MAUI IS “BEST ISLAND IN THE WORLD” FOR THE 16th TIME

“The Magic Isle” Captures Highest Score of Any Destination in the World for 2010

MAUI, Hawai’i – For an unprecedented 16th time, “Maui, the Magic Isle” captured “Best Island in the World” honors in the 23rd annual CONDE NAST TRAVELER Readers’ Choice Awards Poll. With a score of 90.7, it also garnered “Best Pacific Island” for the 20th consecutive year. According to the magazine, “Maui is the only island to score above 90, making it No. 1 in the world for the sixteenth time.”

In the “Best Pacific Island” category, sister island Kaua’i placed second with a score of 88.8. Bora Bora ranked third with 85.5. Other Hawaiian islands placing in the “Top Ten” were: 6th place Hawai’i Island (83.5); 7th place O’ahu (83.3); and 8th place Lāna’i (80.8). Other top island destinations in the world included winners in the following geographical categories: Asia/Indian Ocean (Males, 86.4), Caribbean/Atlantic (Bermuda, 83.7), North America (Kiawah, 83.0) and Europe (Mykonos and the Cyclades, 78.0).

Maui’s score once again surpassed all other top destinations worldwide, convincingly topping every single “Best City” category winner including Oceania (Sydney, 86.1), U.S. (San Francisco, 84.3), Europe (Florence, 84.6), Asia (Bangkok, 82.9), Africa/Middle East (Capetown, 83.7) and The Americas (Vancouver, 82.4).

“After a successful summer season, this is simply more wonderful news for Maui,” stated Terryl Vencl, executive director, Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau. “We are blessed with stunning natural beauty, world-class service, top-notch activities, excellent restaurants and myriad accommodation options.”

Maui County Mayor Charmaine Tavares added, “Our cherished host culture and the gracious aloha of our residents continue to make such awards possible.” Mayor Tavares concluded, “this very prestigious honor is yet again testament to our visitor industry and most importantly, our people of Maui.”

The hotels of Maui County completely dominated the “Top Hawai’i Resorts” list. In this category, four of the top five winners were from Maui and Lāna’i. The list includes: 1. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea; 2. Hotel Hāna Maui and Honua Spa; 4. Four Seasons Resort Lāna’i at Mānele Bay and 5. Four Seasons Resort Lāna’i, The Lodge at Kō’ele. Four Seasons Resort Hualālai (Hawai’i Island) ranked third. Other Maui properties ranked in the Top 20 including: #9 Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui; #11 Grand Wailea; #15 Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua and Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa (tie) and #20 Westin Maui Resort & Spa (tied with Kaua’i Marriott and Beach Club). In total, Maui captured nine of the “Top 20″ spots.

The magazine’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards poll analyzes the travel preferences of their readership in various categories including cities, islands, airlines, cruise lines, hotels, spas, resorts and rental cars. Ratings are based on the responses of CONDE NAST TRAVELER subscribers who participated in the 23rd annual poll. More than 25,000 readers participated this year and complete results are published in the November 2010 issue, which arrives on newsstands later this month.

The Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau via the Hawai’i Visitors and Convention Bureau is contracted by the Hawai’i Tourism Authority (HTA), the state of Hawai’i’s tourism agency, for marketing management services in North America. The HTA was established in 1998 to ensure a successful visitor industry well into the future. Its mission is to strategically manage Hawai’i tourism in a sustainable manner consistent with the state of Hawai’i’s economic goals, cultural values, preservation of natural resources, community desires, and visitor industry needs.

“Congratulations to Maui for once again winning the hearts of travelers and receiving this prestigious designation, ” said Mike McCartney, president and CEO of Hawai’i Tourism Authority. “This honor is a testament to both Maui’s visitor industry and its people for providing visitors with an authentic and unique experience they can’t find anywhere else in the world.”

“Maui nō ka ‘oi!” or “Maui is the Best!” is a common Hawaiian refrain. World-class resorts, award winning cuisine, championship golf and the islands’ host Hawaiian culture have propelled Maui into the limelight.

Ready to experience Maui?  Contact me today to book your dream Maui vacation! linda@honeymoonsinc.com!

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Check out some of Maui’s options:

Pi’iholo Ranch Zipline www.piiholozipline.com

Kapalua Adventures with 8 lines www.kapalua.com/adventures

Flyin Hawaiian Zipline www.flyinhawaiianzipline.com - ( The longest zipline in Hawaii and third -longest in the world )

Skyline Eco-Adventures www.zipline.com in Ka’anapali and Haleakala

And while you are in Hawaii, check out these other exciting events!

• Kauai River tours on the Wailua River www.kayakwailua.com
• Kona Brewers Festival March 11-13th www.konabrewersfestival.com
• Hawaii’s Hula annual festival April 4-10th
• 47th annual Merrie Monarch Festival - kicks off Easter Sunday with a ho’olaule’a (music festival)
• Segway of Hawaii – Segway through paradise! Great new way to tour on Oahu www.segwayofhawaii.com

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“Dinner Under the Stars” at Four Seasons Resort L!na‘i at M!nele Bay

Delight the senses and revitalize love with an evening of romance in the alluring Ocean Hale, overlooking Hulopo‘e Bay. Enjoy the intimacy and exclusivity of this private dinner experience, featuring champagne & pupu, a savory five-course tasting menu, private server and so much more. For more information or reservations, please call Concierge at 808-565-2388.

Chef’s Table at Tropica Restaurant & Bar

Indulge in an evening of fine cuisine and superb wines presented by Rich Hinojosa, chef de cuisine at Tropica Restaurant & Bar. Located oceanfront at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, the visually exciting restaurant with captivating sunset and ocean views offers the ideal setting to enjoy distinctive selections created by Rich, a finalist of Hawai‘i Hospitality’s Top Young Chefs. Savor each course amid cascading waterfalls, tiki torches and live local music. Offered every second Thursday of the month at $59.00 per person, plus tax. More details including menu available at www.westinmaui.com.

Go Italian at Pulehu Restaurant

Pulehu at The Westin K!‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas is now an Italian grill! With its vibrant transformation, culinary lovers are in for a treat as resort executive sous chef Adam Tabura delights with traditional selections created with modern flair. Perfect for families and couples seeking a picturesque setting, the menu offers excellent choices for the cost conscious guests and competitive life-style of today. Share delicious appetizers family style and entrées that can be ordered as a half or full portion. The restaurant is open evenings from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm, Thursdays to Sundays. Visit westinkaanapali.com.

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MAUI IS “BEST ISLAND IN THE WORLD” FOR THE 15th TIME

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MAUI’S ONLY ‘CIRQUE’ SHOW JUST GOT BETTER – CHILDREN GET IN FREE

Cirque Polynesia Offers Free Child Admission With Each Adult Purchase

Ka’anapali, HI, July 22, 2009 – The only act that may rival last month’s standing ovation during Cirque Polynesia’s Grand Opening, is its offer to open its doors free to all children 12 and under with the purchase of a single adult ticket.

The overwhelming response by parents and their children enjoying the show prompted Cirque Polynesia’s management to offer the free tickets.

“Kids absolutely love Cirque Polynesia,” said Cornell “Tuffy” Nicholas, Cirque Polynesia’s producer.  “Hundreds of parents and our travel partners have told us how their children haven’t seen anything like it and they’d talk about the show even days afterwards.”

Beginning today until August 31, every adult that purchases a regularly-priced ticket (show only) will receive a free children’s admission valued at $52.50.

Cirque Polynesia recently added cast member Vili Fehoko, better known as Vili the Warrior, for his role as the University of Hawaii Warrior’s mascot at football and men’s volleyball games.  For the past 28 years, Vili entertained millions throughout the world beginning at the Polynesian Cultural Center, recently for six NFL Pro Bowls as well as appearances on national television including, CNN and ESPN.

The 75-minute show features back-to-back performances that leave parents and their children awing at acts such as those put on by family members of the legendary Wallenda family.  A modern-day aerial act, known as the “perch,” involves daughter Lyric hanging by one ankle while twirling mother Rietta like a helicopter blade high above the audience.

Cirque artists from Hawaii, Russia, Germany, Kazakhstan and Moldova (Eastern Europe) perform aerial acrobatics, aerial illusions and quick-costume change transformations that make up just some of the other acts.

“Allowing parents to bring their children in for free is just our way of giving back to families looking for great entertainment for a great value,” said Doug Harris, Cirque Polynesia’s Managing Partner.  “Children are some of the toughest critics.  The fact that they enjoy the show so much makes our entire team proud.”

Last month, special matinee performances were put on for free for more than 200 children with Big Brother Big Sisters of Maui, Autism Bridges Maui and Best Buddies Hawaii.

Cirque Polynesia plays six nights a week at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa’s Monarchy Ballroom located on the ground level.  Doors open half-hour prior to show’s 7 p.m. start-time.

To purchase an adult ticket and receive one children’s admission, guests must call the box office directly (808) 667-4540.

The Hyatt Monarchy Ballroom’s theatre-style, split-level seating, creates a special intimacy between the audience and performers.  The modified 600-seat room boasts an expanded stage, along with enhanced show lighting and audio effects and capabilities.

The show’s original music score features live performances from Diane Salonga Rubio, a classically-trained cellist, flute and strings musician and Dan Cruces who plays drums, electric percussion and the trumpet.

All seats are open on a first-come-first seated basis.  The VIP seating, considered the best seats in the house, are the first five rows from the stage.  All other seats are Premier viewing.

Cirque Polynesia Dinner and Show packages includes dinner at The Hyatt Regency Maui’s Resort and Spa’s newest chic poolside restaurant, ‘Umalu, that features a three-course meal with a selection of fresh Maui produce, Mahi Mahi, prime rib and sesame-orange chicken stir-fry.  All meals include lilikoi-mango cheesecake for desert and soft drinks.

Pricing for the Hyatt’s Dinner and Show adult package begin at $116.  Adult show only packages start at $62.

For more information about the show and ticket pricing visit www.CirquePolynesia.com.

About Cirque Polynesia

Cirque Polynesia is a 75-minute performance that features more than a dozen individual acts by internationally-acclaimed cirque artists from Hawaii, Russia, Germany, Kazakhstan and Moldova (Eastern Europe).  The show incorporates high-wire acts, a contortionist, aerial acrobatics and illusionists, balancing acts, a Russian Swing performance and live Polynesian inspired music.

Cirque Polynesia is performed six nights a week at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa’s Monarchy Ballroom nestled on the Ka’anapali coast.  Visit www.CirquePolynesia.com.

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