President Barack Obama plans to leave Hawaii Wednesday night after a Christmas vacation in the islands.

First Lady Michelle Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia will remain in Hawaii.

The president is returning to the White House to get back to work on the fiscal cliff deal before the year ends.

House and Senate members are expected to reconvene Thursday.

Without an agreement, automatic tax increases for everyone and deep spending cuts will be triggered in the new year.

The main dispute continues to be over taxes.

Many national media are staying in Hawaii, just in case the president comes back after the fiscal talks.