HONOLULU » President Barack Obama is kicking off the new year Hawaiian-style.

Obama started his day snorkeling with his wife and daughters at a popular snorkeling spot outside of Honolulu, Hanauma Bay. They spent more than five hours at the site, which was closed to the public. The Obamas visit nearly every year.

Later, the family stopped in nearby Kailua for shave ice. It’s a Hawaiian treat similar to a snow cone.

In casual clothes, Obama ordered a shave ice with melon, cherry and lilikoi syrup. Lilikoi is a Hawaiian term for passion fruit.

Obama wished his fellow customers a "Happy New Year" before heading back to his rented vacation home.

His annual two-week vacation in Hawaii wraps up this weekend.

Heidi Chang in Kailua, Hawaii, contributed to this report.