It’s known as the “Valley Isle” but it’s the peak of what travellers want out of an island escape. MAUI is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands and merely the 17th largest island in the United States, but dotted with quaint towns, artist communities and (of course) incredible beaches.
That’s why TripAdvisor has deemed the Hawaiian paradise as the most coveted island in the world. The company’s annual Travelers Choice Awards used an algorithm that factors in web traffic and quality of reviews and ratings for the attractions, restaurants and hotels there throughout the year.
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Visitor to Wailuku can snap up pastries from “mom and pop” bakeries, or visit Lahaina for a taste of Maui’s famed farm to table cuisine. The pristine beaches are an obvious draw but other attractions include the sacred Iao Valley, migrating humpback whales and sunsets on Haleakala.
Within the regional categories, Santorini took the top spot for most beautiful island in Europe while Jamaica and Bali top the category in the Caribbean and Asia respectively.
Here’s the full top 10 list:
1 – Maui, Hawaii
2 – Santorini, Greece
3 – Jamaica
4 – Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
5 – Bali, Indonesia
6 – Majorca, Spain
7 – Mauritius
8 – Phuket, Thailand
9 – Bora Bora, French Polynesia
10 – Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
IN PICTURES:
1 – Maui, Hawaii
"The Hawaiian island of Maui is a destination for true nature lovers. The ethereal bamboo forest and churning waterfalls in Haleakala National Park can be explored via the Waimoku Falls Trail."
2 – Santorini, Greece
"Even if you’ve never been to this Cyclades island in the Aegean Sea, you’d still recognise it immediately – candy-colored houses carved into cliffs, sapphire waters, gleaming white buildings topped with half-spheres the colour of a stormy sky."
3 – Jamaica
"Is there anything better than stretching out like a cat in a warm patch of Jamaican sun? Only if you sprinkle your island vacation with a dash of adventure. Known fondly as “the land of wood and water,” Jamaica’s forests feature prime hiking and bird watching."
4 – Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
"The most populated of the Turks and Caicos islands, Providenciales is one of the world’s top beach destinations. The diving and snorkeling is as convenient as it is stunning, thanks to miles of coral reef that’s easily accessible from the shore."
5 – Bali, Indonesia
"Bali is a living postcard, an Indonesian paradise that feels like a fantasy. Soak up the sun on a stretch of fine white sand, or commune with the tropical creatures as you dive along coral ridges or the colorful wreck of a WWII war ship."
6 – Majorca, Spain
"The dreamy island that provided inspiration to Chopin and Miró now has a reputation as a spring break beach destination. Don't worry, though, if you're vacationing over elementary school spring break-- there's plenty for the younger crowd."
7 – Mauritius
"Mauritius is arguably Africa’s wealthiest destination, a tropical paradise with tons to do. Port Louis, the modern capital of this 38-mile by 29-mile island, is a bustling port with a revitalized waterfront and a busy market."
8 – Phuket, Thailand
"Thailand’s largest island is an international magnet for beach lovers and serious divers, who enthusiastically submerge themselves in the Andaman Sea. Blue lagoons and salmon sunsets make for a dream-like atmosphere, and indeed, a vacation here can feel a bit surreal."
9 – Bora Bora, French Polynesia
"Turquoise lagoons, soft white sands, and deep tangerine sunsets set the scene for romance on the island so nice they named it twice. Mingle with tropical fish as you flutter around Coral Gardens or Tupitipiti Point, or relax in a self-driving tour as you take in beautiful views of the once-volcanic Mount Otemanu."
10 – Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
"The archipelago of Fernando de Noronha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a delicate ecosystem. Visitors are restricted, but the lucky few are rewarded with unrivaled beaches and soothing warm waters filled with dolphins and sea turtles, making Noronha one of the world’s top diving destinations."
