July 9–16, 2024

Tech Center Design Studio

A professional learning program by

The Language Flagship Technology Innovation Center

Lodging

Ala Moana Hotel
410 Atkinson Dr
Honolulu, HI 96814  

Lodging info

The Tech Center has reserved a room block at the newly-renovated and highly popular Ala Moana Hotel. Participants from Flagship programs have their lodging fully covered by the Tech Center for the duration of the Design Studio (arrival July 8, departure July 17). Rooms are located in the Kona Tower.

Adding rooms, upgrading, and/or extending your stay

Participants who wish to reserve an additional room at the conference rate or upgrade to a larger room are responsible to pay for the cost difference.

A credit card will be required for upgrades and/or extensions.

Rooms

Kona Tower Rooms

All rooms feature a queen bed, bathtub/shower, complimentary WiFi, air conditioning, coffee maker, daily housekeeping, microwave oven, mini refrigerator, LCD TV with cable channels.

Photo credit: Ala Moana Hotel

NOTE: Participants who stay at a different hotel will not be able to receive full or partial reimbursement for their lodging costs.

About the Ala Moana Hotel

The Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra, Honolulu’s landmark hotel, is a unique hotel featuring a host of impressive amenities, it’s the benchmark for experiencing paradise. This upscale hotel offers dining options, an expansive pool deck, fitness center, mini spa and extensive meeting facilities.

The Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra is situated between Hawaii Convention Center and the exceptional retailers at Ala Moana Shopping Center where over 300 stores and dining discoveries await: designer boutiques, popular contemporary fashion brands, fine restaurants, outdoor cafes, live music, and Centerstage events. The hotel is a short, easy stroll to Ala Moana Beach Park with a wide sandy beach and calm swimming area. Avid runners will find the 3-mile loop around the park perimeter and Magic Island a pleasant morning or afternoon jog.

Airport Transportation

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) 

The island of Oʻahu is serviced by the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL). The airport is a 20-minute drive (non-rush hour traffic time) from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UHM) and Waikīkī.

Airport Shuttle Services (rates subject to change)

• • Speedi Shuttle – for ~$19.50 they will take you from the airport to any hotel in Waīkikī
  • Roberts Hawaii Express Shuttle – for $25 (arrival) or $23 (departure), they will take you from the airport to any hotel in Waīkikī
  • VIP Trans Airport Shuttle – for $18 they will take you from the airport to any hotel in Waikīkī (additional special services offered)

Rideshare

Lyft and Uber: For Mainland U.S. arrivals, use the second median on the departures level, across from Lobby 8.

Taxi

Taxi service is available outside the baggage claim area. An average cab fare from the airport to Waikīkī or the UHM campus is ~$33. An average fare from Waīkikī to UHM is ~$15. You can call:

• • The CAB: (808) 422-2222
  • Charley’s Taxi: (808) 233-3333

Bus

TheBus is Oʻahu’s island-wide public transportation system. Route 20 runs in between HNL and Waikīkī, and costs $2.75 in cash. Ensure you board the bus labeled “20 – Waikiki Beach & Hotels”, not “20 – Az Memorial-Stadium-Pearlridge”.

Car Rentals

Various car rental companies have onsite and offsite rent-a-car offices at the airport.

For more information on ground transportation options available from the airport, see the Getting To & From section on the airport website.

Food

In Hawaiʻi we often refer to food as “grindz” or “kaukau.” On most days during the Design Studio you will have a 90-minute lunchtime on your own for grindz and kaukau. 

The following on-campus eateries are open for take-out only during Summer Sessions:

• • Campus Center Food Court: Monday – Friday, 10:30am-2:00pm, Campus Center
  • Ba-Le: Monday – Friday 10:00am–3:00pm, 2445 Campus Rd
  • Starbucks: Monday – Friday, 8:00am–3:00pm, Campus Center

Hawai‘i Info

For the first-time visitor

• Hawai‘i’s Official Tourism Site – Contains information about upcoming events and activities, sightseeing, accommodations, and more. (Chinese, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish language versions available as well).
• Visit O‘ahu – Information specifically about O‘ahu including sample itineraries, activity ideas, events, and more. (Chinese, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish language versions available as well).
• Get in some quality beach time – Hanauma Bay (snorkel in an extinct volcanic crater, requires reservations), Kailua Beach (beautiful beach for taking strolls), North Shore (famous “pipeline” surfing beaches), Waikīkī Beach, and more await all around the island.
• Museums to feed the cultural soul – We have many museums featuring Asian and Pacific art, such as the Honolulu Museum of Art and the Bishop Museum (which has the largest collection of Hawaiiana anywhere as well as exhibits for the kids) as well as the Hawai‘i State Art Museum.
• ‘Iolani Palace – ‘Iolani Palace, the official residence of Hawaii’s monarchy, is a marvel of opulence, innovation and political intrigue. Reservations required.
• Paradise Cove Luau – Experience Hawaiian crafts, arts, food, song, and dance at a luau in the Ko‘olina resort area in western O‘ahu.
• Take a walk on the wild side – Conveniently located in Kapi‘olani Park, we have the University of Hawai‘i’s own Waikiki Aquarium as well as the Honolulu Zoo.
• Hawaiian Culture and Language – Learn about Hawai‘i’s history, culture, arts, and language.

Off the Beaten Path

• Shangri La (Doris Duke’s Center for Islamic Arts and Cultures) – A tour of Shangri La is a unique experience to learn about Islamic art and architecture as interpreted through the Doris Duke Foundation. Tours last two and a half hours and are offered Wednesday through Saturday at 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.  Tickets must be reserved in advance. 
• Go take a hike! – O‘ahu has many lovely places to take a hike such as the Makapu‘u Lighthouse, Diamond Head (panoramic view of Honolulu), and Mānoa Falls (near UH’s Lyon Arboretum).  Don’t forget to bring water, appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and potential insect repellant, and please take necessary cautions to have a safe hike.
• SALT at Kaka‘ako – Named after the pa‘akai (‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i for salt) ponds that once dotted the low-lying wetlands of this area, SALT at Our Kaka‘ako is Honolulu’s 85,000 square-feet epicenter for local culture, food, shopping and innovative events.
•  Farmers markets & the People’s Open Market – Sample fresh island produce and culinary creations at our many local farmers markets.

Questions?

PRIMARY CONTACT
Angela Haeusler, tech.center@hawaii.edu

PROGRAM LEADS
Naiyi X. Fincham, naiyifx@hawaii.edu
Julio C. Rodriguez, juliocr@hawaiiedu
Molly Goodwin-Jones, megodwin@hawaii.edu