Mr. Obama and his family – Michelle Obama, the first lady, and daughters Malia and Sasha – who are vacationing in the quiet town of Kailua on the windward side of the island of Oahu, initially planned to return to Washington on New Year’s Day. Then, when Mr. Obama arrived, the White House announced he would leave Jan. 2. Now their departure has been pushed back yet again, to Jan. 3, which means the Obama girls may miss the first day or two back at school after their holiday break.

“After the extended lame duck and five-day delay of his trip here, he’s just trying to squeeze in more time with his family before returning to Washington,’’ the White House deputy press secretary, Bill Burton, told reporters here. The Obamas now plan to leave late in the evening on Jan. 3, arriving in Washington on January 4.