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(KONA, HAWAII) -- The surf is high in the North Kona Coast's Hualailai Resort as the 13-year-old community rings up a record $43 million in August real estate sales.  Year-to-date, sales total $90 million.

The good news comes as occupancy rises at most of Hawaii's resorts for the first time in 18 months. (Please see Real Estate Channel article, "Global Hotel Market Roundup, Nov. 13, 2009")

"Sales at Hualalai Resort in 2009 have surpassed our highest expectations, in spite of the worst recession in recent history," says Patrick Fitzgerald, CEO of Hualalai Resort.

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

"We are thrilled to have closed on sales of more than $90 million year to date, and are just as excited to be building on that momentum with an additional $45 million placed under contract since September 1. "

Fitzgerald says, "Our very strong real estate sales reflect buyers' acknowledgment of the unique lifestyle experience at Hualalai Resort, as well as the benefits of the new $40 million enhancement to the property. No other resort has Hualalai's combination of resort amenities, extensive enhancements and long-term stability."

Fitzgerald says Hualalai completed a 15-month $40 million resort enhancement in August 2009, "elevating Hualalai's award-winning amenities and setting the benchmark for luxury resorts."

The project included an expansion of Hualalai Spa, which introduced a new apothecary, where guests can choose between a variety of natural and indigenous ingredients that are custom-blended and personalized for each treatment.

Hualalai Resort

Hualalai also unveiled Voyages, an innovative collection of active and cultural programs inspired by the "great voyage" that led to the discovery of Hawaii.

Activities range from early-morning outrigger canoe excursions to stand-up paddleboard lessons and Ribcraft adventures that invite guests to swim with dolphins. Voyages also includes authentic cultural experiences such as ukulele and Hawaiian language lessons.

To further enhance the resort's lifestyle experience, the resort upgraded onsite retail, dining and accommodations. Top designers such as Stella McCartney, Derek Lam, James Perse and Gregory Parkinson were tapped to design custom pieces for Hualalai's new collection of boutiques.

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai's renowned oceanfront restaurant, Beach Tree, was renovated, upholding its status as the perfect spot on the Big Island for casual waterfront drinks and dining.

Twenty new suites were unveiled at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, which recently received both a Five-Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide and a Five-Diamond rating from AAA for 2010, and was ranked the No. 1 Beach Resort in the World in Andrew Harper's Hideaway.

Hualalai's residential real estate offerings include custom residences, villas and home sites.

Hualalai Club Membership is available exclusively to property owners and offers access to two 18-hole championship golf courses designed by legends of the game, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf, each with its own clubhouse; the award-winning Hualalai Sports Club & Spa; the Canoe Club, host to the member-only annual regatta in August; the Hualalai Tennis Club; and the oceanfront Residents' Beach House.

Membership also provides access to all amenities at Four Seasons Hualalai Resort, including the beach and pools.

Real estate prices range from $2 million to $30 million.

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