Coming in 21st place, Kaanapali Beach Hotel’s team of (from left) Roy Tapec, Chris Napoleon, Sam Balantac and Mitchell Sado won the 21st annual “Excellence in Education” golf tournament.

WAILUKU – The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association’s 21st annual “Excellence in Education” presented by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of Hawaii golf tournament took place on Friday, Aug. 18, at the Wailea Blue Golf Course. The sold-out event raised $35,000 to support youth scholarships

While the top teams took home some great prizes, the real winners of the event are Maui’s youth. The popular visitor industry event celebrated 21 years of giving back to Maui’s future business leaders by raising significant scholarship funding to the following programs: Academy of Hospitality & Tourism Academies at Baldwin, Lahainaluna and Maui High School; University of Hawaii Maui College Culinary Arts and Hospitality & Tourism programs; MHLA Member Scholarship Program; and Maui Junior Golf

“The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association is committed to giving back to the community, and one of those ways is by providing scholarship opportunities to invest in our youth, the future business leaders of Maui County,” said Lisa Paulson, MHLA executive director.

The top teams received prizes ranging from hotel stays to dining certificates to golf rounds to merchandise. The team that placed 21st, Kaanapali Beach Hotel, received special honors and was noted as the “winning” team – a tribute to the 21st annual event.

Top finishers include: 1) Triple F Distributing; 2) Sheraton Maui (Team #1); 3) Montage Kapalua Bay; 4) Andaz Maui; 5) KONE Elevators; 6) Tri-Star Restaurant Group; 7) Royal Lahaina; 8) Sheraton Maui (Team #2); 9) Hyatt Regency Maui; 10) Marriott Maui Ocean Club.

For additional information, contact MHLA at 244-8625 or info@mauihla.org.