Housing and Travel
Be sure to book your housing soon. OSA has negotiated a very good rate at this beautiful property and we want to ensure that you don't miss out on this opportunity. Once the block is filled, rates could be much higher.
Travel
Letters of Invitation
Hotel Reservations
Transportation
About the City
About Kauai:
Kauai is Hawaii’s fourth largest island and is sometimes called the “Garden Isle,” which is an entirely accurate description. The oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain is draped in emerald valleys, sharp mountain spires and jagged cliffs, aged by time and the elements. Centuries of growth have formed tropical rainforests, forking rivers and cascading waterfalls. Some parts of Kauai are only accessible by sea or air, revealing views beyond your imagination.
Travel
Attention Nationals and Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries:
Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
As of 12 January 2009, all nationals and citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries will be required by law to obtain a travel authorization prior to initiating travel to the United States under the VWP. This authorization may be obtained through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), a free internet application administered by the Department of Homeland Security though a U.S. government Web site.
Register Online for entry to the United States
Visa Waiver Program Frequently Asked Questions
Letters of Invitation
The application process for an international visa can take up to six months or more. You will need to apply for your visa as early as possible, but no later than three months before you wish to enter the US.
One factor that increases the processing time is the personal interview, now required for most applicants as a standard part of visa processing. As soon as you know that you will need a visa for travel, you should contact the embassy or consulate to schedule an appointment for screening.
All letters of invitation will be sent by airmail or by fax unless a Federal Express account number or credit card number with expiration date is provided on the original request. Please allow ample time for processing requests. OSA is not able to contact US or Canadian Embassies in support of an individual attempting to gain entry into the host country to attend an OSA meeting.
All those requesting letters of invitation should provide the following information along with your full contact information:
- Your full name as it appears on your passport
- Your complete mailing address
- Your phone and fax numbers
- Indicate which meeting you will be attending
- If you are presenting a paper, include the title and the session in which that paper will be presented
- If you are exhibiting, please indicate that in your request
- Individuals from China should include the passport number, the date of birth and the gender of each person requesting an invitation letter
- Indicate which meeting you will be attending
When requesting letters for more than one individual, please include all information stated above for each person.
Individuals requiring letters of invitation to obtain travel visas may contact OSA directly by one of the following methods:
- Online
- Fax: +1 202.416.6100
- Mail:
Optical Society of America, Meetings Department
2010 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20036
Weather:
July Weather in Kauai:
Average High Temperature: 84 °F (29°Celsius)
Average Low Temperature: 73 °F (23°Celsius)
Average Rainfall: 2 inches
For the most current weather predictions, please visit here.
Electricity:
Standard 120v/60c voltage electricity is used in hotels.
Currency:
The local currency is the US dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted. Traveler’s checks are accepted at many businesses. For the latest currency exchange click here.
Hotel Reservations
Housing Deadline: 24 June 2011
A block of sleeping rooms has been reserved for the convenience of NLO meeting attendees at the Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club.
In order to secure the group rate, you must reserve your room by 24 June 2011.
The meeting rates are:
| Single Room |
USD $198 |
| Double Room |
USD $198 |
Reservations may be made one of two easy ways:
1. ONLINE
Note: The average rate listed will included tax and surcharge.
2. Call the reservations department directly at 1-800-220-2925 and request The Optical Society (OSA) or Nonlinear Optics (NLO) group rate.
Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club
3610 Rice Street
Lihue, Hawaii 96766
Phone Number: +1 808 245 5050
Fax Number: +1 808 245 5049
Transportation
Airline Travel
OSA has appointed American Airlines the official airlines for NLO in Kauai, Hawaii. Discounted air travel is available. You may visit the American Airlines website at www.aa.com to search for available flights and use the authorization code 8471AN to receive your discount. You may also call the American Airlines Meeting Services Desk directly at 1.800.433.1790 for assistance with reservations and ticket purchases.
Area Airport
The local airport is the Kauai International Airport (LIH). A taxi from the airport to the Marriott is approximately $10.00 USD one-way. A complimentary airport shuttle service is available by request.
Rental Cars
Avis Rent-A-Car is pleased to offer low rates with unlimited mileage to participants attending NLO. For Avis contact 1.800.331.1600 and refer to the Avis Worldwide Discount Number D004076. Reservations may also be made online at Avis.
Parking
On-site parking is available for $14 USD daily and valet parking is available for $17 USD daily.
Driving Directions
From the Kauai International Airport:
The hotel is approximately 3 miles south. From Route 570 (Ahukini Rd.), left onto Route 51 (Kapule Hwy.), continue left on Route 51 (Rice St.), left on Kalapaki Rd.
