As part of UH Maui College’s vision to be “a world class college that meets current and emerging Maui County education and training needs through innovative, high-quality programs offered in stimulating learning environments” the Hospitality & Tourism Program is embarking on a journey that will provide a truly authentic learning experience for students unparalleled in the state of Hawaii. The innovation: “HA” of Maui, the Hospitality Academy of Maui’s “Teaching Hotel.” The facility, which includes transforming the College’s former dormitories into a learning lab, will provide our future leaders with a stimulating environment that includes hands on training of running an actual hotel. The concept is built on a sustainable community model in which the College will partner with premier resorts on the island, local businesses, Hawaiian agencies, and apprentice programs to build this teaching hotel. The learning environment will include state of the art facilities, executive suites, cutting edge technology, green design and sustainability, as well as a proposed adopt-a-room strategy that will allow hotels and resorts on Maui to showcase their brands. We envision a learning environment that symbolizes Maui as a world class destination. It will be woven into a program of study that continues to recognize, embrace, and honor our host culture and spirit within our island home.

“HĀ,” translated in Hawaiian, is the breath of life, the spirit within. We have a responsibility to ensure that the HĀ of our host culture lives on through what we do. It will be the spirit within that will ensure that we continuously impart in our students an appreciation of Hawaiian values and culture, which is the underlying foundation of Hawaii’s visitor industry. Maui continues to be in the forefront of Hawaii’s visitor industry.

The Hospitality & Tourism Program at UH Maui College is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration.