Islands of Utopia

MAUI

Why Visit: It’s known as the magical isle. For the 15th time, it was named the “Best Island in the World” by readers of Conde Nast Traveler, and beat out Bora Bora as the “Best Pacific Island” in the same poll. The reasons are as abundant as the unique activities: the sunrise over the rim of the world’s largest dormant volcano, working cowboys, whale watching, twilight cliff-diving ceremonies, Haleakala Crater, the old whaling town of Lahaina, the road to Hana, natural pools and waterfalls, diving in a volcanic crater…need we go on?

Where to Stay: Tried-and-true luxury brands Four Seasons (Resort Maui at Wailea), Ritz-Carlton (Kapulua) and Fairmont (Kea Lani) fly their flags on the island, as does the Waldorf Astoria Collection (Grand Wailea).

Must See: Humpback Whale Watching. Maui is one of the best places in the world to see these magnificent creatures, as more than 3,500 whales head to the warm waters each winter. There are certain vistas throughout the island where you can spot the gentle monsters from shore, but we recommend booking a charter departing from Maalaea and Lahaina Harbors.

Nature: Deep in the rainforest—but worth the hike—lie the Pools of Oheo, where dozens of pools have been carved into lava rock basins by streams cascading down from the Haleakala volcano. From the pools, adventurists can follow hiking trails to the Waimoku Falls, a beautiful spout of water falling 400 feet from a lava rock wall.

Adventure: Two-and-a-half miles off of Maui’s southern coast is Molokini, a partially sunken crescent-shaped volcanic crater that is known as one of the best snorkel and dive sites in the entire world. The volcanic remnants shield the underwater playground from turbulent waters, making it the ideal home for more than 250 different species of fish, including the famed Humuhumunukunukuapua.

Pampering: Golf is a type of pampering for many an enthusiast, and Maui is home to a number of championship courses. The Kapalua Resort is where you will find two of the best: The Bay and The Plantation, which is home to the PGA TOUR SBS Championship each January.