APA's Annual Convention
Volume 2, Number 1
January 2004

Convention-goers can hike to the summit of Diamond Head, an extinct volcanic crater that offers a spectacular view of the west side of the island of Oahu.

Meeting in paradise
Attending APA's 2004 Annual Convention in Honolulu is a great professional development opportunity for graduate students—and can be done on a student's budget.

APA's 2004 Annual Convention, to be held in Honolulu from July 28—August 1, will provide a great opportunity for students to network and learn about the latest in research and practice. And budget-conscious students need not let travel costs force them to miss out. Students can tap flight discounts, use public transportation and plan low-cost sightseeing activities to keep the trip within their means.

CONVENTION COST-CUTTERS

Here are a few ways to trim your convention expenses:

Fly midweek. Flying during the week rather than on the weekend cuts a round-trip ticket by about $150.

Book your flight early. Both of APA's official air carriers—United Airlines and Delta Air Lines—offer convention attendees a 5% discount on tickets purchased at least 60 days in advance. United offers an additional 10% discount off a mid-week coach fare, and Delta offers an additional 5% discount on the lowest published airfare and an additional 10% off full-price coach airfare. Additional deals can be found through Classic Hawaii, a custom vacation planner that offers discounted airfares to Hawaii. See APA's Convention Office Web site at www.apa.org/convention/transport.html for more information on each option.

Share a room. According to APA's Convention Office, if three people share a room at the Ohana Maile Sky Court Hotel, the cost per person is $36 plus tax per night. Spending a few extra dollars for a room with a kitchenette can save students from spending cash at local restaurants. For more information on low-cost hotel options, visit www.apa.org/convention/housing.html.

Take public transportation. Honolulu's public transportation system, called The Bus, stops at the airport every 30 minutes and charges $1.50 for a trip to the hotel and convention area. In addition, The Bus has routes throughout the city and offers a four-day unlimited pass for $20. For more information, visit www.thebus.org.

Volunteer your time for free registration. APA's Continuing Education Office and Convention Office will cover students' convention registration costs in exchange for a few hours of on-site volunteer work. For more information, visit www.apa.org/ce or e-mail the Convention Office.

Register in advance. Members of the American Psychological Association of Graduate Students (APAGS) can preregister for the convention for $60 before June 21; the cost is $70 on-site. To register, visit www.apa.org/convention04/register.html.

Tap travel stipends. APA's Science Directorate supports travel to APA's convention with nearly 50 graduate student awards for outstanding research. In addition, several APA divisions offer convention travel awards for outstanding student research, and the winner of the APAGS/APA Ethics Committee 2004 Graduate Student Ethics Prize wins an all-expenses-paid trip to the convention. See the Funding opportunities and APAGS News articles in this issue and www.apa.org/science/travinfo.html for application information.

SIGHTSEEING ON A BUDGET

According to the Oahu Visitors Bureau, there are countless free and low-cost ways to take in the sights on the island of Oahu, where APA's meeting will be held. Students can experience the following activities on Oahu for under $10:

Listen to the Royal Hawaiian Band at Iolani Palace on Fridays, noon­1 p.m. Stay and tour the palace, which was the official residence of King Kalakaua and Queen Kapi'olani. Web site: www.iolanipalace.org.

Attend a Sunday service conducted in the Hawaiian language at Hawaii's most famous church, Kawaiahao Church, referred to locally as Hawaii's Westminster Abbey. Free tours are offered weekdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and after Sunday services. Address: 957 Punchbowl St. and King St., Honolulu, HI 96813; (808) 522-1333.

Learn about the history of Waikiki—a neighborhood of Honolulu and home to the famous Waikiki Beach—on the Waikiki Historic Trail Walking Tour. Web site: www.waikikihistorictrail.com.

Browse or bargain-hunt for jewelry, clothes and souvenirs at the International Marketplace, an open-air market in the heart of Waikiki. Shoppers are encouraged to haggle with vendors. Address: 2330 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815; (808) 971-2080.

See first-hand how a fragrant flower lei is created at the lei stands that line Maunakea Street in Honolulu's Chinatown. Web site: www.chinatownhi.com/leis.asp.

Visit the USS Arizona Memorial, a monument built to commemorate the Pearl Harbor attack on Dec. 7, 1941. Address: 1 Arizona Memorial Place, Honolulu, HI 96818; (808) 422-0561. Web site: www.nps.gov/usar.

Learn about the history of the pineapple in Hawaii at the Dole Plantation, a 40-minute drive from downtown Honolulu. Web site: www.dole-plantation.com.

Hike to the top of Diamond Head, the world-famous volcanic crater and Hawaii's most recognized landmark.

Watch the Friday night boat races at Ala Moana Beach Park, a 76-acre park located between downtown Honolulu and Waikiki beach.

Feel the ocean spray at the Halona Blow Hole, a natural ocean geyser. Halona is located along the Kalanianaole Highway between Hanauma Bay and Sandy Beach Park.

—JAMIE CHAMBERLIN
gradPSYCH staff

For more information on travel to Hawaii, visit the Hawaii Convention and Visitors Bureau Web site at www.gohawaii.com. For more information on APA's convention, visit www.apa.org/convention.

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