About 600 people were evacuated for several hours yesterday from the Four Seasons Resort Lana'i at Manele Bay after a wind-driven brushfire moved to about a mile of the resort.

People were allowed back to the hotel about 4:40 p.m., but the fire remained burning, officials said.

The fire was reported at 12:13 p.m. and burned about 300 acres by late afternoon. Officials believe the fire started near Palawai Basin.

Manele Road was closed and hotel employees, guests and residents in nearby homes were evacuated to Manele Bay. They were allowed to return when the fire no longer posed a threat.

Some people started to make their way to Lahaina via boats when fire officials said they could return to Lana'i.