Whipsy Weather for the Obama Ohana

I’ve talked myself out of apologizing for Hawai‘i’s weather of late, which is windy, gusty, chilly, and my favorite adjective, whipsy. If I were on vacation I’d want a refund because the skies are not sunny and bright, the weather isn’t balmy and hot, the waves aren’t glassy and crispy walls. Instead, it’s victory at sea, palm fronds tearing off trees in 50-mph gusts, un-umbrellable rain because the wind would blow that thing inside out, and puddles and slippery, slimy mud every where. Then when you mix Hawai‘i drivers with rain… Let’s not go there.

As for this weather? Luv it! But as a mother of two girls aged 13 and 11, I realize the drawbacks it might present to vacationing families. So Michelle Obama, you’ve got my sympathy. Now, my Kid1&2, who are 13 and 11 (close in age to Malia and Sasha) born and raised in Hawai‘i, actually dig this lousy weather for the same reasons I do. They layer on the socks and hoodies, they snuggle under blankets at night, they cuddle with cat Comet, they drink hot chocolate, and welcome my homemade soup. But if we were on vacation like the Obama Ohana, I’d want to send my girls to the beach for some surfing and sunshine, to the Makapu‘u trail for whale watching, up Mariner’s Ridge for a beautiful hike and rewarding vistas at the top. Shave ice tastes better when it’s hotter than 80 degrees!

When you plan your Hawaiian vacation, keep in mind that we do have subtle seasonal changes. While we can have windy and cool temps any time of the year, we can also have hot and muggy weather all year, too. But the winter is a little cooler. I drove by The Oahu Club yesterday and said to Kid2 that I couldn’t imagine doing laps in this weather. Someone behind me turned in to drop off their swim team kid.

Despite the gusty winds and cool temperatures, I do hope the Obamas are finding joy in being in Hawai‘i this winter. Love it when they come to Hawai‘i. It underscores how our state is a great vacation spot, citizens of the lower 48 don’t have to exchange currency to get here, and yes, you can get Wifi. Don’t think everyone walks around in bathing suits all day or drinks from coconuts. But I must confess, if I I could dunk myself into the ocean every morning and let the sun dry the salt all over me, I’d be so OK with that.