Maui News:

Spending by international visitors to Hawaii is increasing faster than their spending in the rest of the United States.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority reports that international tourists in Hawaii spent 7.3 percent more through the month of April than during the same period in 2009. In all, they spent $1.38 billion.

By comparison, the U.S. Commerce Department reported Tuesday that spending by international visitors to the United States as a whole was up 5 percent through April, to $42.8 billion.

The increase in spending reflected growth in the number of visitors to Hawaii.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority said international arrivals to Hawaii rose 5 percent to nearly 147,000 in April.

Maui News: 

WAILEA – The Maui Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual installation luncheon Friday at the Fairmont Kea Lani resort.

It will also celebrate its centennial and present a Business Showcase and Mini Trade Show. Economist Paul Brewbaker will address the members and guests.

The Business Showcase will be from 10:30 a.m. to noon, with the luncheon following.

The cost for the luncheon is $45 for members, $75 for others. For more information, send e-mail inquiries to office@

mauichamber.com. To make a luncheon reservation, visit www.mauichamber.com.

ABC-directory.com: 

Conde Nast Traveler today announced the results of its 2009 Readers’ Choice Awards, ranking the best cities, islands, cruise lines, airlines, hotels, resorts, and car rental agencies worldwide. The awards appear in the November issue (on newsstands October 20) and are derived from the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice survey. This year, 25,008 readers voted on more than 10,000 properties and destinations.

“The big news is that, undaunted by tough times, our readers are still out there, discovering the coolest experiences and reaffirming an enduring passion for travel,” said Conde Nast Traveler Editor in Chief Klara Glowczewska. “It’s clear that our readers are as devoted to the worldwide diversity of travel as ever.”

The results of the 2009 Readers Choice Awards reveal some surprising news:

* The friendliest U.S. cities are Charleston, Savannah, and Honolulu 

Hot List of the world’s best new properties:

Below are results for the top three winners in each category to visit

Top Islands Pacific

1. Maui
2. Kauai
3. Bora Bora

The full list of winners is on cntraveler.com at: cntraveler.com/readerschoice

Maui news:

Blaze reported at 1:25pm Tuesday afternoon was contained a few hours after start.

Drivers were backed up as they headed the “back way” around Kahului Airport. They were backed up all the way to Costco.

By 4:45pm the fire was fully contained, yet the cause of the start is still under investigation.

No injuries reported =)

Maui News:

A brush fire on Tuesday afternoon prompted Maui officials to close part of Hana and Haleakala highways.

The brush fire was first reported at 1:25 p.m. on the mauka side of Kahului Airport and heliport. 

Motorists traveling to and from Paia and Upcountry Maui cannot go through Kahului. 

Heavy smoke and gusts are affecting Hana Highway and Haleakala Highway near the back of the Kahului Heliport. Police also closed Hansen Road. 

Firefighters are working to extinguish the fire.

Be safe out there!