WAILEA, MAUI, HAWAII – January 2, 2008 – Autism Bridges, a Maui organization which provides support for families who have children with autism, has received $10,000 through the generous donations of three Maui businesses, Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Capricorn Events and Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club.

“We are fortunate to have generated ticket sales in order to make a sizable monetary contribution to Autism Bridges,” said John Jaskula, general manager of Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. “In keeping with our company’s philosophy of Marriott’s Spirit to Serve Our Communities, we wanted reach out to families dealing with autism during this holiday season of giving.”

For the entire month of November, $1 out of each paid admission from Wailea’s only luau dinner show, Honua‘ula, was collected for the donation to Autism Bridges. Jaskula partnered with Capricorn Events President Mike Kelley to make their portion of the contribution totaling $6,000. In addition, Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club pitched in with a donation of $4,000.

Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club General Manager Rob Welch knows firsthand the challenges of autism, a brain development disorder that affects a child’s interaction and communication skills. Welch and his wife Tiffany are raising a son with autism and have been very active in the autism community.

Honua‘ula presents the only luau dinner and production in the luxury Wailea destination. Performances are oceanfront every Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. on the ancient Ahupua’a (land division) known as Paeahu (Altar Landing) which houses a ku’ula stone (fishing shrine) on the makai side of the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa.

Honua‘ula is filled with tales about how ancient Hawaiians brought the island of Maui to life, told through traditional chants, halau trained hula and creative, authentic costuming. Guests will also experience ancestral games and crafts, and enjoy classic Hawaiian cuisine with a luau-style buffet, featuring island favorites such as sautéed island fish, kalua pig and poi. Rates are $88 for adults and $43 for children 6-12 years old. For reservations, call (808) 875-7710.

Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, which offers the best oceanfront location within the luxurious Wailea Resort destination, is undergoing a $60 million transformation. The featured resort highlights are: Brand new guest arrival ambience in the lobby with new tile flooring, and individualized marble and wood registration pods for a more engaging experience between guests and associates; 546 completely redesigned guest rooms, featuring Marriott’s “Revive” bed and linen collection; All new baths featuring a Kohler Tea for Two deep-soaking tub; Executive suites offering hardwood floors and plasma screen television; and 100% smoke-free environment including guest rooms, restaurants, lounges, meeting rooms, and public spaces such as the lobby.

The new Mandara Spa has been recognized recently by Conde Nast Traveler in the “2007 Hot Spa List” and by Concierge.com in the “2007 Gold List.” The 10,000 square-foot spa offers 11 treatment rooms including a new ocean view deluxe couples suite, or an oceanfront cabana located on the ocean’s edge. The spa also offers a full-service salon with facilities for hair, make-up and nail services. Plus, a state-of-the-art 2,100 squarefoot fitness center is located adjacent to Mandara Spa.

For additional guest enjoyment, the highly anticipated “Maluhia” Serenity pool with over-the-water cabanas is now open on the expansive oceanfront Molokini Lawn area.