"We have completed a lengthy and thorough selection process that covered many months," said Bob Schaffhauser, president of the board of directors for The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach. "All of the top management companies, both in Hawaii and on the mainland, were considered and competed for our property. We are pleased to say that the professional and well-qualified ASTON team was unanimously selected by our board to elevate The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach's position as a deluxe resort condominium into the 2lst century."

"Our efforts to secure the Whaler contract have taken more than a year of hard work and dedication from The Whaler ownership group and the ASTON ohana," said Kelvin Bloom, chief operating officer and executive vice president of ASTON Hotels & Resorts Hawaii. "Upgrades for public areas, including an extensive lobby remodel, are being developed by the owners association and ASTON."

"We're pleased to report that guests and owners will benefit from the coordinated management and care of the property," said Gary Ettinger, senior vice president of operations for ASTON Hotels & Resorts Hawaii. "ASTON will bring visible improvements to the property immediately, including opening a beach activities center by the oceanfront pool. Customer service will also be a primary focus, providing beach towels to guests and adding new barbecues to the beachside area. In addition, ASTON is hiring a landscape architect to develop and implement an improved landscape plan to enhance the beauty of the waterfront resort property."

The 360-unit Whaler on Kaanapali Beach, which has long been recognized as the premier luxury condominium in Kaanapali, is situated 35 miles from Kahului Airport and five minutes from Kapalua Airport. The property offers spacious studio, one- and two-bedroom units featuring 10-foot beamed ceilings. Suites range in size from 640 sq. ft. for a studio to 1,952 sq. if. for a two-bedroom, two-bath unit. Rates start at $195 for a studio, $245 for a one-bedroom and $390 for a two-bedroom.

Amenities include fully-equipped kitchens with microwaves, coffee makers, blenders, toasters, dishwashers, ranges, refrigerators with ice makers, color televisions, video-cassette recorders, air conditioning and Italian marble bathrooms. Blue tiled private lanais add an extra touch of elegance, affording privacy to enjoy a picturesque Kaanapali sunset.

Other amenities at the condominium resort include 24-hour phone and front desk service, meeting facilities, daily maid and bell service, concierge service, complimentary underground parking, laundry facilities, two barbecue areas and a lobby mini-market. Baby sitting and laundry services are available for nominal fees. The resort also offers a beachfront swimming pool and Jacuzzi, dry sauna, fitness center and five tennis courts with a pro shop.

With the resort located in Kaanapali, one of the most popular tropical destinations in the world with miles of white sand beaches and clear blue water, access to a wide variety of water-based activities are just minutes away from your room. Activities can include snorkeling, scuba diving, para-sailing, deep sea fishing, whale watching, wind surfing and kayaking.

Shopping, restaurants and golf are nearby, with Whaler's Village located just next door. Here visitors will find a Whaling Museum, a variety of restaurants and numerous shops and designer boutiques, including Gucci, Tiffany & Co. and Chanel. A short five-minute drive takes guests to two of Kaanapali's championship golf courses, The Royal Kaanapali Golf Course and the famous North Course, the home of the Senior PGA Tour's EMC Kaanapali Classic. Kapalua and Lahaina are nearby offering additional shops, restaurants, golf and entertainment.

Based in Honolulu, ASTON ® Hawaii operates 39 condominium resorts and hotels on the four major Hawaiian islands (10 properties and more than 1,800 keys on Maui). The company is the number one operator of suites and resort condominiums and hotels in Hawaii. Hotel Corporation of the Pacific, dba ASTON ®Hawaii, is a ResortQuest International SM company, the leading provider of condominium and vacation home rentals in premier resort locations worldwide.