Four hotels and four restaurants in Hawai'i also won the Mobil Four-Star Award. The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, the Halekulani hotel, the Kahala Mandarin Oriental and the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua joined 117 lodgings on the four-star list.

Gerard's and Spago on Maui, as well as Honolulu's La Mer and Chef Mavro were among the 140 four-star restaurants this year.

"It is just terrific to see that the consistency of service has paid off in regards to this recognition," said Thomas Steinhauer, general manager of Four Seasons Resort Maui and regional vice president of Four Seasons Hawai'i.

Steinhauer credited the resort's 680 employees — many of whom have been working there more than 10 years — as well as the physical improvements made to the resort to keep on top of trends in the industry.

"It's the best thing for our staff, because it just absolutely confirms that the hard work they do everyday pays off," he said. "We're going to have a nice appreciation staff party here and will be able to thank everybody. ... And our business here can never stop. Tomorrow is a new day, but it's nice to be able to sit back for just a little bit and appreciate what has been achieved."

Mobil defines a five-star lodging establishment as one that "provides consistently superlative service in an exceptionally distinctive luxury environment with expanded services. Attention to detail is evident throughout the Hotel/Resort/Inn from the bed linens to staff uniforms."

Among the features guests at five-star lodging establishments can expect to find are complimentary refreshments at the pool, public washrooms with cloth-towels, fresh plants or flowers, and three phones in each guest room.