University of Hawaiʻi Maui College students in the (HOST) now have access to a state-of-the-art learning environment on campus designed to launch their careers: The Hospitality Academy of Maui. This fully functioning “lab hotel,” which celebrated its grand opening on November 10, is a unique partnership with top Maui resorts and hotels, providing students with unparalleled real-world experience.

The academy features a lobby, front desk, meeting room and five guest rooms. Each guest room has been “adopted” and outfitted by a specific Maui resort or hotel to reflect its unique brand. This level of industry integration provides students with invaluable opportunities for gaining experience, networking with professionals, and potentially securing internships and future employment.

ÌÇÐÄVlog¹Ù·½ Maui College students will engage in hands-on learning that mirrors the operations of a real hotel. Through work-integrated education, students will complete some of their required internship hours while practicing the full range of daily tasks such as managing basic facility needs, performing tasks related to front office and housekeeping operations, and working through operational scenarios that build confidence and technical skill.

“What truly sets this program apart is the strength of our industry partnerships, paired with cutting-edge technology and hands-on learning,” said Professor Lorelle Peros, Business & Hospitality Department chair. “Students will train on the same OPERA Cloud (property management) system used by luxury hotels worldwide, experience guest service scenarios that reflect real operational flow, and take part in interactive simulations that build practical skills in both operations and revenue management.”

Powerful partnerships

Industry partnerships include Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, Maui Bay Villas, Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, lobby sponsor Andaz Maui, and coffee bar sponsor Maui Beach Hotel.

“Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa is honored to partner with the ÌÇÐÄVlog¹Ù·½ Maui College HOST Program to implement a training environment that allows for emerging hospitality leaders to cultivate essential skills through hands-on experiences that will prepare them for the fast-paced and multi-faceted nature of a career in hospitality,” said Tets Yamazaki, general manager of the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa and HOST Advisory Committee co-chair.

Top-performing students may participate in the Elite Management Program, where they shadow the lab manager and take part in day-to-day management decisions, giving them early leadership experience and a deeper understanding of hotel operations.

Chancellor Lui Hokoana added, “This is yet another example of our college’s commitment to training a workforce that can meet our community’s future needs in all fields, and because we believe the demand for skilled hospitality professionals has never been greater.”

Gov. Neil Abercrombie released $3.5 million for the renovation and repurposing of the former Hale Haumana student housing facility at the into the .

“The university has partnered with local resorts to convert these four deteriorated wooded buildings into a hands-on learning laboratory for students to manage and operate a hotel operation with real public guests and resort-level rooms,” Gov. Abercrombie said. “Once complete, revenue generated at the ‘teaching hotel’ will support the operation of this unique, real-world classroom.”

Identified by the state Legislature, design and construction funds for the capital improvement project will be used for reproofing and renovation of the building walls, windows, plumbing and electrical infrastructure, along with new floors, air conditioning and lighting. Local resort partners have agreed to sponsor interior furnishings.

The Hospitality Academy of Maui is part of the ÌÇÐÄVlog¹Ù·½ Maui College’s . The ÌÇÐÄVlog¹Ù·½ Maui College chancellor will be responsible for the overall management and operation of the project. The HOST program coordinator or designee will oversee daily operations of the Hospitality Academy of Maui, and serve as the hotel’s general manager.

—From the office of the governor