In today’s digital era, high-performance computing isn’t just a tool—it’s the cornerstone of progress, innovation, and security. From aiding in critical decisions to defending against cyber threats, its role is vital to help formulate effective strategies to navigate local and global challenges.
The Applied Research Laboratory at the University of Hawaii (ARL at UH) operates the Maui High Performance Computing Center (MHPCC) which provides essential engineering,
research, and development capabilities in high performance computing for the Department of Defense (DoD). The late U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye was the driving force behind the establishment of the MHPCC in 1993, making it a keystone of innovation in LĪPOA ever since. “It’s an honor to be a steward of Senator Inouye’s visionary legacy, working alongside my team and fellow LĪPOA leaders, to advance the high-tech industry here in Hawaii.” said Tiare K. Martin, Executive Director of the MHPCC Vanguard Center for High Performance Computing.
ARL at UH is a Navy-sponsored University-Affiliated Research Center which conducts research, development, testing and evaluation (RDT&E), across the state, addressing challenging national defense needs in areas such as Ocean Research, Astronomy, Sensor Development, Renewable Energy, Public Service, and Remote Sensing – which includes high-performance computing.
Drawing on its expertise in high-performance computing, ARL at UH developed a secure cutting-edge system aimed at digitizing engineering workflows for the DoD. Known as ‘LIFT’, this innovative system enhances collaboration, communication, efficiency, and security for the DoD. With its notable capabilities, LIFT has attracted an extensive user base, possessing over 15,000 engineers.
Addressing the critical need for cybersecurity in the Pacific, ARL at UH actively spearheaded solutions. The deployment of a cutting-edge computing system to support the United States Indo-Pacific Command and the U.S. Fleet Cyber Command as part of the Pacific Ecosystem for Cybersecurity (PEcoC) initiative is a testament to ARL at UH’s capabilities and expertise in modernizing high-performance computing.
The ARL at UH fosters the next generation of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) professionals and nurtures a pipeline for Hawai‘i’s students to pursue careers in STEM via internships. Students gain real-world experience with realistic and relevant tasks, project-based learning, and participation in field exercises. The internships provide training in RDT&E while simultaneously advancing general skills including technical writing, engineering design, preparation and delivery of professional presentations, and operational health and safety. In the last five years, ARL at UH has mentored 76 student interns across the state.
To learn more about ARL at UH, visit https://arl.hawaii.edu/