Daily Pampering: Rent Obama’s “Winter White House” in Hawaii

Sure, your chances of actually living in The White House are slim, but you can still live like the President … in Hawaii. The rumored “Winter White House” that the Obamas vacation in during the holiday season is for rent on HomeAway.com for the bargain price of $3,500 … per day. Really want to move in? The home is available for a monthly fee of $75,000.

The Plantation Estate at Paradise Point represents old Hawaii beachfront luxury, with all of the latest amenities, and was featured on the cover and as the lead article in Ocean Home Magazine in the April 2010 issue. The 7,000 square foot home features 5 bedrooms, 5 ½ bathrooms, a media room with surround sound, a kitchen suited for a master chef, a dining room and great room, a secluded lagoon-style pool with tropical waterfalls and a lavish island spa. The ocean lanai and garden lanai showcase ornate landscaping and stunning views of Kailua Bay and Mount Olomana.

The five bedroom, five and one-half bath home in Kailua doesn’t come with its own personal Secret Service detail, but it is private, boasting convenient access to the beaches of Waikiki (25 minutes) and downtown Honolulu attractions without being right on top of the action.

Want more? Get your daily dose of pampering right here.

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Obamas to spend the holidays in Hawaii

There’s no official word from the White House, but the rumor mill (a.k.a. all of the local news sources) are saying that the Obamas will spend their second consecutive Christmas in Hawaii.

The Obamas spent last year lounging in their luxurious Paradise Point Estate compound on the shores of Kailua on Oahu’s windward shore, and it looks like they’ll enjoyed their stay enough to return this year as well. According to the estate’s website, “In the interest of security, this site will remain offline until January 4th, 2010.” The Obamas will supposedly be arriving in Hawaii some time around Christmas Eve and leaving shortly after the new year.

Kailua is one of the state’s most idyllic neighorhoods. Lanikai Beach continues to be rated as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Many visitors enjoy kayaking to the nearby Mokulua Islands (pictured here). Kailua Town is quaint and full of great eateries and shops. It’s really no wonder the Obamas enjoy the peace and beauty of this part of the island. Having grown up in Honolulu, Obama knows the best place to take a relaxing vacation. Last Christmas, he was spotted bodysurfing at Sandy Beach, a world-class beach with occasionally neck-breaking shorebreak.

At this time last year, the island experienced a very unfortunate and embarrassing blackout that left even the Obamas scrambling for the nearest generator. Let’s hope that this year HECO has its act together and lets us all have a peaceful holiday in paradise.

Photo of the Day (6/27/07)


In all my days spent on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, I never once saw this turtle or a sunrise in Mokolua. I have said many times that my days on Oahu are done, but this shot here makes me wonder if I might be missing something more. Thanks to Rob Webster for plugging this one into the Gadling Flickr pool. Very nice shot!