KAILUA (Hawaii) - PRESIDENT-ELECT Barack Obama returned on Monday to a military gym where he has spent all but one morning since beginning a 12-day vacation in his native Hawaii.

Mr Obama, his wife, Michelle, and family friend Martin Nesbitt visited Marine Corps Base Hawaii's Semper Fit Center. He did not speak with reporters but greeted about two dozen visitors after his workout.

The president-elect, who skipped the gym on Christmas, also posed for pictures.

Mr Obama has sought to stay out of the public eye while here, opting for private meals at his $9 million (S$13.03 million) rented vacation home or at a friend's house.

On Sunday, the family took a two-hour scenic drive north up Oahu's windward coast to the Mokuleia residence of Bobby Titcomb, a high school buddy, where they spent nearly seven hours.

Mr Obama has no public schedule during his stay. Aides say he has been receiving national security briefings and speaking with transition officials.

Mr Obama, his wife and daughters left Chicago on Dec 20. They are due to return on Jan 1. He takes office on Jan 20. -- AP