AAA Announces Hotel, Dining Diamond Awards

The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka’upulehu has earned AAA’s Five Diamond award, its highest rating, AAA announced in a release today.

Only about 0.3% of the 59,000 lodgings and restaurants earn the prestigious AAA Five Diamond distinction, which highlights “personalized approaches and creativity to enhance guest comfort and provide memorable experiences,” said the release.

Only three hotels in Hawaii achieved the rating. The others, both on Maui, were The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua and the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea.

“The AAA Five Diamond Rating is earned through very hard work while providing guests a highly-personalized luxury experience,” said AAA’s approved accommodations supervisor Patricia Marenco.

Five Diamond establishments get the most extensive reviews with candidates undergoing multiple unannounced evaluations by experienced inspectors, AAA said.

AAA has also announced its Four Diamond Awards, presented to hotels and restaurants ranking among the top 3.9% of those inspected.

To achieve four diamonds, the lodging establishments must be “refined, stylish with upscale physical attributes, extensive amenities and a high degree of hospitality, service and attention to detail,” according the Diamond rating guidelines.

The Big Island’s Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows and The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii, were each awarded Four Diamonds.

In the restaurant category, Big Island restaurants ULU Ocean Grill Ka’upulehu and Brown’s Beach House each received Four Diamonds.

The complete list of AAA’s selections nationwide by state is here.