WAIKOLOA, Hawaii – June 18, 2008 – Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa (www.waikoloamarriott.com), located on the sunny Kohala Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, was named “Best New Property or Major Renovation” at the 3rd Annual TravelAge West WAVE (Western Agents’ Voice of Excellence) Awards Gala Dinner held at the Four Seasons Los Angeles in Beverly Hills, California, on June 5.

In addition, the oceanfront resort was chosen as an Editor’s Pick for “Best Resort for a Hawaiian Cultural Experience.”

Completed highlights of the over $50 million renovation include all 555 beautifully refurbished guest rooms, suites and cabanas featuring Marriott’s “Revive” bed and linen collection, the new porte cochere and lobby offering a fresh, contemporary Hawaiian guest arrival experience, public areas, the 5,750 square-foot world-renowned Mandara Spa and a fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment from cardio to free weights, purpose-built 12,000 square-foot Naupaka Ballroom, the newly remodeled Hawaii Calls Restaurant & Lounge which provides an expanded outdoor lanai for ocean view dining, two pools including the newly built Infinity pool with lava pots, and a children’s program.

“We are honored to be recognized by TravelAge West, as we continue to work collectively with our valued travel suppliers ” said Rodney Ito, general manager of Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. “These awards are like ‘icing on the cake’ of what has been a great year for our resort, with dramatic enhancements and excellent services that guests will continue to experience.”

Travel agent professionals throughout the 14 Western states and readers of TravelAge West voted on the “best-of-the-best” in 46 award categories. The WAVE Awards give travel agents the opportunity to recognize the outstanding qualities and services of their supplier partners and celebrate the best in travel.

TravelAge West will publish a special WAVE Awards Spotlight in its August 4 issue, which will feature all WAVE winners and Editor’s Picks.