Obama leaves for vacation in Hawaii (7 images)

U.S. President Barack Obama departs aboard Marine One from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, on December 23, 2011. Obama is en route to Hawaii for Christmas with his family. UPI/Roger L. Wollenberg

U.S. President Barack Obama greets well-wishers after arriving at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Honolulu, Hawaii, Friday, Decemberf 23, 2010. President Obama joins First Lady Michele Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia in Hawaii for the winter holidays. UPI/Kent Nishimura/Pool

U.S. President Barack Obama departs from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, on December 23, 2011. Obama is en route to Hawaii for Christmas with his family. UPI/Roger L. Wollenberg

U.S. President Barack Obama greets well-wishers after arriving at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Honolulu, Hawaii, Friday, Decemberf 23, 2010. President Obama joins First Lady Michele Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia in Hawaii for the winter holidays. UPI/Kent Nishimura/Pool