President heads to Hawaii for Christmas

WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 (UPI) -- President Obama left Friday afternoon to join his wife and daughters in Hawaii for Christmas after signing the bill extending the payroll tax cut.

The president remained behind in Washington because of the political impasse over payroll taxes and unemployment benefits. Michelle Obama, with Malia and Sasha, arrived in Hawaii last Saturday.

The family has rented a house with a private beach in Kailua. Politico said the house is on a cul-de-sac where the Secret Service, which has set up a tent, can easily screen visitors.

The Obamas have spent every Christmas in the president's native state since he was elected.

The first lady and her children have been keeping out of the public eye, Politico reported. Their only outing has been a quick trip Monday to Island Snow, a surf shop that sells shave ice.

"It was really fast -- they came in some SUVs [sport utility vehicles], Secret Service agents came in with them, they got their shave ice and shot back into the car," manager Richard Whaley said.

Obama, back in Washington, had been involved in politics, except for a shopping trip with the family dog.