If you heard of the saying "Maui no ka oi" meaning Maui is the best, it is because many people feel that it is true.
More than 28,000 people voted this year in the Conde Nast Traveler magazine reader's choice awards, and chose Maui as the top island in the Pacific, followed by Kauai ( both in Hawaii), and the Great Barrier Reef Islands in Australia placed third.
The magazine announced the awards in its November issue, available Oct. 25 on newsstands. The 20th annual Readers' Choice Awards are gleaned from what the editors describe as "the largest independent poll of consumers' preferences, the Readers' Choice Survey, second in size only to the U.S. Census."
Along with many other destinations in the Pacific Rim, Hawaii's popularity has increased over the years and now merits its own "Hawaiian Resorts" category.
The top three spots in the Hawaiian Resorts category went to Four Seasons properties: Four Seasons Maui at Wailea, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Big Island, and the Four Seasons Lanai at Koele, Lana'i.
If you have been to Maui before, please share with other readers via a comment, on what makes Maui the best to you.
We lived on Maui for four years. As a military family, we've lived many other places, but I can honestly say that only Maui became home of our hearts.
From the moment I stepped off the plane, I knew I had come home, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
The day after we moved in, the neighbour across the street saw me outside weeding the flower beds which had been sadly neglected. He came over and offered plantings from his own yard to get my gardens started. When the lady next door found out that our furniture and effects wouldn't be arriving for several weeks, she came over with a bag full of pots and pans for us to cook with. I could go on and on, listing the kindnesses we received. We were welcomed and accepted in a way we'd never experienced before or since.
When people ask if I want to go back... I tell them that I have my moving boxes ready, just waiting for the opportunity to return.
Posted by: Susan Flemming | October 17, 2007 at 09:00 AM
Maui is a special place. I love the drive along the road to Hana. It's just beautiful with beaches, cliffs, waterfalls, lush green plants and trees!
Posted by: Sheila | October 17, 2007 at 02:39 PM
I am glad you both love Maui as much as I do! While you are waiting to return, make your own opportunity by entering to win a free trip to Hawaii, I post every Sunday about a new Hawaii sweepstakes:)
Posted by: HawaiiVacationGifts | October 17, 2007 at 05:17 PM
There is so much to see and do on Maui! It is a great vacation spot and I highly recommend it. It is easy to see why people have voted it a top vacation spot.
Posted by: Kevin Tangers | November 04, 2009 at 09:47 AM
Can't agree more. Been there last June and the place was awesome, you really can relax there and unwind.
Posted by: Canon Digital Cameras | January 15, 2010 at 04:45 PM
Can't argue with that because I have been to the place and for me its very beautiful.
Posted by: Gift Registry | January 17, 2010 at 01:59 AM