Kaua'i finished second behind Maui, the Big Island was fourth, O'ahu sixth and Lana'i seventh. The Lodge at Ko'ele on Lana'i and the Halekulani in Waikiki claimed the second and third spots on the Pacific Rim resort list.

The magazine said 28,000 readers participated in the poll, the highest response ever.

Officials at the Maui Visitors Bureau said Maui's score in the Pacific Rim category was the highest of any island in the world, a distinction it has enjoyed 12 years running. Maui also scored higher than any other destination, followed by Sydney, Phuket, San Francisco, Florence and Bangkok.

Complete results will be published in the November issue of Conde Nast Traveler, available on newsstands Tuesday.

Centex secures commitments for first phase of Beach Villas at Ko Olina

Centex Destination Properties has secured commitments from buyers for 72 homes in the first phase of its Beach Villas at Ko Olina development.

The homes are part of the 247-unit project fronting Lagoon No. 2 midway between the resort's hotel and time-share complex. The average price for the units was expected to be around $2 million.

Most of the buyers — 45 percent — were from the Mainland, 35 percent were from Hawaii, and 25 percent were from Japan. Residents are expected to move in by the first quarter of 2008.

Eight new stores open for holidays at Ala Moana

Eight new stores and two restaurants will be open this holiday season at Ala Moana Center.

The new businesses are: Alfred Dunhill, Barnes & Noble, Harry Winston, Mani Pedi Spa, The Pacific Place Tea Garden Cafe, Puma, Quizno's Subs, Romano's Macaroni Grill, Ruehl No. 925, Up and Riding, and World of Charms.