Maui Nō Ka ʻOi Again: 22 Years in a Row

ʻĀlau island located off of the picturesque Hāna shoreline in East Maui. File photo by Wendy Osher.

Maui topped Conde Nast Traveler Magazine’s Best Island in the US list for the 22nd consecutive year and received the highest score of any destination in the entire poll, the publication reports.

The recognition was determined in a vote by travelers as part of the publication’s Readers’ Choice Awards for 2015.

“It’s a tremendous honor for Maui to top this coveted list and receive this worldwide recognition and publicity from Conde Nast Traveler,” said Terryl Vencl, executive director of the Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau in a press release statement.

She added, “This accolade is a testament to our island’s stunning natural beauty, world-class resorts and charming small towns, coupled with the genuine aloha spirit and friendliness of our visitor industry and residents. All of Maui is so proud.”

Readers of the magazine ranked Maui number one on a list of Best Islands in the US, with a score of 88.876, ahead of Kauaʻi – 86.537, Oʻahu – 85.661, Hawaiʻi Island – 84.654, and Sea Island, GA – 84.409.

Maui and Kauaʻi also ranked higher than the Best Island in the World – Palawan, Philippines, which earned a score of 85.937. For the first time, the magazine separated the islands into two lists – Best Islands in the World (international) and Best Islands in the US.

Maui also scored higher than the top cities in the world, beating out Florence, Italy (Best City in the World – 86.529); New York (Best Big City, U.S. – 85.944); and Charleston, SC (Best Small City, U.S. – 88.130); making it the top-rated destination in Conde Nast Traveler’s entire poll.

The magazine’s website describes Maui as, “the place to be for snorkelers, hikers, and food lovers alike.”

The publication recommends that visitors, “catch as much of Maui’s natural beauty as possible, drive the Road to Hāna, a 68-mile scenic route featuring awe-inspiring waterfalls and ending at the breathtaking Seven Sacred Pools.”

More than 128,000 travelers took part in Conde Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards survey, the most in its history. For complete results click here.