Maui Nō Ka ʻOi: Condé Nast Ranks Maui #1 Again

ʻĪao Valley is one of Maui’s most visited destinations. Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

For the 20th year in a row, Maui earned the top spot in Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s list for top islands.

“Everyone on Maui should be proud of this award,” said Mayor Arakawa. “For the last 20 years Maui has set the standard with our hotels, beaches, restaurants, activities, natural beauty and our aloha spirit. It is reflected in our visitor numbers and among Condé Nast readers. Here’s to another 20 years of excellence,” he said in a statement today in response to the news.

Maui Visitors Bureau Executive Director Terryl Vencl also released a statement saying, “Obviously we are ecstatic about hitting this 20-year milestone of being the best island in the US. We are also the winner for the 19th time against all destinations listed in the reader’s choice survey, and we hope to stay on top for as long as possible.”

Readers of the magazine ranked Maui number one on a list of the Top 25 Islands in the World, with 93.9 points, ahead of (2) Kauaʻi – 92.1, (3) the Maldives, in the Indian Ocean – 89.6, (4) Kiawah Island, South Carolina – 89.4, (5) Bora Bora, in French Polynesia – 89.3, (6) Sea Island, Georgia – 88.6 (7) Moorea – 88.5, (8) Oʻahu – 88.0, (9) the Great Barrier Reef Islands, Australia – 87.8, and (10) the Big Island of Hawaiʻi – 87.6.

The online version of the magazine states, “Readers rave about this veritable paradise, calling it a combination of tropical ambiance and American comforts.”

The review boasts of Maui as an island with an “abundance of activities” including whale-watching, natural beauty, and the scenic Road to Hāna.

Maui was also ranked number one on the magazine’s list of the Top 10 Islands in the United States.

Top 10 islands in the US include and their ranking according to Condé Nast Traveler magazine are: (1) Maui – 93.9, (2) Kauaʻi – 92.1, (3) Kiawah Island, South Carolina – 89.4, (4) Sea Island, Georgia – 88.6, (5) Oʻahu – 88.0, (6), Hawaiʻi Island – 87.6, (7) Lānaʻi – 85.0, (8) Nantucket, Massachusetts – 84.9, (9) Hilton Head, South Carolina – 84.4, (10) Amelia Island, Florida – 83.8.