Barack Obama walking tour, Honolulu, Hawaii

Barack Obama's high school graduation picture

You probably know that Barack Obama was born in Hawaii in 1961. He lived here for a good deal of his childhood before leaving for college on the mainland.

You might be surprised to learn that many of the places he frequented are still standing and are clustered within a five block radius of where he was born in the Makiki neighborhood. Karen and I spent an afternoon checking out some of the landmarks where the future president lived, went to school, and hung out. Keep in mind that a lot of these places aren't open to the public (Baskin Robbins being an exception), but you can easily see the exterior of the buildings and walk the same paths as the young Barack Obama.

Hawaii is so new to us, we haven't even been here four months, that many of the neighborhoods in Honolulu are new discoveries. Makiki is one of those. The first thing you notice about the neighborhood is that while most of Honolulu has been gentrified with expensive high rise condos and upscale eateries, Makiki remains much as I imagine it was years ago. I'd like to think that President Obama would feel right at home if he returned here.

The Baskin Robbins where Barack Obama worked as a teenager

Our first stop was the Baskin Robbins on South King Street. It's still there, serving ice cream, just like it was when young Barry (that was what he was called at the time) was 14 or 15 and working there. We peeked inside to see if there was a picture of Barack on the wall, Karen said he was probably employee of the month, but we didn't see one.

Washington Middle School where the future president played basketball

Across the street is the Washington Middle School. It's here where Mr. Obama found his love for basketball on the outdoor courts. Unfortunately, the courts no longer have rims, some the children of Makiki have to find other places to play.

Punahou Circle Apartments, where Barack Obama lived with his grandparents

Next, we headed up Beretania Street to see the Punahou Circle Apartments. They're still standing, too, and this is where the future President lived with his grandparents after he returned with his mother from Indonesia (his mother lived nearby with Barack's sister).

Shinshu Kyokai Buddhist Temple

Karen quickly noticed that the apartment building is next door to a Buddhist Temple, across the street from the Central Union Church (where he participated in his baccalaureate service) and just down from a Baptist Church. There must have been quite a bit of religious influence on the young man, not only from his family, but his nearby community.

Central Union Church

A couple of blocks up Punahou is the Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children. This is where Barack Obama was born in 1961. 

Punahou School (not a great picture, but you're not allowed on the grounds)

And just two blocks from there is Punahou School, which Barack attended from 1971-1979, when he graduated. 

I've been to lots of homes of former Presidents. Lincoln, Jefferson, Washington, Madison, Kennedy and Johnson to name a few. But, this walking tour was especially resonant with me. Maybe because President Obama is near my own age, or maybe because his history is recent enough that I can really imagine it, but whatever the reason, if you come to Hawaii, it's worth taking a couple hours and seeing for yourself what childhood was like for our 44th President.
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