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Many Hawaii vacations include stays on Oahu, snorkeling ventures in Hanauma Bay and tours of the USS Arizona Memorial. But for those wanting to get away from the regular tourist stops and even the main Hawaiian Islands, the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument may be the ideal – albeit, more challenging – choice.

Stretching across 1,200 miles of the Pacific Ocean to the northwest of the main chain, and with a total area of almost 140,000 square miles teeming with marine life and pristine coral reefs that are among the healthiest and most extensive anywhere, the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument (or NWHI) is the largest protected area in the U.S. and the largest marine preserve in the world. Established by President Bush last June, the monument was recently designated as one of the seven New Wonders of the World by "Good Morning America" and "USA Today."

The endangered Hawaiian monk seal, threatened green sea turtles, spinner dolphins, an abundance of both predatory and "aquarium" fish and 14 million seabirds are among the 7,000 species that reside at least part-time in the NWHI. For those who've already been to other reefs, imagine significantly more and varied marine life, and you'll begin to visualize the ethereal scene … It's like most other snorkeling hotspots on steroids.

"It's another world, unbelievable," says Kona resident Ling Nakachi. "As soon as you get in the water, there are schools everywhere, and the fish just aren't afraid of you at all."

Currently, there are no organized recreational visits or activities at the monument. But this month, the three governmental agencies that co-manage it released an interim visitor plan that is available to the public, and through which visits could start as early as mid-2007. (At present, guests who arrive by chartered boat can explore the monument, but the NWHI isn't exactly prepared for the masses.)

A permit will be required for all visitors, and regular activities will include wildlife observation through guided walking tours and snorkeling, limited boating activity on crafts like kayaks and visits to the historic military sites such as runways and the Battle of Midway memorials commemorating the pivotal World War II naval conflict. Although diving was allowed for a time before the president's proclamation, all Scuba ventures have been suspended for now. A new program will likely not be instituted until 2008, and, while the issue of diving remains to be seen, there'll predictably be no sport fishing allowed.

Future visits will be limited to Midway Atoll, one of the largest islands in the NWHI chain. Located about 1,250 miles from Honolulu, it includes the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and the Battle of Midway National Memorial.

"We've dubbed Midway as the window to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and marine national monument," says Barbara Maxfield, the Pacific Islands office spokeswoman for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The interim visitor plan provides for 100 overnight guests in 2007, 500 in 2008, and initially no more than about 30 at any one time. Visitors typically will stay about a week, with accommodations to include lodging, meals and optional recreational-equipment rental. Most visitors will fly by charter to Midway, though some may prefer the few other options like private sailboats and the very small number of approved cruise liners also stopping there. In fact, a Princess Cruises vessel is already scheduled to arrive on June 4, 2007, to coincide with the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Midway.

For Midway visitor information and plan updates, visit www.fws.gov/midway, or call, (808)792-9531. To inquire about Princess cruises to the monument, contact the cruise company directly.