Guide to your stay

 CAPE will communicate extensively with you via e-mail before you leave for Hawaii. It is extremely important for your email address to be VALID. Please check your email frequently, as your learning adventure will begin before you leave for Hawaii.

Packing for Travel
It is recommended that participants bring light sweater/jacket, sandals, casual shoes, swim suit, folding umbrella, emergency medicine for colds or indigestion. You may of course choose to purchase such items here in Hawaii. Note, however, that it can be inconvenient to purchase emergency medicine in Hawaii, especially when they are medications that require a doctor's prescription. You are encouraged to bring little souvenirs for friends you will make while in Hawaii. Also prepare a song or two for group visits and activities.

Weather
Hawaii is the land of endless summers. Although the average temperature is 71°-80°F (21°-27°C), you will be able to enjoy cool breezes thanks to Hawaii's trade winds. From December through March, mornings and evenings feel like autumn weather even though daytime temperatures are like summer.

Tipping in Hawaii
It is customary to tip airport porters, restaurant waiters, and hotel bellboys, etc. for their services. 15-20% is an appropriate amount. For instance, if the taxi fare is $20, an appropriate tip would be $3.00. A 15% tip is adequate in most restaurants, except in cafeterias and fast food restaurants where you should not tip. Although there is no set rate for porters, bellboys and housekeepers, it is customary to tip. Also leave one or two dollars on your pillow daily for the housekeepers who clean your room.

Arrival in Hawaii (At the Airport)
Your first day in Hawaii may be a bit challenging. Keep in mind most international flights arrive between 6 am and 10 am but dorm/hotel check-in is not until 3 pm. (Check-out time is 12:00 noon). It may take one to two hours to go through immigration and customs. After processing through customs, use the marked Exit straight ahead of you. (The left-hand Exit is for groups). You can meet the guide outside waiting for you. There is also taxi option for individual arrival. Taxi fare from the airport to your lodging can be around $30~35.

Arrival at Hotel
Go to the Front Desk of your dormitory/hotel and complete the check-in procedure. YOU SHOULD NOT PAY ANY FEES TO THE FRONT DESK OF THE DORMITORY. If early check-in is not possible, you will have to wait until 3PM before you can get settled in your living quarters. We suggest you have your luggage stored in the Front Desk 'Storage Space' or leave it with your friends who were able to check-in early. You can relax on the chairs in the lounges or stroll around the hotel area. Given you are under a jet-lagged and tired when you arrive, it is advised not to do swimming on the first day. You have many days to explore beach and swim.

Daily Schedule
CAPE's daily schedule begins at 8:30 am and ends at 12:20 pm. The CAPE program is held at the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UH). Participants will have free time after class sessions--unless a field trip or visitation is scheduled. Participants are urged to be active and try to gain various experiences. First hand knowledge of different cultures and life styles can only be acquired through exploration. Helpful information on the use of free time will be provided in the CAPE orientation session. While attending the program, participants will have access to UH libraries and can photocopy materials if necessary. 

Helpful Websites
Emergency telephone number: 911
CAPE Office: (808) 942 8553
CAPE Website: cape.edu
The Bus: www.thebus.org
East-West Center Dormitory: www.eastwestcenter.org