Barack Obama seems sure to maintain his status as the coolest President in US history - after enjoying a traditional ‘shave ice’ while on holiday in his native Hawaii. As the temperature reached 25C (77F) on the main island of Oahu, Mr Obama popped into the Island Snow shop with daughters Malia and Sasha.

They and about a dozen friends and bodyguards enjoyed the local delicacy, a mixture of ice shavings and flavoured syrup served in a paper cone. Mr Obama ordered a combination of lemon and lime, cherry and passion guava – dubbed the Snowbama by store staff. But he chose not to add sweet azuki red beans or ice cream, as is the custom.

Wearing sunglasses and dressed casually in a white T-shirt, khaki shorts and sandals, he told onlookers: ‘I like my shave ice straight, no frills.’

About 100 people flocked to the shopping centre car park to catch a glimpse of the President and his family – minus First L ady Michelle – on their New Year’s Day visit. The store also announced on the website Facebook that Mr Obama’s daughters had paid a visit earlier in their holiday.

The Obamas have stayed largely out of public view during their break. However, last week 11-year-old Malia was pictured learning to surf as proud Michelle looked on.