Once again, well, 19 times to be exact, the Conde Nast Reader’s Choice Award goes to my awesome island, Maui.
Rankings for Best U.S. Island
A close second was another Hawaiian island, Kauai. Third went out to Kiawah, South Carolina. Fourth, Fifth and Sixth completed the island chain; Oahu, Lanai, and the Big Island. The percentages are as follows:
- Maui: 92%
- Kauai: 89.3%
- Kiawah, South Carolina: 88.8%
- Oahu/St. Simons, Georgia: tied at 85.7%
- Lanai/Big Island: tied at 85.1%
What this would tell me as a potential visitor to Hawaii is that you can’t go wrong visiting any island here.
When you are dining in one of the fine restaurants on Front Street in Lahaina, you’ll probably be on a deck like this looking out at the ocean
Maui County Dominates the “Top 25 Hawaii Resorts” Category
Maui County also dominated in the “Top 25 Hawaii Resorts” category. 11 properties were honored with 4 of the top 5 being from Maui County.
- Four Seasons Resort Lanai/Four Seasons Resort Koele: 96.2%
- Four Seasons Resort Hualalai: 95.2%
- Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay: 94.7%
- Four Seasons Maui at Wailea: 93.9%
- Wailea Beach Villas: 93.7%
What these statistics tell me is that the Four Seasons Resorts has some pretty good properties!
Interested in Moving to Maui?
So, at what point does one decide to make Maui a partial residence? For me, I was over the climate swings of LA (you may laugh, but the low 40’s during the winter was harsh for a Maui boy! LA also just got over a heat wave with temperatures in excess of 105 degrees.)
I also really missed the people and the local food. To an outsider, sometimes our “cuisine” seems a bit strange. But to us, it’s considered comfort food. So I bit the bullet and moved back 3 years ago come October 29.
I haven’t looked back yet nor have I returned to LA. I moved here with two dogs so I had to be proactive with respect to quarantine requirements. With enough planning, I was able to have my pets released immediately.
What’s stopping you?
Shaylyn Kimura
October 24, 2012
Hawaii No Ka Oi, way to represent!! I love my island home!
Ken Molina R(S)
October 24, 2012
Thanks for reading. I didn’t realize we were so popular! Dang.
Shaylyn Kimura
October 24, 2012
Hawaii No Ka Oi, way to represent!! I love my island home!
Ken Molina R(S)
October 24, 2012
Thanks for reading. I didn’t realize we were so popular! Dang.
Heidi Farmer, R(S)
October 26, 2012
I can understand why, my husband just came back from South Carolina and was so happy to get back to paradise here on Maui.
Ken Molina R(S)
October 26, 2012
@ Heidi – When I lived in LA and visited Maui, upon return to LA, I’d be depressed for a couple of weeks. It got to the point that I couldn’t take in any more and once I decided I was moving, set my 6 month plan in motion. IT CAN BE DONE!
Heidi Farmer, R(S)
October 26, 2012
I can understand why, my husband just came back from South Carolina and was so happy to get back to paradise here on Maui.
Ken Molina R(S)
October 26, 2012
@ Heidi – When I lived in LA and visited Maui, upon return to LA, I’d be depressed for a couple of weeks. It got to the point that I couldn’t take in any more and once I decided I was moving, set my 6 month plan in motion. IT CAN BE DONE!
Angela
May 11, 2013
Totally agree 🙂 there is something to be said about being able to swim in the ocean 365 days a year. It soothes the soul. I love Maui, Big Beach is the best.
Ken Molina
May 13, 2013
@angela – the best is going to the beach on Christmas day, taking a pic and texting it to all my friends on the mainland. hehehe! Thanks for reading!
Angela
May 11, 2013
Totally agree 🙂 there is something to be said about being able to swim in the ocean 365 days a year. It soothes the soul. I love Maui, Big Beach is the best.
Ken Molina
May 13, 2013
@angela – the best is going to the beach on Christmas day, taking a pic and texting it to all my friends on the mainland. hehehe! Thanks for reading!