Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards Names Maui “Top Island in Hawai‘i”

ʻĪao Valley. Photo 10.4.16 by Wendy Osher.

The island of Maui has earned honors once again as the No. 1 spot on Travel + Leisure magazine’s list of “Top Islands in Hawaiʻi” in its 2018 World’s Best Awards readers’ survey.

The list also featured: Lānaʻi at No 5; Oʻahu at No. 4; Big Island at 3; and Kauaʻi at No. 2.

Maui was also ranked No. 14 on the publication’s list for “Best Island in the World.”  That list was topped by Java, Indonesia.

The awards will be featured in the upcoming August issue of Travel + Leisure.

“We are proud to receive this wonderful recognition from Travel + Leisure readers and share this honor with the visitor industry and people of Maui that continue to make our island a remarkable, world-class destination,” said Sherry Duong, executive director of the Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau.

Readers of Travel + Leisure annually rate their recent experiences with destinations, hotels and resorts, spas, tour operators, safari outfitters, airlines, cruise lines and rental-car companies through their participation in the magazine’s annual World’s Best Awards survey. This year marks the 23rd edition of the awards.

Travel + Leisure editor in chief Nathan Lump said, “With stellar food, friendly people, lots to do and, of course, spectacular beaches, Maui is a pretty perfect package according to T+L readers. So, it’s no surprise to see this perennial favorite topping the list once again.”

According to the magazine, its annual World’s Best Awards are determined by discerning readers who cast votes for the hotels, destinations and companies that make up the final awardees lists. Collectively, the lists define the very best in worldwide travel.

Island rankings are based on readers’ ratings of five characteristics: natural attractions and beaches, activities and sights, restaurants and food, people and friendliness, and value.