The Hospitality & Tourism (HOST) Program at University of Hawai'i Maui College (UHMC) and the community members that comprise their Advisory Committee have formed partnership that will help shape the future talent for our visitor industry on Maui. The intent of this unique partnership is to collaboratively create a fully functioning ‘lab hotel’ right here on Maui.. This ‘teaching hotel’ will prepare students in the HOST program for careers in hospitality by providing valuable hands-on career experience.  Internship classes will be redesigned to integrate practical project-based work experiences in a lab setting.  The Hospitality Academy of Maui will mirror several other nationally recognized hospitality educational facilities across the country. The site of the lab is on the southern end of the UHMC campus  behind the Ho’okipa Building. The lab will include a meeting room, lobby, and five guest rooms. The HA of Maui will serve as a vehicle through which UH Maui College’s Hospitality & Tourism Program will carry out its mission of providing “…to a diverse community of lifelong learners educational opportunities that focus on student engagement and skills essential for successful employment in leadership positions in the hospitality industry.”

The adopt-a-room concept is a critical piece in the development of this lab.  Resorts and hotels on Maui will be approached to sponsor the outfitting of one of the five rooms.  Individual properties will be able to encompass all of the special elements unique to their brand such as proprietary colors, amenities, and furniture design. Rooms will be designated as such with a plaque in the entry recognizing the hotel/resort’s contribution.