Visit The Places Where President Barack Obama Frequents on Oʻahu - Hawaii Magazine (2024)

Former president Barack Obama is the only U.S. president born in Hawaiʻi—and the Islands are still a special place for him. At least once a year—and often more, now that he’s no longer in the White House—he and his family vacation here, often on Oʻahu where he has a home.

Here are some of his favorite haunts:

Island Snow, Kailua

The former president loves shave ice—and has been spotted at this Kailua spot more than once. (In fact, there are framed photos of him hanging on the wall.) The shop sells his favorite combo—called the Snowbama—which is cherry, lime and guava.

Hanauma Bay, East Honolulu

The Obamas have snorkeled at this popular nature preserve located along the southeastern coastline of Oʻahu. In fact, in the opening scene of Netflix’s “Our Great National Parks,” Obama, who serves as the series’ narrator, is shown walking along the beach here.

Puʻu Ualakaʻa State Park, Honolulu

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As this recent Instagram post shows (above), the Obamas have made a stop at the lookout at Puʻu Ualakaʻa. Located at the top of Tantalus, this state park offers sweeping views of Honolulu and Mānoa Valley. You can picnic here, too.

Sandy Beach, East Honolulu

This beautiful beach on Oʻahu’s southeastern coastline is also one of the island’s most treacherous. But the former president, who grew up playing in the waves here, made it famous by bodysurfing the punishing shore break. (See video below.) In 2014 the Honolulu City Council briefly considered renaming the beach after Obama. But beware: He’s an experienced bodysurfer, and this beach (particularly the shore break) is known for broken necks. Still, it’s a gorgeous stretch of sandy beach, with particularly stunning sunrise views.

Koko Crater Trail

Getting to the top of Kohelepelepe—aka the summit of Koko Crater—requires climbing 1,048 wooden ties that made up an old railroad track. And it’s a straight shot to the summit, a steep 1,208 feet up the tuff cone to sweeping panoramic views from Diamond Head to Makapuʻu. It‘s tough—but, apparently, so is Obama, who has made the trek to the top more than once.

Kailua Beach, Kailua

When the Obamas vacationed in the Islands during Christmas, they spent a lot of time in Kailua on Oʻahu’s windward side. And it wasn’t uncommon to see Obama paddleboarding and kayaking in the aquamarine waters off Kailua Beach.

Ko ʻOlina Resort, Ko ʻOlina

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It’s no secret that Obama loves to golf. And whenever he’s on Oʻahu, he manages to squeeze in a few rounds at various courses, including the one at Ko ʻOlina Resort on Oʻahu’s west side. On this particular day, the former president teed off with world champion surfer Kelly Slater and Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder.

Buzz’s Original Steak House, Lanikai

Open since 1962, Buzz’s is a Lanikai landmark, known for its steak-and-lobster combo, pūpū and signature co*cktails (including a popular mai tai). Obama has been spotted eating here more than a few times.

The Pig & The Lady, Chinatown

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The Obamas enjoyed three Oʻahu restaurants that are no longer around: Alan Wong’s Honolulu, Nobu Waikīkī and Piggy Smalls. (Clearly, they have a great taste!) While they have been spotted at various restaurants, including Noi Thai Cuisine in Waikīkī and Kua ʻĀina in Haleʻiwa, he also enjoys The Pig & The Lady, a popular and award-winning Vietnamese-fusion restaurant in Chinatown. Reservations are a must, as this place is almost always busy, even on weekdays.

Mid-Pacific Country Club, Kailua

In 2018 Obama officially became a member of the Mid-Pacific Country Club in Lanikai. (According to a news article, when he applied in December, under “Present Occupation & Position,” Barack Obama wrote “Former President of the United States.”) During his two terms in office, Obama played on this course while on vacation; it sits on 163 acres of prime Lanikai land at the foothills of the Kaʻiwi Ridge, overlooking Kailua town.

National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu

Obama’s maternal grandfather, Stanley Dunham, is buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl. The late World War II veteran died in 1992, and Obama has visited his grave here. Medal of Honor recipients and other notable Hawaiʻi heroes are also buried here, including Ellison Onizuka, Hawaiʻi’s first astronaut, and Daniel K. Inouye, Medal of Honor recipient and longtime U.S. senator.

Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail

The easy Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail is a favorite among many visitors to Oʻahu, including the Obamas. The view of the rugged Kaiwi Coastline is staggeringly gorgeous, and the paved trail makes it easy for anyone—including an entire entourage of security—to reach the summit.