21/plan-an-obama-style-vacation-in-hawaii/
“President-elect Barack Obama’s recent Hawaii vacations may be the
last thing on his mind come Inauguration Day, yet mimicking his time
on Oahu will be a smart way he can take care of himself while in the
White House.
Following in his footsteps can also be a boon to fellow island
travelers. Just choose from these five Obama vacation themes to
explore in the Aloha State
1. Stay active. The incoming president’s impressive beach physique got
unexpected coverage during his Christmas vacation in Kailua, but he
won’t keep his washboard abs unless he makes time for recreation. On
Oahu, Sen. Obama and wife Michelle took advantage of the Semper Fit
Center at the Marine Corps base in Kaneohe; you can do the same at
hotel fitness centers, like the Sheraton Waikiki’s. But staying active
for Obama also meant bodysurfing at Sandy Beach Park (known as
“Sandy’s” to the locals), which along with nearby Makapuu Beach is the
island’s premiere spot for expert bodysurfers. Novices should stick to
the “Walls” break at Waikiki’s Kapahulu Groin (the concrete walkway
into the water on the Diamond Head end of the beach) or make the short
drive to Waimanalo Bay Beach Park (”Sherwood’s”).
Less physically challenging, but still a good way to keep moving, is
keeping up your golf game. While the Washington weather may force
Obama to stick to practice swings and Oval Office putts for the
winter, on Oahu he’s made time for rounds at the Mid-Pacific Country
Club in Kailua’s Lanikai neighborhood, Olomana Golf Links in Waimanalo
and Luana Hills Country Club in Maunawili (between Kailua and
Waimanalo). These Windward Side courses are open to the public
(weekdays only at Mid-Pacific), offering 18-hole, par-72 courses,
green mountain vistas (plus ocean views at Mid-Pac), a pro shop and
restaurant.
2. Spend time with family. Kids need their parents, and parents need
time to be with them, even if it’s in the glare of paparazzi. The
Obamas have had plenty of unstructured play time with Sasha and Malia
in the sand at Ala Moana Beach Park, Hanauma Bay and Kailua Beach
Park.
But the new First Family has also made special outings to Sea Life
Park, where they got close to dolphins, and the Honolulu Zoo, where
they were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the Sumatran tiger
exhibit. In September the zoo’s rare tigers produced a three-cub
litter, which made their first public appearance Dec. 20. (Now that
they’re being closely watched by the press corps, the girls can
empathize with Malosi, Keahi and Tondi.)
3. Know your history. Enjoying downtime doesn’t mean giving up the
chance for education. The Obamas’ 2008 trips to Oahu have included
visits to the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor (perhaps in
response to criticism over an earlier speech referring to “the bomb”
that fell on Pearl Harbor, rather than “bombs”) and to the National
Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, a.k.a. “Punchbowl.” In August, Obama
visited the grave of his maternal grandfather, while in November he
attended a memorial service for his grandmother there. But Punchbowl’s
stunning setting in an ancient crater, plus its dramatic sculptures
and accounts of heroism make it worth a visit even for those without
family ties.
Hawaiian history as well as American can make a lasting impression on
visitors. Obama’s August trip included a stop at the Nuuanu Pali
lookout, where King Kamehameha’s forces from the Big Island defeated
those of the chief of Oahu — by driving them off the 1,200-foot cliff.
The Battle of Nuuanu (Nu’uanu in Hawaiian) was the climax of
Kamehameha’s armed conquest of the islands (Kauai fell by subterfuge),
bringing new meaning to “united we stand, divided we fall.”
4. Eat well. The White House may come with its own chef, but when the
Obamas want fine dining on Oahu, they turn to Alan Wong’s in downtown
Honolulu. Gourmet magazine named Chef Wong’s King Street dining room
No. 8 on its list of Top 50 U.S. restaurants in 2006, and awards and
acclaim continue to come in for his Pacific Rim regional cuisine. And
if you can’t afford dinner downtown, check out breakfast, lunch or an
early dinner at the Pineapple Room, Wong’s more casual restaurant on
the third floor of Macy’s in the Ala Moana Shopping Center.
And to keep in touch with the people, presidents should never forgo
the pleasure of simple treats — like a Hawaiian shave ice. During his
December vacation, Obama and the girls ordered the fluffy, snowcone-
like treat at Kokonuts Shave Ice and Snacks in the Koko Marina, while
in August they cooled off with a stop at Island Snow in Kailua. Closer
to Waikiki is Waiola Shave Ice on Kapahulu, while Matsumoto’s on the
North Shore may be the state’s most famous purveyor of shave (not
“shaved”) ice.” ( via www.sfgate.com) by Jeanne Cooper