Hospice Maui has been voted the island's top hospice provider, good news for families who need end-of-life care close to home.

• A real person on Maui answers the phone at any hour, with no answering service in between.
• The organization holds a four-star federal quality rating from CMS.
• It belongs to the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation, a network of nonprofit providers.
• Maui County also named it Outstanding Nonprofit of the Year in the Mayor's Small Business Awards.
• The stated focus is simple: treat patients and their families like ohana.

Outlook: The recognition should strengthen the group's standing as Maui's main hospice option for local families.