The annual Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are out, and Hawaii and Hawaii made minimal appearances compared with destinations including Bali, the Maldives, and others. However, while some locations scored big wins with global accolades, Hawaii’s appeal is not focused solely on these five-star awards.
Instead, Hawaii is left hanging its hat on authenticity, natural beauty, and unmatched spirit to keep travelers returning, hopefully, year after year. Here’s a grounded look at what makes Hawaii stand out in this year’s awards and whether our islands will continue to be highly desirable tropical destinations despite what these awards indicate.
In an award-driven world that often favors opulence over authenticity, Hawaii stands apart with a focus on conservation and natural beauty, as we saw firsthand. Highlighted by moments like the release of threatened green sea turtles at Mauna Lani on the Big Island, a symbolic act that’s part of a decades-long conservation effort. It underscores some of what makes Hawaii special—a deep respect for nature and a commitment to preserving its delicate ecosystems. While Hawaii’s luxury may not always align with conventional awards, it’s these authentic experiences, where travelers connect meaningfully with the islands, that keep them returning.
Hawaii’s place in global travel: something different than top resorts and spas.
Let’s be real: Hawaii’s hotels and spas aren’t topping the world charts for luxury or opulence. And maybe that’s okay. Still, two Big Island resorts—Mauna Lani (lead image) and Four Seasons Hualalai —earned top scores in the U.S. & Canada rankings, third at 98 and second at 99, respectively. These properties represent Hawaii’s highest-ranked offerings as hotels seek to stand out by delivering experiences grounded in Hawaii’s natural beauty and cultural connection.
In an awards world where luxe is definitely one yardstick, Hawaii’s quieter, natural, and sometimes even unconventional approach might be underappreciated. But this quirky blend of comfort, culture, and down-to-earth beauty keeps many visitors coming back. Perhaps it’s time for the travel awards to look beyond the surface-level top-star ratings.
Top island experiences: competing with Bali and the Maldives on Hawaii’s terms.
This year’s global top islands list includes popular tropical destination spots like Bali, Fiji, and the Maldives, each with unique draws that travelers often compare to Hawaii in our comments. Yet, Hawaii offers something distinct: a domestic yet exotic island experience rich with lush valleys, volcanic landscapes, and beaches that are stunning and culturally significant.
David C. asked, “What makes Hawaii so sacred? I will be travelling to Bali in three months, and I have yet to hear/read, how one must behave.” That while Simon said, “Bali this summer – waaaaaaay less expensive and equally beautiful.”
Regarding the Maldives, Albert E. said, “Hotels basically have colluded to raise room rates to ridiculous levels. Hate to break it to Hawaii, but you’re not Tahiti & you’re not Maldives.” On the other hand, Dirk pointed out, “Hawaii is accessible in ways that Costa Rica and Mexico, not to mention the Maldives, will never be.”
While other destinations may focus on luxurious isolation, Hawaii stands out for inviting visitors into the landscape and culture. From a morning at a farmer’s market on Oahu to a hike along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast, Hawaii offers an experience that often feels more interactive and inclusive. Rather than just passing through, visitors often engage with the island, creating memories beyond the resort.
Hawaii islands ranked among those in the U.S., but not at the top.
Hawaii didn’t rank at all in the readers’ picks of the top islands worldwide. Within the U.S. top ten, however, Maui came in third (92.47), Honolulu fifth (91.51), Kauai eighth (90.58), and Big Island ninth (90.42). The top picks for U.S. islands were South Carolina’s Hilton Head Island (95.22) and Kiawah Island (94.42).
Aloha spirit missing from among CN’s “friendly destinations.”
In a category where cities like Singapore scored highest for friendliness, and even New York City ranked, Hawaii’s approach to hospitality feels fundamentally different. Here, the welcome tries to be more than customer service; Hawaii relies on the aloha spirit—a value that, when delivered, can encompass respect, compassion, and a genuine invitation to connect.
While Hawaii’s tourism landscape has changed dramatically and has challenges as visitors strain local resources, the Aloha Spirit can and should continue to make the islands unique. Hawaii’s hospitality can feel personal and sincere, from beachside chats with residents to finding lesser-known spots for poke. Visitors are not just treated as guests but as part of the community during their stay.
Wellness and sustainability: Hawaii hasn’t succeeded in taking on competitors.
Wellness is all the rage, with travelers seeking experiences that rejuvenate mind and body. Hawaii’s approach to wellness does not match the luxury of high-end global retreats, but it offers something meaningful. Lomilomi massages, island salt scrubs, and treatments incorporating native plants can offer visitors a genuine connection to the islands. It’s wellness rooted in place rather than opulence.
Eco-tourism, too, has been gaining some traction in Hawaii. The islands’ focus on preserving the natural environment and respecting cultural heritage is increasingly important, resonating with those who want to travel consciously.
As for who made the cut, no wellness spas/hotels made the Conde Naste cut for the top 10 globally or within the U.S. Sensei Lanai was close, coming in at eleventh place globally.
Does Hawaii’s appeal go beyond awards?
While the Condé Nast awards spotlight favorite hotels, cities, and destinations globally and within the U.S., Hawaii’s true allure is not about flashiness or topping the “best” list.
For those who visit Hawaii, the draw lies in finding a place that feels like home, even halfway across the Pacific. Hawaii’s lasting appeal must remain in its authenticity—a blend of land, culture, and people that creates an experience visitors won’t find elsewhere. But is it delivering?
Can awards truly capture the depth of Hawaii’s connection with travelers?” It’s about real experiences, respect for culture, and the aloha spirit—qualities that keep visitors returning. Beyond any ranking, that sense of belonging and connection is ideally Hawaii’s true accolade.
What would your Hawaii awards include? Beat of Hawaii lead photo at Mauna Lani’s Turtle Independence Day.
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I think you may have inadvertently hit the nail on the head guys. Hawaii charges “5 Star” prices for 2 maybe 3 star experiences. I’ll repeat what I’ve posted before: Hawaii’s tourist industry is built on affordable family tourism. However, the industry seems to have lost sight of that very important point and it’s going to severely impact the economy, and quickly, unless there are major pricing changes… JMHO
Best Regards
What’s missing – just returned form 2 weeks on Kauai. No Hawaiian music played anywhere – what happened at the airport? Shopping areas – nada except the hula shows. The music + singing are beautiful but we didn’t hear anything this year.
Heard a Mahalo only once – even though I said it many times – yes we heard thank you but I might as well go to Cleveland for that. When passing staff, we always used to get an Aloha, not this year – it was hello. It took me a week to even feel like I was in Hawaii – should have happened on arrival.
So sad hearing from folks who feel that aloha no longer exists.
Everyone who comes to our farm on Kauai experiences lots of aloha…those who come and stay in our farmstays, those who come to play with clay in our Mud Hut pottery studio, those who come for watercolor classes, those who come to play in our weekly “farmball” pickup softball game, even those who come to play poker 🙂
Oh, and those who I meet on the beach while playing with the dogs and picking up plastic trash.
KKCR radio plays Hawaiian music for at least a couple of hours every morning and you can download music on your phone or tablet. Look up restaurants and other venues that offer Hawaiian music from talented musicians.
Bali in 2023 was building everywhere like crazy. It shows what a place looks like with zero restrictions on building. Things change since my first trip there 34 years ago, but it is heartbreaking to see what it has become.
With luxury hotel rooms starting at over $1000 per night on all of the Hawaiian islands, no wonder people are looking at other vacation options. If Hawaii wants to be the playground for millionaires and billionaires so be it. However just remember that your culture and heritage are not at all compatible with a glitz and glitter lifestyle and society. Hawaii is not Las Vegas, and hopefully never will be, Thank God for that!
Hawaii’s days of a Rewarding Atmosphere, Placing on the Conde Nast list, and Award Winning may be a thing of the past, at least for now. The famous Aloha tradition has been replaced with Hawaiian made signs informing tourists to Go Home and Don’t Come Back. With ever increasing Hotel and Resort Prices, a traveler would think that they would have a room that has every amenity and convenience known to exist, Not. Hawaii has become known for its ambivalance towards Tourists wants, looking more to relieve them of their last dollar. The volcanoes are somewhat of a draw,one time at the most, and the flora and fauna can be found in many other places, for much less money. Hawaii has made it quite clear, if you’re not Wealthy then We are Not Interested, Stay at Home! Now that we have, they want us back, their Economy is falling apart. I don’t see the Prices of Rooms coming Down, must not be hurting too much!
Can’t argue with most of your points. However, I gotta disagree about the volcanoes. I make it a point to hike the Sliding Sands trail on Haleakala even time I visit. It’s about as spiritual, at least for me and my wife, as you’ll find anywhere on this planet. Maybe with the exception of Monument Valley on the Arizona/Utah border.
Hawaii locals and politicians: “We really dislike tourists. Go home. Stay home. And stay away.”
Also Hawaii locals and politicians: “Why is tourism and our desirability ranking down significantly?”
I have been travelling to Maui since 1984. I have never felt so unwelcome! No aloha! I’ll be heading elsewhere for far less.
Sorry. It don’t matter how many awards you win. If the tourists are not welcome and locals feel hatred toward tourist’s then it don’t matter how beautiful the islands and beaches are. Remember it’s a two way street and attitude and respect is everything. It’s one thing to be really expensive to vacation yet another to treat tourists like crap.
OMG, Don. Only a very few misguided “locals” feel hatred toward tourists. If you happen to see “stink eye” just walk the other way. If a service provider is unhelpful or rude, do not leave a tip. That said, I doubt you will encounter either. Most people on Kauai, both kama’aina and malahinis, are happy, respectful, grateful, and gracious, and welcoming to mindful travelers. That said, “Keep it Kauai-it” so that we do not get overrun with those who lack respect for local customs and mores. And please consider doing some volunteer work while on island.
Bruce F
You must be an islander. Hey visited Kobe japanese restaurant and had some 2 for 1 entertainment book coupons. I used them on the kids meals so the server said to use the coupon you must leave a 35% tip. She then took one meal and cut the portion size in half and said you get what you pay for. Me and the wife’s meals were twice as big portion wise. I explained to her she cut the meals in half for the kids and didn’t think the tip was fair at that point. She then told me she would call the police if I didn’t tip 35%. People charge for visiting the USS Arizona and it is a free
admission. Everything you do you get scammed. Have you ever heard of a tourist’s price menu versus a local price menu at Tony Roma’s. The tourist’s menu is twice the price. Fool me once shame on you fool me twice shame on me..
Why would Conde Nast “reward” Hawaii with it’s top ratings when, for the better part of the last few years, the locals (and Governor) have been complaining about tourists? “Mindful tourism” is a euphemism for “selfish vacationer.” It would not surprise me if Hawaii Tourism Authority conspired with Conde Nast to downplay the islands for a spell. Some people seem to have already gotten the word, judging from your other article about hotel occupancy plunging. Maybe there are not enough mindful tourists to go around.
Aloha Maleko. I think you must have meant to write “Mindful tourism” is a euphemism for “Non selfish vacationer.”
I meet a whole lot of mindful tourists. Most are wonderful interesting folks and few of them stay in resorts. When they see me picking up plastic trash washed in on the local beach, they often pitch in, or at least thank me for my efforts.
Hawaii does not allow new resorts to be built so they fall behind !!
Thank goodness that few new resorts are being built. I wish that more local folks were allowed to open their home to mindful tourists. Aloha is alive and well among many, if not most, local residents on Kauai.
The chickens have come home to roost. Hawaii has priced itself out of the tourism market because the State is run by incompetent morons. Which makes me question the residents who vote them in. Until that changes Hawaii will continue to be a less desirable place to travel. Good luck.
I have to wonder why you are on this site….the elections are over! Why not enjoy your beautiful state so that we can enjoy our beautiful state? If you don’t know the song “we do it island style”, I suggest you listen to it.
The Aloha spirit is evaporating with the locals, they see tourists and tourism as the problem in all of Hawaii. those feelings are reinforced by most of the local politicians.
Aloha means love and since I also love music, the song “you don’t know what love is” comes to mind. That said, my personal opinion is you don’t have to love people who put you down. You get what you give and I feel the Aloha spirit all around me here on Maui.