Shave Ice Time!

President Barack Obama enjoys shave ice with First Daughter Malia Obama at Island Snow in Kailua, Hawaii

hands up: who likes shave ice?

President Obama soaked up his last hours of vacation time with his family and gave locals in the small town of Kailua, where he’s been staying for the past 11 days, a bit of face time. 

After a couple of hours at Pyramid Rock Beach on the Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Obama treated his family and friends to shave ice, the Hawaiian version of a snow cone. 

As usual, the president paid for the order, handing a $100 bill over to a nervous clerk. 

Outside, the parking lot was blocked off with yellow caution tape. Crowds had gathered behind it in all directions – in front of Bob’s Pizzeria on one side and San Lorenzo Bikinis and Clothing on the other. 

…The President walked over to a corner of the small shopping center to greet a group of people who were practically standing on top of each other with excitement, their cameras out and smiles on. 

He finished his ice and then greeted the crowd outside Bob’s Pizzeria, which had a sign outside that said, “Obama family welcome home! We have really good pizza.”

Star Advertiser: President Obama made the most of his last day of vacation starting with a morning workout followed by a beach outing with family and friends, a second visit to Island Snow for shave ice and a late afternoon visit to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific with his daughters.

The president last visited Punchbowl one year ago today. Obama’s grandfather Stanley Dunham, who served with Gen. George Patton’s 7th Army during World War II, and his grandmother Madelyn Dunham are interred at Punchbowl. Reporters and photographers traveling with the president were kept at a distance during the visit just before sunset.

Island Snow in Kailua, Hawaii, January 3. President Obama and his family will leave Hawaii late tonight from Hickam Air Force Base.

greenkeeper-in-chief

President Obama at the Mid-Pacific Country Club December 31, 2009 in Kailua, Hawaii.