Hotel and Travel

Nonlinear Optics (NLO)




Hotel and Travel

Hotel Reservation Deadline: 20 June 2013 23:59 EST (03:59 GMT)

The Fairmont Orchid Hotel

Relax and enjoy the surroundings of our Kohala Coast resort - The Fairmont Orchid. Nestled on 32 oceanfront acres on the Big Island of Hawaii, The Fairmont Orchid hotel is one of the most luxurious and spacious resorts in all of the islands. The hotel features a wide range of exceptional dining options, including a casual deli, wonderful breakfast restaurant with a daily buffet, oceanfront dining with the freshest island specialties, and an amazing sushi restaurant; the Kohala Coast resort puts the island's best dining right at your doorstep.  The Fairmont Orchid offers a secluded beach, waterfall gardens and plenty of aloha spirit. Surrounding the hotel are five sacred mountains, the countless blue hues of the Pacific Ocean and some of the world's best golf courses. Click here to view a map of the Fairmont Orchid.
 

Single/Double USD $199.00 
Upgrade to Partial Ocean View  USD $229
Upgrade to Ocean View USD$249
State and Local Tax 13.416% (taxes are subject to change)

All reservations must be guaranteed with a check or major credit card. A deposit equal to two night’s room and tax (US Dollar) is required for each room before the reservation can be processed. Deposits are fully refundable only if reservations are cancelled with Hotel at least 14 days prior to scheduled arrival. In the event of a no show, the hotel will keep the two night room deposit, and the room reservation will be cancelled. There is an early departure fee of USD $75.00. No charge for children 18 and under, using existing bedding.

Check-in time is after 15:00
Check-out time is before 12:00.

Parking
Self-parking is USD $17 per night
Valet parking is USD $22 per night

 

Hotel Reservation Deadline: 20 June 2013

  • Click for online reservations.
  • Calling within the US or Canada  call +1 800.845.9905
  • International Toll-Free Reservations Number: +1 800. 0441 1414

When making a room reservation, request the group rate and refer to: 2013 Optical Society (OSA) Nonlinear Optics (NLO) Topical Meeting

Stay within the block! Amenities include:


 


Important information regarding Topical Meeting Visa Invitation Letters (please read):

Meeting attendees do not need to wait until your paper is accepted to request a Visa Invitation Letter.  The visa application process to enter the United States has become subjected to greater degrees of scrutiny than in the past. For this reason, the application process 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 United States. One factor contributing to the increase in the processing time is a personal interview that is now required for most applicants as a standard part of visa processing. Once it is known that a visa is necessary for travel, the individual needs to contact the embassy or consulate to schedule an appointment for screening. OSA is not able to contact U.S. embassies in support of an individual attempting to gain entry into the host country to attend the conference.

For detailed information about applying for a visa refer to the U.S. Department of State website and the National Academies International Visitors Office website.

Invitation letters take OSA Management 7-10 days to process. Please fill out all the required information on the form completely to the best of your ability. If you are presenting a paper, include the title and session in which the paper will be presented, or if you are exhibiting, please indicate so in your request. Please note that each individual requesting an invitation letter must fill out a separate form. All letters will be sent in PDF form to the email address provided. If a paper letter is required, please respond to the email. Requested paper letters will be sent complimentary through airmail. This option may take a few weeks to arrive. If you wish to expedite the process, letter will be spent through Federal Express with the recipient’s Federal Express account number or credit card number with an expiration date, please also include your billing address in the request email. OSA Management reserves the right to request further information regarding the company or affiliation of the attendee to ensure the validity of requests.

Nonlinear Optics Letter of Invitation Request Form

Individuals requiring letters of invitation to obtain travel visas must apply using the online form.

If you have any questions about the visa invitation letter application process, please contact:

  • Email: invitations@osa.org
  • Fax: +1 202.416.6100
  • Mail: OSA Management – Invitation Letter
    Optical Society of America
    2010 Massachusetts Ave., NW

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: (for meetings taking place in the US)
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. 

Area Airport

The two closest airports to The Fairmont Orchid are Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) and Hilo International Airport (ITO). Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) is located approximately 23 miles (45 minutes) from the hotel. Hilo International Airport (ITO) is located on the east side of the island approximately 77 miles (2 hours) from the hotel.

Airline Discounts

The Optical Society has arranged discounted air travel with American Airlines. You may visit the American Airlines website at www.aa.com to search for available flights to Kona (KOA), Honolulu (HNL), and Kahului (OGG). Use the authorization code 7173BS 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.

 Discounted flights are also available from Delta Airlines to Kona (KOA).
 Visit  www.delta.com, select Book a Trip, and click on Meeting Event Code near the bottom of the window that pops up. On the next window, enter the Meeting Event Code NMEEF to receive your discount

Ground Transport

Taxi
Air Taxi company exclusively services the resort from Kona International Airport at Keahole; contact the Hotel Concierge at +1 808.887.7320 to book a reservation. Taxis are approximately USD $50-60 one way.

Car Rental Discount
Avis Rent-a-Car is pleased to offer low rates with unlimited mileage to participants attending NLO. For reservations call +1.800.331.1600 and refer to Avis Worldwide Discount # D004076. Reservations may also be made on the Avis website or by phone (World Wide Telephone Numbers).

Budget car rental is offering special prices for NLO attendees. Download the information sheet to make a reservation.

All major car rental companies are available at the Kona International Airport at Keahole, 45 minutes south of the resort.  

Limousine
Limousine service can be booked through the Hotel Concierge by calling +1 808.887.7368

Shuttle Service
SpeediShuttle, LLC operates a counter at Kona International Airport at Keahole that is open from 9:00 until the last flight. Call +1 877.242.5777 or +1 808.329.5433 for more information.

Aloha

Rich in Culture, History and Natural Beauty…The true, authentic Hawaii awaits you in Kohala.  Located on the Island of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island, Kohala encompasses the historic districts of South and North Kohala.  Come immerse yourself in our rich culture and heritage, rooted in centuries of history.  Enjoy our picturesque towns of Hawi and Kapaau.  These towns have all the quaint charm of old Hawaiian villages and are filled with the amenities of today.  Kohala is home to unique galleries and boutiques, fabulous eateries offering local and regional cuisine and historical landmarks and buildings.  If you like the thrill of adventure, Kohala offers more than a few activities!  Come visit lush, green Kohala, breathe in the fresh, clean air, experience the essence of Aloha and you'll understand why Kohala, Hawaii is a destination like no other and a must-see in the Hawaiian Islands.

Statue Hula dancers in Hawaii

Visiting Kohala allows you to sample a taste of Old Hawaii. One of the most historic regions in Hawaii, Kohala is the birthplace of King Kamehameha who united the Hawaiian Islands under one kingdom in 1795.  A statue of Kamehameha the Great stands in Kapaau and is honored every year in June on his birthday with a lei draping ceremony. The King Kamehameha Day celebration includes a grand parade and festival complete with entertainment of music and hula, regional cuisine, arts and crafts from local artisans and historical and cultural exhibits. Kohala was also one of the largest producers of sugar cane with numerous mills throughout the North Kohala region. The last mill closed in the mid-1970s and much of the land today is used for private stewardship or the production of agricultural crops. Kohala boasts a unique multicultural heritage and history where Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Asian, European, Latino, Anglo and other cultural influences are a part of everyday life.

Whether you want to shop for beautiful locally made jewelry, sample local organic fruit and veggies from the Kohala Farmers Market, try zip lining or scuba diving, experience a Kohala waterfalls adventure, explore unique artist owned galleries, enjoy Kohala’s events and festivals, get a facial or massage, sample local cuisines from Kohala’s restaurants and cafes, or hike into remote valleys with black sand beaches, Kohala has you covered.

You’ll feel the warmth and graciousness of our community when you're eating at one of our Pacific Rim restaurants, shopping at one of our many specialty shops and galleries, experiencing the rush of zip lining or enjoying our beautiful events and festivals and talented, award winning musicians. Past and present merge gracefully to present a timeless Kohala where life relaxes a bit and you can move at your own pace.

When visiting Kohala, you’ll find its spectacular weather - perfect for outdoor activities, including swimming, diving, snorkeling, hiking, biking, horseback riding, ATV tours, ziplining tours, kayak ditch tours, tennis and playing on some of Hawaii’s best golf courses along the Kohala Coast. No matter what your adventure, you are sure to have an incredible experience!

The beauty of Kohala will leave you in awe with charming historic plantation towns set amidst a backdrop of the dramatic Kohala Mountains and rugged Kohala coast and an endless, timeless blue sky that are cooled by the Kohala trade winds.

Kohala is truly a magical place with a warm, enduring spirit. From the kindness of its community residents to its breathtaking beauty, Kohala is a place that inspires, amazes and replenishes the soul. Come experience the spectacular culture, abundance of activities and breathtaking landscape that are uniquely Kohala!

Come Experience Kohala, Hawaii…The Adventure Awaits!
                                                                                                  Text and Imagery Courtesy of GoKohala.com
 


Surfing

Electricity: Standard 120v/60Hz voltage electricity is used in the United States.

Currency: The US Dollar (USD) is the currency of the United States. Credit cards are widely accepted; VISA and MASTERCARD are the most popular. Traveler’s checks are accepted at currency exchanges or banks, but are not as widely accepted. For the latest currency exchange click here.

Hawaiian Cultural Workshop

Wednesday, 24 July
9:00 – 11:00 AM, Hala Room

Join us for a two hour workshop session on Modern Hula and Traditional Hawaiian chant. The workshop is open to members, family, and friends. (Children 12 years old and under must have a parent present at all times.) The workshop is instructed by Ka‘iulani Visiko.
View Kimo Knox & Ka‘iulani Visiko YouTube videos.

Cost: $35 per person for adults and children (Cost is not included in registration fee) Register on-line with your Nonlinear (NLO) registration.

 

  Kimo Knox & Ka‘iulani Visiko

For Workshop you’ll need to bring:

  • Tank top or T-shirt,
  • shorts or sarong,
  • Bare feet,
  • notepad and pencil, and
  • ALOHA & FUN!!


Fun & Sun Activity Pass

Make the most of your stay in Hawaii with the Fairmont Orchid Activity Pass for access to the resort's best ocean, culture, fitness, wellness and sports activities and equipment. Activity Pass includes all beach rental equipment including mask, snorkel, fins, boogie boards, soft-top surfboards, stand-up paddle boards, personal floats, one and two person kayaks, and noodles. Receive additional benefits with your Fun & Sun activity card, valid for your entire stay.

Per person fee is $75 Adults, $65 Children (ages 5-12). One-time purchase is good every day of your stay. Available for purchase on property at the Front Desk, Concierge Desk, the Beach Shack, Spa Without Walls and the Pool Kiosk.

Island Tours

The The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii, Concierge desk should be your first stop for Island tours.  The Conierge staff is familiar with the local tour options and out of the way places for exploring.  If you would like to arrange tours in advance of your arrival, please call +1 808 887 7555.  Click here for Fairmont Orchid tour options

Hawaii Island Vacation Guide - Click here to view online or download our entire line of Hawaii guides.

Additional Activities and Discounts

Looking for something to do in Hawaii?  OSA Management has contacted some local vendors who can assist you with finding outside activities so you can your stay while attending the 2013 Nonlinear Optics (NLO).
 
OSA Management does not endorse any of these vendors and is only providing information for your review and your decisions.