Maui Ranked Among Best in US and World

Maui was ranked among the best places to visit in both the US and in the world, according to annual Best Vacation Destinations rankings released today by U.S. News & World Report.

Maui earned a number 4 spot on the list of Best Places to Visit in the USA, behind (1) Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona; (2) Yosemite National Park, California; and (3) Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Honolulu came in at number 9 and Kauaʻi came in at number 16 on the list.

According to the publication, “Visually appealing and naturally beautiful destinations dominate the Best Places to Visit in the USA ranking, with national parks claiming four of the top five spots on the list.”

Maui was also ranked number 6 on the publication’s World’s Best Places to Visit list. The list was topped by Paris, noted for its attractions, cuisine and atmosphere. New Zealand’s South Island came in at number 2, “thanks in part to its breathtaking scenery, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and affordable activities.” Others on the list were: (3) Rome; (4) Tahiti, French Polynesia; and (5) London.

Scenic Maui, photo by Wendy Osher.

The new rankings highlight the World’s Best Places to Visit, as well as region-specific and niche lists, including the Best Places to Visit in the USA, the Best Historical Cities to Visit in the USA, the Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA, the Best Places to Visit in Australia and The Pacific and the Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean, among others.

The publication analyzed more than 700 destinations, combining editor, traveler and expert feedback to determine the most remarkable destinations around the world.  Destinations were scored in 10 categories, “from sights, culture and food to nightlife, adventure and romance.”

“This year we saw an unmistakable travel trend: More people are interested in spending their hard-earned vacation days outdoors,” said Christine Smith, travel editor at U.S. News. “Although travel trends and the appeal of various vacation destinations are always changing, the U.S. News Best Vacations lists feature a mix of destinations so travelers can find the right vacation for them, regardless of interests and budget.”

2019-20 U.S. News & World Report Best Vacations Rankings

See the full rankings here.

World’s Best Places to Visit
1. Paris
2. South Island, New Zealand
3. Rome
4. Tahiti, French Polynesia
5. London
6. Maui, Hawaiʻi
7. Bora Bora
8. Phuket
9. Grand Canyon
10. Yosemite

Best Places to Visit in the USA
1. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
2. Yosemite National Park, California
3. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
4. Maui, Hawaiʻi
5. Glacier National Park, Montana
6. New York City
7. San Francisco
8. Washington, D.C.
9. Honolulu – Oʻahu
10. Telluride
11. Jackson Hole
12. Lake Tahoe
13. Juneau
14. Grand Teton National Park
15. Zion National Park
16. Kauaʻi
17. San Diego
18. Aspen
19. New Orleans
20. Boston