HONOLULU (September 4, 1997) - Aston Hotels & Resorts has appointed Kanani Akeo as general manager at Aston Kauai Beachboy Hotel.

Joining one of the most relaxed, Hawaiian-style hotels on Kauai, Akeo looks forward to preserving the feeling of ohana (family). An initial goal is to initiate guest unit upgrading. "It's been five years since Hurricane Iniki, and Kapa'a now shows little evidence of the devastation," Akeo says. "We need to look within, to make sure our property shows an equal sense of renewal."

Akeo also plans to spread the word on Kauai's advantages as a destination. "Our island has the best of both worlds, with remote areas of rainforest and untouched, rugged landscape that are easily accessible to tourist facilities," she said. "We will be making a concerted effort to reeducate travel agents and wholesalers on all Kauai has to offer, starting with our hotel's own wonderful Hawaiiana program."

Traditional arts, crafts, music, books and games are all offered free to guests, most of whom will have enjoyed at least one hula lesson before they leave the property. Adjacent to the popular Coconut Marketplace, where guests can explore more than 70 boutiques and restaurants, Aston Kauai Beachboy Hotel offers an oceanfront hotel pool and tranquil tropical gardens. The energetic can play volleyball, tennis or shuffleboard, tee off at nearby Wailua Golf Course or have the hotel activities desk arrange day trips to Kauai's many scenic vistas.

A Kapa'a resident for eight years, even commuting to her previous position as executive assistant at the Turtle Bay Hilton on Oahu, Akeo brings 25 years' experience with Hilton corporation to her new position.

Based in Honolulu, Aston Hotels & Resorts operates condominium resorts and hotels with more than 5,000 rooms on the four major Hawaiian islands. For more information, visit Aston's web site at http://www.aston-hotels.com or call (800) 922-7866 from the U.S. Mainland and Canada for reservations. From Hawaii, call (800) 321-2558. For group reservations, call (800) 336-5599. Aston's TDD telephone number is (800) 441-2344.

Contact:

David Sayre/Aubrey Hawk PR Works 444 Hobron Lane, 4th Floor Honolulu, HI 96815 Phone: (808)955-8411 Fax: (808) 942-4688