Hawaii, the world’s number one vacation spot, is also host to one of the premier sports attractions every winter: the NFL Pro Bowl. On Saturday, February 10, 2007, the best players from the AFC will challenge their counterparts from the NFC in the classic face-off, set in Honolulu’s 50,000-seat Aloha Stadium on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu.

If you’re wondering how the Pro Bowl stacks up against the Super Bowl, there’s no contest: Pro Bowl tickets are easier to get and are less expensive, you don’t have to fight crowds, and nothing beats relaxing in the Hawaii sun and watching the pros strut their stuff in warm, picture-perfect playing conditions.

Being a huge sports fan myself, every year I book one of the Pro Bowl packages to Oahu - and every year I have a fantastic time. And this year (yes, I’ve already booked my trip), I’m taking advantage of a great Pro Bowl vacation package I found that starts at just $1,349 per person (double occupancy) and includes round-trip airfare from Los Angeles or San Francisco (my home base), accommodations for four nights, game tickets, airport/hotel transfers, transfers to and from Aloha Stadium on game day, and a VIP Official NFL Pro Bowl Tailgate Party, including reserved seating, drinks, VIP menu, and visits with the NFL players and cheerleaders (it just doesn’t get any better than this!).

As for the game, it’s anyone’s guess. But whether Peyton and Eli Manning go head to head, Tom Brady’s a “lock” or LaDainian Tomlinson runs wild, a great time is sure to be had by all.

Don Carter is a freelance travel writer and football fan who, in his spare time, acts as a consultant for travel companies that create and sell vacation packages, giving them tips on improving their client offerings and rating the hotels and sites featured in their vacation packages. He also contributes to several travel guides. For information on the Pro Bowl package Carter is taking advantage of this year, visit:

Here’s some Hawaiian vacation activities that are sure to create great memories for a life time.

What: Hawaii Snorkeling
Where: Ohahu - Waikiki Beach
Who: Paradise Cruises
Description: If you’d love to get up close and personal with beautiful tropical fish, then a snorkeling cruise is something you can’t miss. You’ll climb onboard The Starlet and head out to the Kewalo Reef, with the famous Diamond Head as your backdrop. The fish have been hand fed, so they’re plenty friendly. This is a very nice excursion if you are a snorkeling novice. Other activities include windsurfing, kayaking, a floating trampoline, and a water slide. Relax on deck while sunbathing. A BBQ lunch is included.

What: Hawaii Luau
Where: Ohahu
Who: Germaines Luau
Description: Imagine being a guest at a grand Hawaiian luau. As you sit comfortably amongst new friends and old, you watch the royal procession enter with fanfare, and witness the imu ceremonysee a roasted pig raised up from the ground. Then you dine on traditional Hawaiian dishes like poi and haupia, as well as, Mainland favorites like fried chicken and tossed salad. After your scrumptious meal you sit back and enjoy the wonderful Polynesian entertainers featuring dancers from Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji and Samoa. Many consider this the best luau in all of Hawaii.

What: Swim with the Dolphins
Where: Ohahu
Who: Dolphin Excursions
Description: You’ve fantasized about it. Now it’s time to do it. You’ll be taken out on a boat with about twenty or so other dolphin lovers off of Ohahu’s western shore. There you’ll see plenty of spinner dolphins frolicking in the early morning seas. You’ll be given expert snorkeling instruction so that even beginners can slip into the water and swim amongst the sea’s friendliest inhabitants. As a bonus, you may get to see whales, sea turtles and other exotic sea life.

What: Experience Polynesian Culture
Where: Ohahu
Who: Polynesian Cultural Center
Description: Learn about the rich history of Polynesian cultural traditions at this popular Hawaiian attraction. See live demonstrations of carving tiki statues, dancing with fire knives, barefoot tree climbing, and the IMAX

If you are traveling to Hawaii in February, here are a few annual local events for you to consider adding to your itinerary.

When you are on the Big Island make a stop at Hilo, home of The Hilo Mardi Gras. Also known as The “Hula Capital of the World”, Hilo loves to put on a parade. This is their annual New-Orleans style parade, festival and party all wrapped in one. The streets are full of elaborately costumed dancers, festive music and local foods.

One of the longest running events in Hawaii is the Punahou School Carnival. This annual Honolulu event is a high school fundraiser that started in 1932 and now it attracts upwards of 50,000 people. The carnival is known for its local delicacies that includes malasadas, Hawaiian plates, Portuguese bean soup and gyros. This is a wonderful opportunity to participate in the local Hawaiian culture.

Visit the spot in Waimea, Kauai, where famous explorer Captain James Cook first landed in Hawaii. The Captain Hook Festival commemorates the event with entertainment, canoe races, games, and food. The highlight is the mini-marathon race.

The Carole Kai Bed Race brings participants from all over the world to race down the streets of Lahania in Maui, Lihue in Kauai and Honolulu in Oahu. This two-day fundraising event feature wildly costumed bed-racers for the amusement of over 100,000 onlookers.

Watch top rated longboard surfers in the two-day Buffalo’s Big Board Surfing Classic at Makaha Beach, Oahu. This is traditional Hawaiian surfing, long boarding, and canoe-surfing.

Peter Shannon is a writer and author of the popular http://www.1001VacationIdeas.com - a Web site born out of his passion. Perhaps you have a passion or hobby that you would like to write about. Discover how to turn it into a profitable Web site like Peter has. Visit http://www.1001VacationIdeas.com to learn more.

Here’s several 4-Star Hawaiian hotels that offer first-class accommodations and beach front views.

Sheraton Moana Surfrider - This historic hotel has been lovingly restored and maintains it’s circa 1901 charm. Located on Waikiki beach, it offers high tea and sunset buffets.

Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa - Located right across the street from Waikiki beach. It’s also within walking distance to attractions such as: Diamond Head, Kapiolani Park, Honolulu Zoo, and Waikiki Aquarium. Features a restaurant with live Hawaiian music and a health spa.

The Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach - Right in the middle of Waikiki Beach, it’s close to restaurants, shops, and entertainment activities. Has high-speed Internet access and art by Hawaiian artists.

Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa - Beachfront hotel featuring lush tropical gardens, ponds, waterfalls, health spa, restaurants, an underwater exploration submarine, Friday fireworks, and a variety of nightly entertainment.

Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki - Features rooms with floor to ceiling windows and overlooks the boats of the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor. Stroll to Ala Moana Beach Park. Shuttle to 27 hole championship golf course.

Royal Hawaiian - This hotel’s nickname is the Pink Palace of the Pacific for it’s pink color scheme. Enjoy a private beach and the Royal Hawaiian shopping center nearby. Features boating, surfing and an oceanfront luau.

Kahala Mandarin Oriental - Tucked away on a secluded beach, this resort is popular with celebrities. Features spa rooms, soaking baths, private gardens and lots of pampering.

© Donna Monday
Cruise the beautiful Hawaiian Islands - even if you’re on a budget
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