Best of Maui applications launched
Sandwich Islands Publishing Co. Ltd., a family-owned company that has published the “Best of Maui” hard-bound visitor guide for more than 30 years, recently has launched Best of Maui applications for Apple and Android devices.
The free applications, available at the Apple App Store and Android (via Google Play) are compatible with the iPhone and iPad as well as Android phones and tables, a news release said.
Visitors can use the interactive map in the apps to find local businesses, as well as points of interest that include beaches, parks and museums.
There also are links to navigation or to call business or facilities as well as a calendar for annual events and information on activities.
The “Best of Maui” published book is in nearly 10,000 hotels and condominiums throughout Maui.
For more information, see bestofmauiguide.com.
CLEAN ENERGY AWARDS. In July, the state honored 13 businesses and nine events for their outstanding and innovative clean energy efforts.
Among those were two Maui-based businesses that received accolades – Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club and The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua.
The awards were hosted by the state Energy Office of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, the Department of Health and The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii. The annual awards program recognizes achievements by Hawaii businesses and entities in the area of energy efficiency.
The Hawaii Green Business Program assists and recognizes businesses that strive to operate in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.
According to information from the 2013-14 Hawaii Green Business Awards news release, the Marriott Maui Ocean Club has installed compact fluorescent light bulbs for all of the property’s lighting demands, motion sensor light switches, an electric vehicle charging station, low-flow water fixtures and toilets and moisture-sensing devices for landscaping.
It also has placed recycling bins in easy access areas, donates HI-5 recyclables to local high schools and recycles most other materials, such as construction and electronic waste.
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua has included sustainable dining using ingredients harvested from its organic garden with 70 herb varieties, 100 types of vegetables and 35 fruit trees. The resort partners with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society for the Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of Environment program, which educates guests on the local ecosystem through interactive excursions and conservations efforts.
The Ambassadors Center property features include LED lights, furniture from a sustainable living company, dual-flush toilets, coreless tissue rolls and a rain catchment system.
TRIPADVISOR AWARD. Aqua Sports Maui Kiteboarding Lessons recently received a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence award. The accolade honors hospitality excellence and is given to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide, according to a news release.
TOP SPA. The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui’s new Willow Stream Spa recently was voted as the top spa in Hawaii by readers of Travel + Leisure Magazine.
The all-suite resort also was recognized among the state’s top 10 hotels and resorts.
The awards follow $70 million in renovations to the hotel over the past three years, including the addition of the 9,000-square-foot Willow Stream Spa, which opened earlier this year, according to a news release.
* Tides of Commerce is a business feature that will run from time to time with information on new businesses and awards and recognitions of Maui County businesses.