Hello, All- I've lived in Hawaii for just short of 37 years and, like the native New Yorker who has never been to the Statue of Liberty, I'm not a good tour guide for Honolulu in its current incarnation. But I'm getting daily emails from microscopists about Microscopy & Microanalysis 2005 here in Honolulu, asking about hotels and transportation, so here are some observations that might help you. Waikiki is about a mile end to end, and the Honolulu Convention Center is at the far western end, actually a bit beyond Waikiki proper, and not next to the bulk of the hotels. Waikiki is flat and an easy walk. The three meeting hotels are about 20 and 25 minutes' walk from the Convention Center, and both the Sheraton Waikiki and the Hyatt Regency Waikiki will have shuttle buses to the Convention Center for meeting attendees. Meeting rates for both hotels are very good compared to their published prices. Both larger hotels have lots of amenities and seasonal children's programs (better check first), and I think that people who choose the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani have privileges at the other Sheratons as well. For those who choose not to stay in the above hotels, you might find some budget hotels, especially those away from the beach, such as along the Ala Wai Canal. Be aware that whole blocks at the western end of Waikiki are about to be torn down for a major new development. If you are nostalgic about rooms and eateries along part of Lewers (the makai, or ocean end), Beachwalk, Saratoga and Kalia, they will probably be a big hole in the ground in August! This will also put pressure on hotel rooms, so please book soon if you have not already. There are very few hotels outside of Waikiki, except for a few high-end resorts. If you are looking for cheap accommodations, be aware that you will be competing with lots of others who are relatively poor, such as the nearly homeless and drug-addicted. Waikiki is currently pretty safe, but you will also find those elements there. It's a big city and resort area with the usual problems; please exercise good judgment! Traffic is really heavy in Waikiki and around the Convention Center, and parking is at a premium. I personally recommend that you do not have a car for the meeting portion of your stay, and then rent a car for sightseeing before or after the meeting. To get to the Convention Center by city bus (TheBus) from Waikiki, take the #2 or #13 bus (westbound) on Kuhio Ave. Get off on the corner of Kalakaua Ave. and Kapiolani Blvd. in front of Hard Rock Cafe, then cross the street (scary intersection!) to the Convention Center. TheBus (http://www.thebus.org, $2 per trip) is a pretty good way to get around island-wide. If you have family accompanying you, they will find lots to do within Waikiki or on tours, easily booked in the lobby of most hotels, and they may be able to do without a car until you can join them. There is a recently published book that is pretty thorough, Oahu Revealed; the Ultimate Guide to Honolulu, Waikiki & Beyond by Andrew Doughty and Harriett Friedman. It has good maps, hotel and food reviews and tips, and I recommend it. The authors have also covered Maui, Kauai and the Big Island, and those books are supposed to be excellent. I think airfares just hopped up, but most people I've talked to have been able to find some pretty good deals. You might look for fly/room/car deals and deals that combine inter-island travel as well. Travel agents often have access to excursion rates. Take heart in knowing that you will be able to get to Hawaii and back cheaper than I can get to the Mainland and back! I find Microscopy & Microanalysis worth the expense each year, anyway. With an excellent program and over 1100 papers, this will be the biggest M&M ever! And you won't want to miss the usual fabulous trade show. I hope to see all of you in a few months.
1. You'll be networking with colleagues from the 7 participating microscopy societies, making great international contacts and developing new scientific collaborations 2. You'll see the latest and greatest in instrumentation and techniques at the M&M exhibit 3. Pre-meeting congress and short courses followed by a compelling scientific program of over 1100 papers from 40 different countries will prevent you from getting a sunburn 4. Vendor and sponsor tutorials in new and emerging technologies will keep you up-to-date 5. Free popcorn and beer in the exhibit hall/poster sessions will keep you off the beach 6. You have a chance to win a diamond knife and other goodies for your lab 7. You can interact with vendors so that they know what you need in a product 8. Face-to-face problem solving with colleagues and experts in the field 9. With the time zone difference you can get most of a day's work done by internet before even going to the meeting 10. You promise to teach everyone the hula when you return Keep up with the news on the meeting website http://mm2005/microscopy.org Aloha, Tina Microscopy & Microanalysis 2005 Local Arrangements Committee Co-Chair Hotels
1. SHERATON WAIKIKI HOTEL:
2. HYATT REGENCY WAIKIKI:
3. SHERATON PRINCESS KAIULANI HOTEL:
Meeting Air TravelUnited Airlines discounted fares: 1-800-521-4041 UA Meeting Plus ID code: 514ZC
Saturday 7:30am-5:00pm Sunday 7:30am-5:00pm Monday 7:00am-5:00pm Tuesday 7:30am-5:00pm Wednesday 7:30am-5:00pm Thursday 7:30am-3:00pm
Commercial Exhibiton Hours Travel Information |
