Maui no longer top island in the world

Maui has been unseated as the top island in the world, according to the most recent Conde Nast Readers’ Choice rankings. The list of the Top 30 islands in the world is led by Pala­wan in the Philippines, which the magazine says "shot to the top" because of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, which travels five miles through an underground cave system and for which guided tours are available.

Kiawah Island in South Caro­lina rose to No. 2 in the world, Maui dropped to No. 3, Kauai is No. 4, while Hawaii island is at No. 10 and Oahu is in 16th place.

"I’ve heard from several people that the southern islands of the Philippines such as Pala­wan are remarkably beautiful," said Maui Mayor Alan Ara­kawa in an email. "And the fact is, there are hundreds of vacation destinations out here now that weren’t there 20 years ago. Maui’s visitor industry has had great success but we work hard for it, and we need to keep upgrading and evolving if we want to remain No. 1."

Hawaii’s top resort is Wai­lea Beach Villas on Maui, an 11-acre, gated community with private residences. It beat the 2013 winner, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on Hawaii island.

ON THE MOVE

ABC Stores has promoted: 

» Eric Hirao to store manager of store No. 83 at 1831 Ala Moana Blvd. He was previously an associate store manager at ABC Stores.

» Brian Fujinaga to store manager of store No. 49 at 2070 Kala­kaua Ave. He was previously an associate store manager at ABC Stores.

The Hawaii Government Employees Association has named Michele Mitra as its Maui division chief. She joined the company as a union agent in October 2007. Prior to HGEA, Mitra worked in various supervisory and managerial positions at the Four Seasons Resort Maui, including as the resort’s assistant manager and reservations manager. Prior to that, she worked at the Grand Wai­lea Resort, Hotel and Spa.