Mauna Lani Resort, a Hawaii Green Hotel, Named Best Eco-Friendly Hotel & Eco-tourism Destination

KOHALA COAST, Hawaii (January 26, 2008) – Mauna Lani Resort has been named one of “World’s Top Earth-Friendly Getaways” by Conde Nast Traveler magazine in their January, 2008 issue. The award winning Big Island green resort was recognized as one of the world’s top luxury, eco-friendly beach destinations, and is the only beach resort in the U.S. named in the collection.

“Since opening 25 years ago, Mauna Lani Resort has been at the forefront of environmental stewardship in the resort industry,” said Mark Glickman, Director of Resort Marketing. “As we continue to add new amenities and programs, we always do so with an eye toward remaining true to the Hawaiian practice of malama ’aina, or responsible stewardship of the land. Preserving Hawaii’s resources, environment and culture is an important aspect of the resort experience at Mauna Lani and it resonates with our guests who are inspired to come back year after year.”

Mauna Lani’s eco-friendly solar energy innovations have earned the resort the distinction of generating the most solar electric power of any luxury resort in the world. Covering 3 acres, the Power-Light photovoltaic system provides operating power and supplies the majority of the resort’s water pumping power requirements. It is estimated that over the 25 year lifetime of the environmentally friendly system, emissions of carbon dioxide will be reduced by almost 12,000 tons.

The golf water system for Mauna Lani Resort’s golf courses pump more than 3 million gallons of water per day. In addition, there are 2 maintenance warehouses, and an 8,000 square foot air-conditioned Pro-shop. More than 50% of the electricity required by the golf operation is solar.

On the greens, the use of drought resistant Salam Seashore Paspalum grass requires
considerably less fertilizer, contributing to the resort’s environmentally friendly golf operation. At Mauna Lani Spa, a photovoltaic system operates a lava watsu pool where spa goers can experience an aquatic body therapy complete with underwater acoustics and mild temperature salt water.

Condé Nast Traveler also recognized Mauna Lani Resort’s green sea turtle program as an ecotourism attraction. Since 1989, in collaboration with Oahu’s Sea Life Park by Dolphin Discovery, Mauna Lani Resort has raised honu (turtle) in its saltwater ponds until they are large enough to be released in the wild. The honu are part of the resort’s complimentary fishing feeding tour designed to raise awareness of the endangered species. In addition, each Fourth of July, Mauna Lani Resort releases healthy honu into the ocean as part of their annual Turtle Independence Day celebration; to date, more than 125 honu have been released.

Mauna Lani Resort has also been recognized by The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Energy, and Center for Resource Solutions for significantly advancing development of the green power market. Mauna Lani first won this award in 2004 and continues to excel at protecting the environment. Mauna Lani was also the recipient of the Green Business Award from the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, the Hawaii Hotel Association, the Hawaii Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism, and the Hawaii Department of Health. This luxury green resort also won the Keep It Hawaii Kahili Award for their Kalahuipua‘a Fishponds in the category of historic preservation.

For more information or reservations, call 800-367-2323 or visit www.maunalani.com.