Carolyn Kaster / AP

President Barack Obama holding hands with his daughters Malia, left, and Sasha, right, leave Sea Life Park, a marine wildlife park, with family friends including Marty Nesbitt, rear right, Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2011, in Waimanalo, Hawaii.

AP reports: HONOLULU — President Barack Obama and his family spent a warm and sunny afternoon at one of the most popular snorkeling spots on the island of Oahu, where they released four green sea turtles into the water.

The Obamas arrived at Hanauma Bay Park on Tuesday after a scenic, 40-minute drive from their multimillion-dollar rented vacation home on Kailua Beach. The park is a favorite destination for the Obamas, who make an annual trip there during their Christmas holiday in Hawaii — always on Tuesdays, when the park is closed to the public for maintenance.

Slideshow: Obama's third year in the White House

Saul Loeb / AFP - Getty Images

From the debt ceiling debacle to the death of Osama bin Laden, it was an eventual year in office for the nation's 44th president.

Launch slideshow