"I think he said a lot of things about the economy, about healthcare, the environment about putting our priorities in education for our youth, he said all the right things," said Virginia Pressler, Honolulu resident.

The fundraiser also featured Grammy nominated entertainment including Raiatea Helm and Ho'okena.

"Each time he spoke he did it in such a local way," said Manu Boyd, Ho'okena Group Leader.

"(Obama) came right next to me and gave me a hug," said Raiatea Helm, Entertainer.

"When his speech was through all the entertainers that were performing were whisked off to the side and as he was entering the room all of us began to sing Hawaii Aloha to him that was the plan, and Willie K, Ho'okena, Raiatea the whole gang the harmony was incredible. Senator Obama walks into the room and says hey I know this song and he started singing too," said Boyd.

"I consider myself lucky, what are the chances a girl like me from Molokai being able to have this opportunity to be able to perform before a presidential candidate," said Helm.

"We gave him some Ho'okena CD's and I said this so that when you're in the White House you can have some good Hawaiian music," said Boyd.

Good Hawaiian music for the flight back to the mainland too. Obama is scheduled to end his weeklong vacation on Friday.

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