Continuing in our shameless publicity grab for Google props....aside from playing basketball and bodyboarding, Obama played tennis growing up in Hawaii. With sunny skies over 300 days per year, Hawaii is, of course, a tennis paradise. What many tourists do not know is Hawaii has some of the best public courts in the country in terms of location. There are a number of oceanview courts that are totally free (as in FREE) for all comers. True, they are crowded but these courts are also generally in good shape. On Oahu, three of the best public court locations are Paki Hale Diamond Head, Kapiolani Park, and Ala Moana Beach Park. The court with perhaps the best view is found at Maunalani Park, high above the city. It's a short court but quite remarkable for its view of the ocean and the city. Outer island public court offerings are a bit more scarce but a good number of the big resorts have phenomenal tennis programs.

On the Big Island, the Hilton Waikoloa Village Hotel and Resort has eight recently refurbed courts. On Maui, the Kapalua Resort has a strong pro program and courts within a stone's throw of the surreal blue Pacifc. And even though the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel remains closed, the courts at the resort remain open. (In fact, the resort closure has made it much easier to get quality court time). These courts have true ocean views and sit so close to the surf that you can hear the waves hitting the rocks. Other resorts with big court offerings include the Four Seasons Hualalai on the Big Island and Wailea, which has an independent club. Now that Barry's got his mega-million dollar book deals going on, I'd expect to see him in posher confines like these. Then again, with his populist streak, maybe not.

—Alex, 03/25/07