Hotel Hana-Maui and Honua Spa Receives Top Honors

Culinary Program and Romantic Seclusion Recognized

HANA, Hawaii, Sept. 12, 2007 - The Hotel Hana-Maui and Honua Spa, a consistent award-winner since its 2002 renovation, announces that it has garnered six awards this year, securing its place among the world's best destinations for secluded romantic getaways and culinary excellence. 2007 also marks the hotel's highest honors yet.

In August 2007, under the direction of Food and Beverage Director Brian Hunnings and Executive Chef David Patterson, Ka'uiki, the hotel's main restaurant, was honored with the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. This was the first time in the hotel's 62-year history that its restaurant has received a Wine Spectator Award. There were 36 restaurants recognized in all of Hawaii and 18 on Maui, and Ka'uiki was one of only two new award recipients this year. Since joining the Hotel Hana-Maui in 2005 as executive chef, Patterson has redesigned the hotel's culinary program to put a strong focus on sustainability by working with local artisan farmers, fishermen and producers. His efforts and dedication were recognized in 2006 with the first annual 'Friends of Agriculture' award from Maui County as well as an invitation to host the 'A Taste of Maui,' a dinner at the prestigious James Beard House.

Recognizing the hotel as a leading romantic destination combining a top-notch spa, culinary experience, accommodations, and service with a secluded Hawaiian location, Modern Bride also published its World's Best 50 Honeymoons this August: Hotel Hana-Maui and Honua Spa was ranked as the number 3 "Ultimate Resort for Seclusion" as voted by a panel of Virtuoso travel agents. It was the only Hawaiian hotel to be named.

Travel + Leisure just released its World's Best List, ranking the hotel number 8 on "Top 25 Hotels - Hawaii," up four spots from 2006, a testament to the increasing excellence in the level of service and quality. Additionally, the Hotel Hana-Maui is one of American Express' Fine Hotels and Resorts for next year and retains its AAA Four Diamond rating.

Over the last four years the hotel has received over 22 awards and accolades, including a spot on the Conde Nast Traveler Gold List; the number 2 spot on "World's Best: Top 10 Hotel Spas - Hawaii" by Travel + Leisure Magazine; listing as one of Robb Report Luxury Resort's "100 Best Places to Stay"; and designation as "The Most Excellent Spa Hotel in the USA" by Conde Nast Johansens.

About the Hotel Hana-Maui
Consistently ranked as a top destination, the Hotel Hana-Maui and Honua Spa is a AAA Four Diamond hotel and a member of Small Luxury Hotels and Resorts of the World. In 2007, the hotel's main restaurant, Ka'uiki, received a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. The hotel also was listed on both Conde Nast Traveler's Gold List and Travel + Leisure magazine's "World's Best Hotels," and in 2006 the hotel was named one of the "Top 100 Luxury Resorts" by Robb Report. The Honua Spa in 2006 was rated #2 Top 10 Hotel Spas - Hawaii by Travel + Leisure magazine and ranked as the "Most Excellent Spa Hotel" by Conde Nast Johansens.

Sister resorts include Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, Calif., and Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort. Post Ranch Inn was named by Travel + Leisure readers as the #1 California resort and was listed on the 2006 and 2007 Robb Report's "Top 100 Luxury Resorts" and Conde Nast Traveler's Gold List for "World's Best Places" for the past nine years. The Fiji resort was honored with the top score by Conde Nast Traveler's "Green List" and by TripAdvisor for its outstanding commitment to ecotourism. Islands magazine listed the resort as "One of the 7 Best Snorkeling Spots in the World." All three destinations are 'Resorts with Soul.'

For information on all resorts, contact Passport Resorts, 921 Front St, San Francisco, CA 94111 or (415) 788-7870.