Chris asks,

What is the best way of transportation to get to the probowl from waikiki?

I’ve had the pleasure of volunteering for the Pro Bowl in the last few years, and from my experience, the best form of transportation depends largely on how you will be feeling after the game. People generally have three options: take your own car, get on a shuttle service, or take theBus. Let’s explore each option:

Taking the car (or basically your own vehicle):
Pro Bowl parking is all about getting there first. The earlier you get there, the more chances you have of securing a parking spot within the stadium grounds. Otherwise, you’ll be forced to park at Ford Island, and then take a shuttle to and from the stadium. This is bad. The reason is because after the game, a lot of people will be drunk and rowdy, and getting back on a shuttle will involve a lot of wait time. People will be impatient. Given that there’s only one shuttle stop going back, you can imagine how this situation can be.

The situation doesn’t only apply to Ford Island either. You will experience nearly the same even if you park at adjacent parking lots.

However, if your parking lot isn’t as far as say, Ford Island, it might be wise to consider walking from the stadium grounds to avoid the crowd.

Transportation Shuttle:
In my opinion, this is the best way to get to the Pro Bowl from Waikiki. Shuttles can pick you up from your hotel, drop you off at a designated drop off point near the stadium, and then pick you up at the same place. It’s also the fastest way out of the stadium without the need to worry about the traffic situation. Just sit back, relax, and you’ll be back in Waikiki in no time. The only downside to this service is it’s the costliest option among the three. Prices start at around $20.00 round trip. I believe the only shuttle company offering this service at the moment is VIP Trans. For more details, visit their website at http://www.viptrans.com/services/ProBowl2007.htm.

There are “other” shuttle services of course, and these are basically individuals who see an opportunity in the Pro Bowl’s parking dilemma. One quick view around CraigsList will show you one that’s offering $60.00 round-trip to and from the stadium. Interesting.

theBus:
The cheapest way to get to the stadium is probably via theBus. Aside from their regular routes, you can also take advantage of their Football Express service for $3.00 one-way, with round-trip fares also available. The only downside to this is that they only pick up from one location in Waikiki: Monsarrat at Kapiolani Bandstand, which is the street that cuts through between Honolulu Zoo and Kapiolani Park. If your hotel is on the eastern end of Waikiki, then this might be a good option. Otherwise, I would highly advise against it.

Pick-up hours are from 9:30AM to 11:30AM only. For more information, please visit http://www.thebus.org.