Originally posted by trevster2k but we know there isn't a swap meet that day.
Hi, people. This is my first post, but I am a long time U2 fan and am a current Hawaii resident. Anyway, to the point. Are you sure there is no swap meet that day? Believe it or not, that swap meet is a huge moneymaker for the State, which owns the stadium. The State has a contract with a vendor who basically organizes the swap meet. The swap meet conflicts big time with University of Hawaii football games in the fall, but even the University cannot get the swap meet cancelled on game days. So, I'd be very surprised if there's no swap meet that day. This should be cleared up ASAP because the swap meet will definitely affect when and where you can queue.
Anyway, the area around the stadium isn't quite the wasteland that is being described. If you go out the south parking lot, you will find a small strip mall with a pizza hut, jack in the box, and a number of other local eating places. Also, Hawaii's only ice skating rink is there if anyone wants to get in a few twirls.
Diagonally across that intersection from the stadium is another mall with a mickey D's, a kmart, and a grocery store.
If you go west from the stadium about 1/2 mile, you'll reach Pearl Ridge shopping center, which is one of the biggest on the island. Across the street there is another strip mall with a 24 hour fitness, where members could shower before the show, I guess. They probably have day passes too.
For something completely different, the stadium is walking distance to Pearl Harbor. You could tour the memorial and see the Mighy Mo as well.
Finally, just given the logistics of getting into and out of Waikiki, anyone planning on making a "quick" dash back to their hotel before the show should expect their trip to take a minimum of 1.5 hours driving time, round trip.
Also, it's been a while since I've ridden the bus out that way, but regular bus service should run at least until midnight. Do NOT count on taxi service after the concert as Hawaii cabbies do not cruise for fares out there, even after known events.
^ I plan on doing the same Refugee, so as long as you do what Play said and have your rental car so you can put your junk away and roll to your hotel, get fresh for the show, you should be able to get back and have your spot saved by a hand full of cool U2 fans. Luckly I am going to camp out with a hand full of cool U2 fans so I already covered.
( isn't this meant to be sarcastic? if not sorry, I figured you know if you want to be somewhat close with GA you gotta be there in the morning otherwise you are relegated to the back section) although I don't think camping out is necessary either.
