TravelHawaii Travelbest islands in the world maui

Maui Voted Best Island In The World... And Has Been For The Last 20 Years

20 Reasons Maui Has Been Voted Best Island For 20 Years Straight
By 

Gabriela is an Associate Editor for Huff Post Hawaii.

|

If Conde Nast Traveler readers are one thing, it's loyal. In the annual Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards that selects the Top 25 Islands in the World, Maui has come out on top for 20 consecutive years. It also regained its top ranking in the Top 10 Islands in the United States. How could one island stay so popular for so long? Before you ponder the implausibility, here are 20 reasons that probably account for Maui reigning supreme for two decades straight.

1. Rainbows

2. Craters: Haleakala National Park

3. Huge Waves: Peahi

4. Road Trips: The Road To Hana

5. Rolling Green Hills: The Road To Hana

6. Farm Country: Hana

7. Clouds: Haleakala National Park

8. Mountains: Haleakala National Park

9. Coral: Honolua Bay

10. Humback Whales

11. And Baby Humpback Whales

12. Waterfalls: Alelele

13. Tranquility: The Pools of Oheo

14. Golf: Makena

15. Sunsets: Kalama Park

16. Lavender Fields: Kula

17. Sea Turtles

18. Tiny Islands: Molokini Crater

19. Bamboo Forests: Oheo Gulch

20. Bliss: Lahaina Beach

Support HuffPost

At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.

Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.

Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your will go a long way.

Support HuffPost

Before You Go

Hawaii In Photos
Wailua Falls(01 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Mt Haleakala on Maui(02 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Kauai(03 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Surfboards, Maui(04 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Kalaeloa Harbor, Molokai(05 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Yoga stretch(06 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Reef Hawaiian Pro in Haleiwa, Hawaii(07 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
The Na Pali Coast, Kauai(08 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Kauai (09 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Hawaii sunset(10 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Makena Beach, Maui(11 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
A bowl of ahi (tuna) poke with limu (seaweed), green onion, chili pepper and shoyu (soy sauce).(12 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Waialae Country Club, Oahu(13 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Manini fish in Hanauma Bay(14 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
The Na Pali Coastline, Kauai (15 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Ahi Poke(16 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Banzai Pipeline, Oahu(17 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Hawaiian picnic(18 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Ft. DeRussy Beach, Waikiki(19 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Kailua sun rise(20 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
A food truck in Waimanalo, Oahu(21 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Ahi tuna (22 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Reef Triggerfish, Hanauma Bay, Oahu(23 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Wok seared ahi at Merriman's Restaurant, Waimea(24 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Kauai(25 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Kilauea Coast(26 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Banzai Pipeline on Oahu's North Shore(27 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Ala Wai Canal, Waikiki(28 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Kauai(29 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Cracked coconuts (30 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Wild Spinner Dolphins, Maui(31 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Manini fish, Hanauma Bay(32 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Coral Reef(33 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Green sea turtle, Maui(34 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Surfer in Maui(35 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Diamond Head, Oahu(36 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Na Pali Coast, Kauai(37 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Kalani Beach, Molokai (38 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Haleakala crater, Maui(39 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Ka'apoko Tunnel linking Wailua and Hanalei Valleys, Kauai(40 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Acai bowl(41 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Peacock Flounder(42 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Wainapanapa Coastline, Maui(43 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Kuli'ou'ou Trail, Oahu(44 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Nualolo Valley, Kauai(45 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Wetlands and taro fields, Hanalei Valley, Kauai(46 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Waimea Canyon, Kauai(47 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Poke with macadamia nuts and limu (seaweed)(48 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Waimoku Falls, Haleakala National Park, Maui(49 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Halemaumau trail, Kilauea(50 of84)
Open Image Modal
Correction: A previous version of this slideshow identified this as a location on Kauai. It is on the Big Island. (credit:Getty Images)
Oahu(51 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Kuilau Trail, Kauai(52 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Acai berries(53 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Akule baitball, Kona, Hawaii(54 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Hana, Maui(55 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Waianapanapa state park in Hana, Maui(56 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Chinatown, Honolulu (57 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Acai sorbet(58 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
First Lady Michelle Obama & White House social secretary Jeremy Bernard (R), Kualoa Ranch, Oahu(59 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
2011 APEC Summit, Honolulu(60 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Bamboo forest, Maui(61 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Pu'u O'o Crater, Big Island(62 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Yoga (63 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Polynesian Cultural Center, Oahu(64 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Polynesian dancers(65 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Acai bowl (66 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Acai bowl(67 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Hula festival, Big Island(68 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Laysan albatross, Kaena Point, Oahu(69 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Puu Oo crater, Big Island(70 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Hula dancer, Kauai(71 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Oahu(72 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
View from Haleakala crater, Maui(73 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Honolua Bay, Maui(74 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Lanikai Beach, Oahu(75 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Honolulu and Waikiki from Diamond Head(76 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
USS Arizona Memorial (77 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Maui(78 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Oahu(79 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Hula dancer(80 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Molokini Crater, Maui(81 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Lone house in a Kilauea lava flow, Big Island(82 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Maui (83 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)
Honolulu(84 of84)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Getty Images)

Related

Hawaii Travelbest islands in the world mauiConde Nastislands
Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip

HuffPost Shopping’s Best Finds

13 Comfy Shorts That Will Save Your Thighs From The Dreaded Summer Chafing

19 Hidden Gems On Amazon That Reviewers Have Called ‘Effective’

The Best Durable Shoes, According To Zookeepers Who Work In Mud All Day

The Most Comfortable Sandals For Walking All Day, According To Tour Guides Who Live In Them

This $4 Cat Toy Is 'Worth Its Weight In Gold' — And Behaviorists Say There's A Reason

MORE IN LIFE

Parenting

I Hit the Jackpot With The Tradwife Lifestyle Until it All Came Crashing Down

Life

A Shockingly Low Percentage Of People Tip Rideshare Drivers — Here’s The Awful Truth

Parenting

Are You Raising A Member Of The ‘Anxious Generation’?

Wellness

TikTok Claims This Cold Medicine Can Help You Get Pregnant. Is That True?

Home & Living

Hate Going To The Dry Cleaner? Here’s When You Can Cheat — And When You Shouldn’t

Life

Why Do Millennials Feel Compelled To Write ‘Lol’ After Everything?

Shopping

These Are HuffPost Readers’ All-Time Favorite Walking Shoes For Men And Women

Shopping

Just 14 Items Under $20 We Loved This Month, In Case You Need A Little Treat

Shopping

46 Products To Subtly But Genuinely Elevate Your Life

Food & Drink

5 Delicious Reasons You Shouldn't Miss Out On Salvadoran Food

Wellness

There Are 5 'Stress Languages.' Here's How To Figure Out Yours.

Food & Drink

Don't Miss The 10 Best Instagram Recipes From April

Relationships

The Funniest Marriage Tweets To Get You Through This Week

Parenting

40 Too-Real Tweets About Children Playing Musical Instruments

Life

This Shocking True Crime Series Is A Top Show On Netflix Right Now

Shopping

Brita's Popular Filtering Water Bottle Is Just $14 Right Now

Shopping

This $4 Cat Toy Is 'Worth Its Weight In Gold' — And Behaviorists Say There's A Reason

Shopping

My Holy Grail Skin-Perfecting Cream Is On Rare Sale Right Now

Shopping

19 Last-Minute Mother’s Day Gifts From Amazon That Will Arrive On Time

Shopping

9 Stylish Swim Trunks, According To The Best-Dressed Guys We Know

Shopping

27 Products From Amazon’s 'Internet Famous' Section That Are Actually Worth The Hype

Life

Forget 10,000 Steps A Day — This Is The Number You Should Focus On Instead

Relationships

5 Signs You're Dealing With Unresolved Grief

Shopping

8 Extremely Popular Emotional Support Water Bottles To Keep You Hydrated

Shopping

34 Pieces So Cute That People Might Get A Bit Obsessed With You

Shopping

11 Of Amazon's Bestselling Kitchen Tools For Under $30

Style & Beauty

Massage Therapists Reveal What They Think When You Fall Asleep, Pass Gas Or Worse

Food & Drink

8 Popular Cooking Tools That Chefs Say Are A Waste Of Money

Wellness

The 1 Thing Sleep Doctors Never, Ever Do In The Morning

Shopping

If You’re In Your 30s, Here Are 32 Comfy But Elevated Pieces You Might Fall In Love With

Parenting

Want A Better Relationship With Your Adult Children? Do These 6 Things

Shopping

35 Things To Improve The Appearance Of Your Kitchen Without A Renovation

Shopping

8 Genius Laundry Products To Make Wash Day Less Dreadful

Shopping

This Is The Bedding That Amazon Shoppers Are Obsessed With

Shopping

These 11 Hardworking Beauty Products Are Some Of Amazon's Bestsellers Right Now

Food & Drink

Eliminating These 3 Foods From Your Diet Can Be A Game-Changer For Heart Health

Style & Beauty

Yes, Your Lips Age, Too. Makeup Artists Reveal The Tricks To Wearing Lipstick After 50

Wellness

I'm A Colorectal Cancer Doctor. Here Are 5 Things I'd Never Do.

Shopping

If You Feel Like You Spend Practically All Day In Your Car, You Might Want To Try One Of These 34 Products

Shopping

This Cult-Fave Countertop Ice Maker Churns Out Sonic-Style Nugget Ice — And It's $150 Off