Travel to Hawai‘i
More than six million visitors come to Hawai‘i every year, and nearly 15 million pass through Honolulu on their way to points in Asia and the U.S. Few cities can match Honolulu's transportation infrastructure. When it comes to moving people, the city's ground transportation capability is second to none. Sixteen international airlines service Honolulu International Airport. Two domestic airlines also serve regular scheduled inter-island flights between the neighboring islands with more than 3,000 flights per week. American Airlines is the official conference airline.

All bookings made for travel from July 6 to July 25 made through the official American Airlines booking code (A0473AA) will receive 10% discount on applicable fares. If the reservation is made at least 30 days before departure, an additional discount of 5% will be applied.

Arrival in Hawai‘i
From the airport to Waikiki Hotels or the University of Hawai‘i takes approximately 20-30 minutes. Airport Shuttle Service to Waikiki is US$14 roundtrip. (Download and print a coupon giving PME members $1.00 off the shuttle here.) Abundant taxi service is available around the clock for approximately US$25. Oahu's TheBus (US$1.50 to Waikiki or the University) is rated as one of the best public bus transportation systems in the United States.

Visas
You may need a visa to enter the USA. To determine whether you need a visa, we advise you to contact the United States Embassy or diplomatic representative in your country. For prospective participants who live in countries that do not have diplomatic relations with the USA, there may be a way to issue a special entrance visa, separated from your passport, for attending a scientific conference in the USA. For instructions on how to obtain such a visa, please contact Sandy Dawson, Program Chair (dawsons@prel.org) at once as this procedure may take some time.

Insurance
The organizers cannot be held responsible for any losses, damages or injuries. It is recommended that participants arrange insurance against medical expenses, loss and accidents occurring during the conference.

Pre- and Post-Conference Tours (Download the Roberts Hawaii Travel brochure here in PDF form)
Information regarding travelling in Hawai‘i before and/or after the conference will appear on the PME27 website. Roberts Hawai‘i at http://www.robertsovernighters.com is the local travel agent that can arrange pre- and post-conference trips on O‘ahu and neighbor islands. Participants should identify themselves as PME27 attendees when contacting Roberts Hawai‘i.

Child Care Facilities
There are no childcare facilities at the University. Hotels do provide children’s programs. Contact your hotel for the cost of these.

Weather
Weather on all of the Hawaiian islands is very consistent, with only moderate changes in temperature throughout the year. In practical terms, there are only two seasons here: the summer months (called Kau in Hawaiian) that extend from May to October and the winter months (Ho‘oilo) that run from November to April. The average daytime summer temperature at sea level is 85 Fº (29.4 Cº). Nighttime temperatures are approximately 10 Fº lower.

Beach-goers will be happy to learn that the temperature of Hawai‘i's near-shore waters stay comfortable throughout the year. The average year round water temperature is 74 Fº (23.3 Cº), with a summer high of 80 Fº (26.7 Cº). Wave action varies a great deal between winter and summer, and between island coasts. Generally, summer waters are very gentle on all beaches.

Dress
Casual is the name of the dress code for Hawai‘i. Formal Hawaiian dress for men is an aloha shirt and slacks. For women it is a comfortable top and skirt or wrap around. Sandals are the shoes of choice.

Electrical Voltage
The electric voltage in the USA is 120V. For those participants not from continental North America it is strongly recommended that they bring electrical plug adapters and transformers with them.