HAWAII: JULY 2004

Those planning to attend APA's Annual Convention in Honolulu, July 28-Aug. 1, on the island of Oahu won't want to miss the chance to explore some of Hawaii's other major islands as well. While Oahu is Hawaii's most urbanized island and popular tourist destination, the unique attractions and breathtaking scenery of Maui, the Big Island and Kauai also attract millions of visitors each year. Inter-island airlines offer flights to and from the islands daily. Here's a brief look at what Maui, the Big Island and Kauai offer.

Maui

Known as "The Magic Isle," Maui--a 25-minute flight from Oahu--boasts 81 beaches with sands ranging from black to red to gold as a result of volcanic activity.

A few of the island's most popular sites are:

* Haleakala National Park. Home to the world's largest dormant volcano, Haleakala, the park offers hiking and horseback riding trails and sweeping views. Visitors who call ahead can reserve a cabin for camping in the volcano's crater. Web site: www.nps.gov/hale.

* Maui Ocean Center. Visitors to the largest tropical reef aquarium in the Western Hemisphere can pass through a tunnel that offers a 240-degree view of a 750,000 gallon aquarium with 2,000 fish, including sharks. Web site: www.mauioceancenter.com.

* Enchanting Floral Garden of Kula. This eight-acre garden near Haleakala has more than 1,500 species of tropical and semi-tropical plants from around the world, as well as 30 types of fruit trees. Web site: www.flowersofmaui.com.

* Hana drive. The twisty, scenic 53-mile drive on Hana Highway includes more than 600 turns, myriad one-lane bridges and views of waterfalls, rain forest, botanical gardens and lava shoreline.

Hawaii: The Big Island

Twice the size of all the other Hawaiian islands combined, the Big Island is a 35- to 45-minute flight from Oahu. World-famous Kona coffee is produced on the island's coffee farms and sold throughout the island.

Must-see sights include:

* Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Visitors to the park can visit the world's most active volcano, Kilauea, which has been continuously erupting for the past 20 years. Web site: www.nps.gov/havo.

* Mauna Kea Observatory. The summit of dormant volcano Mauna Kea is home to the world's largest astronomical observatory and most powerful telescope. Web site: www.ifa.hawaii.edu/mko.

* Kohala Sugar Plantation. Adventurous tourists can take a guided kayak tour of the plantation's irrigation system, through rain forests and ravines and past waterfalls.

Kauai

Known as the "Garden Isle" for its abundant flora, Kauai is the oldest of the Hawaiian islands and a 20-minute flight from Oahu. Its beauty has attracted Hollywood's eye: more than 60 motion pictures have been filmed on the island, including "South Pacific," "Jurassic Park" and "Blue Hawaii."

Some popular sites include:

* Waimea Canyon, a 14-mile-wide canyon on the island's western end nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." The canyon is part of Kokee State Park, and park visitors can take in the canyon's beauty from lookouts, via hiking trails, on horseback or from a helicopter.

* Na Pali Coast, a jagged coastline formed by 3,000-foot-high mountain cliffs that rise from the ocean floor. The clearest view is found early in the morning, when dolphins sometimes can be seen swimming near the coast.

* National Tropical Botanical Garden, land chartered by Congress in 1964 to protect endangered tropical plants and conserve plant diversity. Visitors can view the world's largest collection of rare plants at the site's Lawai Garden and tour the oceanfront Allerton Garden--a 100-acre estate that was an 1870s gardening retreat for Queen Emma of the royal Hawaiian monarchy. Web site: www.ntbg.org.

--J. CHAMBERLIN