Mauna Lani Resort Named 'Earth friendly' Getaway By
Condé Nast Traveler Magazine

LUXURY ECO-FRIENDLY BEACH DESTINATION
PERFECT FOR GREEN MEETINGS

KOHALA COAST, Hawaii - Mauna Lani has been named one of "World's Top Earth-Friendly Getaways" by Conde Nast Traveler magazine. The award-winning Big Island resort was recognized as one of the world's top luxury, eco-friendly beach destinations, and is the only beach resort in the United States named in the collection.  

"Since opening 26 years ago, Mauna Lani has been at the forefront of environmental stewardship in the resort industry," said Brian Butterworth, General Manager. "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 solar energy innovations have earned the resort the distinction of generating the most solar electric power of any luxury resort in the world. Covering three acres, the photovoltaic system provides operating power and supplies the majority of the resort's daytime water pumping power requirements. It is estimated that over the 25-year lifetime of the photovoltaic system, the solar-generated electricity will reduce emissions of carbon dioxide by almost 12,000 tons.

Mauna Lani's Catering team has created a menu of eco-friendly inclusions for meetings and events. A unique sustainable ‘Epicurean 808' menu incorporates all products within a radius of 100 miles of the hotel. (www.maunalani.com for details)

The golf water system for Mauna Lani Resort's Francis H. I'i Brown Golf Courses pumps more than three million gallons of brackish water per day and waters 38 golf holes. In addition, there are two maintenance warehouses, a cart barn, and an 8,000 square foot air-conditioned pro-shop.  During peak hours a large percentage of the power required by the golf operation is provided by solar. These solar systems spare the environment from thousands of tons of harmful emissions.

On the greens, the use of drought-resistant Salam Seashore Paspalum grass requires considerably less fertilizer and herbicides, and also contributes to the resort's environmentally-friendly golf operation.

At Mauna Lani Spa, a photovoltaic system operates a one-of-a-kind lava watsu pool where spa-goers can experience an aquatic body therapy complete with underwater acoustics, lighting effects, mild temperature salt water and a cascading waterfall.

Condé Nast Traveler also recognized Mauna Lani's green sea turtle program as an ecotourism attraction. Since 1989, in collaboration with Sea Life Park, Mauna Lani Bay has raised juvenile 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 fishing feeding tour designed to raise awareness of the endangered species. In addition, each Fourth of July, Mauna Lani releases healthy juvenile honu into the ocean as part of their annual Turtle Independence Day celebration. Since the program's inception, more than 170 juvenile honu have been released into the wild.

Mauna Lani Resort has also been recognized by The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Energy (DOE), and Center for Resource Solutions (CRS) 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. The resort also won the Keep It Hawaii Kahili Award for their preservation of the Kalahuipua‘a Fishponds.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Susan Bredo
Communications Manager
Mauna Lani Resort
808-885-1473
sbredo@maunalani.com