Maui Voted Best Island in the World 20 Years in a Row!

For those of us fortunate enough to call the Valley Isle our home, we’ve all heard the expression “Maui No Ka Oi” time and time again. The meaning of No Ka Oi is “the best.” The Valley Isle has so much to offer and the local culture places a great emphasis on family, community, and respect. Maui is the best island to call home and has been included in Condé Nast Traveler Top 25 Islands for the last 20 years.

My Top 5 Reasons Maui is the Best Island to Call Home

Want to know what makes Maui No Ka Oi? Below are my favorite (Top 5) reasons from Huffington Post. If you’re interested in seeing the whole article about Maui, check out Huffington Post Top 20 Reasons.

1. Whale Watching From Shore

The winter months are my favorite time of the year, as I’m wearing shorts and t-shirts while my family on the mainland is sporting their heavy winter coats and bracing for long winter months.

But the real reason winter is my favorite time of the year is because the Humpback Whales are making their trip from the Alaskan waters to Hawaii – and it’s no secret that they love hanging out around Maui for the winter.

There are plenty of options for whale watching, but my favorite is sitting on a beach and waiting for the whales to arrive. Many people choose to take a whale watching tour (and those can be fun, too), but the whales get so close to shore you can literally watch them from the beach.

2. Colorful Maui Sunsets

Sunsets on Maui are breathtaking and are a great way to end your day. Depending on the current weather patterns, you can see vivid colors of deep reds, purples, yellows, and more. There’s nothing better than sitting on the beach with your loved ones, talking about your day, and taking in another beautiful sunset.

3. Swimming with Sea Turtles (Honu)

Snorkeling in the waters off Maui is a great experience, but it’s a fantastic experience when the Honu (sea turtles) grace you with their presence. Some Honu are very inquisitive, often intrigued by your presence in the water, swimming right up to you to take a closer look.

Honu are amazing animals, and have been a protected animal for some time to ensure their population does not diminish. When you’re swimming in our waters and encounter Honu, be sure to keep your distance and do not touch or feed the animals.

4. Snorkeling at Honolua Bay

One of my favorite places to snorkel on the island is Honolua Bay. Honolua Bay is located north of Kapalua, and is an easy 15 minute drive from Lahaina. During the summer months, the waves tend to be very small, making Honolua Bay a great place for snorkeling (and with any luck, snorkeling with some Honu).

The water is crystal clear when the waves are small, making visibility optimal. The reef in Honolua Bay attracts a variety of sea creatures including Honu, a variety of fish, eels, and so much more.

5. Exploring Great Maui Beaches

Of course, how could I possibly talk about all of the things that make Maui No Ka Oi without mentioning the beaches. We have a variety of beaches on the island including white, red, and black sand beaches. We’ve got beaches that are great for swimming, beaches great for walking, and anything else your heart may desire.

As you walk through your favorite neighborhood, you’ll see beach access paths in addition to dedicated parking lots for the more popular beaches. Beaches in Hawai’i are open to the public, so feel free to explore all of our great beaches!