POSTED: 12:26 p.m. HST, Dec 26, 2011
LAST UPDATED: 08:43 p.m. HST, Dec 26, 2011
President Barack Obama had a busy day of vacation with a workout and short hike with his family, followed by a golf outing with friends in the afternoon.
This morning, the president and his family took advantage of a warm and sunny day after Christmas to take a short hike near their rented vacation home in Hawaii.
"He said, 'Good morning,' and asked what my dog's name was and greeted me happy holidays," said Crowder, a nurse practitioner at the Queen's Medical Center.
"After I got back my brother asked if I got a photo of myself and the president. I said, 'No, I opted to look into the eye of the most powerful man in the U.S., I shook his hand and said Merry Christmas.' I thought that was more than enough."
Crowder did, however, snap a photo of Obama petting Kai, a 2-year-old mixed breed female adopted from the Kauai Humane Society.
The White House says the president, his wife and daughters were joined on the hike by a few friends.
After returning to their Kailua vacation home at about 11:15 a.m., the presidential motorcade returned to golf course at the Marine base at Kaneohe where the president and friends hit the links at about 11:45 a.m. under sunny skies.
Obama golfed with longtime Hawaii friends Mike Ramos, Greg Orme and Bobby Titcomb, the Whte House said.
The president golfed for about five and a half hours and the motorcade returned to the vacation home at about 5:25 p.m.
Earlier Monday, the president hit the gym at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. The motorcade went past a couple of protesters. One held a sign reading "A Good Life; Support People, not Corporate Greed." Another sign said "Stop Israel's Illegal Siege Killing Women, Children and Peace Activists. Malnutrition; Silent Genocide. Free Palestine."
Obama arrived in Hawaii Friday evening after delaying his vacation due to the congressional stalemate over extending payroll tax cuts. The president is expected to return to Washington shortly after New Year’s Day.
Obama readying for re-election bid after vacation
Obama leaves Hawaii, readies for re-election fight
Obamas and friends dine in Waikiki on eve of departure
Obama hopeful for more economic progress in 2012
In 2012, Obama to press ahead without Congress
Romney tees off on vacationing Obama
President hits the links again; Romney tees off on golf outing
Obama lays wreath at Pearl Harbor memorial
Obama to visit Ohio day after Iowa caucuses
New day, different course: Obama golfs
Obama's Hawaii vacation contrasts with GOP in Iowa
Obama goes out to dinner after golf
First family frees turtles, spends time at Sea Life Park
Obama family visits Hanauma Bay and release sea turtles
President goes golfing after a morning hike and workout
Obamas spend Christmas Eve golfing, keeping track of Santa
Obama arrives to spend his 4th Christmas in Hawaii since election
President Obama golfs, then spends Christmas Eve with family
President begins Oahu vacation
Photo Gallery: President Obama arrives in Hawaii