Maui named National Geographic's 'Best of the World 2026'

Oct 22, 2025

On October 21, 2025, National Geographic released its 'Best of the World 2026' list and Maui earned a coveted spot. The Best of the World list is National Geographic's annual list of the most awe-inspiring, meaningful and immersive travel experiences for the upcoming year. The editors highlighted Maui's rare mix of red, white, and black sand beaches, the otherworldly crater at Haleakala, and a deep sense of place that asks visitors to travel with care. This recognition affirms what our guests tell us every season. Maui is a place that changes you, and caring for the island changes it for the better.

"At Nat Geo, we know that travel has the power to inspire and transform us," said Nathan Lump, editor-in-chief of National Geographic. "In this year's Best of the World, we especially wanted to highlight unexpected destinations that the algorithms are probably not serving you - for instance, Uzbekistan's Khiva or Rwanda's Akagera National Park. Of course, we know that not every trip can be an off-the-beaten-path adventure, so we were mindful to include some surprisingly compelling places that are also more easily accessible. Whatever kind of traveler you are, our goal is to ensure we're sharing fresh ideas that help you connect with that feeling of discovery and joy that comes from a great travel experience."

Why Maui made the list

National Geographic's annual guide celebrates destinations that deliver awe and meaning. For 2026, the editors urged travelers to seek deeper connections with nature, culture, and community. Maui stands out for sunrise and sunset moments above the clouds at Haleakala, coastline drives that reveal hidden coves, and beaches where volcanic histories have shaped every grain of sand. The publication's Maui feature also emphasizes responsible travel during the island's long recovery and rebuilding.

The complete list includes: The Dolomites, Milan, Italy; Quebec, Canada; Beijing, China; Dominica; Rabat, Morocco; Hull, Yorkshire, England; North Dakota Badlands, US; Manila, Philippines; Black Sea Coast, Turkiye; Khiva, Uzbekistan; Akagera National Park, Rwanda, East Africa; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Yamagata Prefecture, Japan; Route 66: Oklahoma, US; Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Oulu, Finland; South Korea; Guimaraes, Portugal; Basque Country, Spain; Maui, Hawaii, US; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US; Coastal Oaxaca (Costa Chica), Mexico; Fiji; Medellin, Colombia; and Banff, Canada.

How to visit with respect

Travel here does more than fill an itinerary. Done right, it supports families, local businesses, and cultural stewards.

Learn the story of each place you visit, from ahupuaa land divisions to living traditions on the Road to Hana.
Choose experiences led by local guides, artisans, and farmers.
Follow reef-safe practices. Avoid standing on coral, use mineral sunscreen, and pack out what you bring in.
Plan extra time for Upcountry and East Maui. Spend patiently, tip fairly, and ask before photographing people or private property.

These are the same principles National Geographic shares in its guidance for Maui travelers.

KBM Resorts' commitment

As a locally rooted hospitality company, we align our guest experience with Maui's needs. We partner with local vendors and culture bearers for tours, classes, and in-residence services that keep your dollars on island.

When to come in 2026

Every day is a good day in Hawaii! Maui's calendar is filled with cultural celebrations, food and agriculture festivals, live music, canoe races, and art markets. Pair your stay with a community event to add meaning to your trip and to meet the people who shape the island today. For official listings, the statewide events calendar is a helpful planning resource.

Where to stay

KBM Resorts offers oceanfront villas and family-ready condos across Kaanapali, Napili, Kapalua, and Wailea. Every home is professionally cleaned, fully equipped, and supported by a dedicated local team. Tell us what you love and we will match you to the right neighborhood and the right vibe.

Big family or multi-gen (8-12 guests)
HKH-423/24/25 Three adjacent luxury condos that book together for up to 16 guests with sweeping ocean views and plenty of room to gather and spread out.
Oceanfront wow for large groups
HKK-450 Premier 3-bedroom at Honua Kai with a huge lanai facing Molokai and Lanai for sunset dinners.
Beach-with-kids favorite
HKK-349 Steps to multiple pools and Duke's with easy beach access that families love.
Couples retreat with classic Kapalua vibes
KBV-14G4 Quiet 1-bedroom with coastal trail access, golden-hour lanais, and a peaceful setting.
Friends traveling together, close but with privacy
Book neighboring Kapalua Bay Villas like KBV-14G4/15B3/16G4 to keep everyone near each other while maintaining private bedrooms and baths.
Adventure basecamp near trails and bays
KBV-34G4 Easy access to the Kapalua Coastal Trail, surf breaks, and golf, plus wide ocean views for whale watching in season.
Snorkel-from-your-doorstep
NAP-A25 Oceanfront at Napili Point with turtles in the cove and calm morning water.
Two families traveling together at Napili
NAP-B13/A25 Combined 2-bedroom setup that reserves two nearby villas on the ground floor for up to 8 guests.
Great value in Wailea
GCH-120 Updated 2-bedroom near golf, tennis, and Shops at Wailea for easy dining nights.
Relaxed coastal condo with sunset lawn
WEV-2103 Oversized 2-bedroom in low-rise Wailea Elua Village with a broad lanai and beachfront path.
Luxury splurge in South Maui
WBV-PH 412 Ocean-view penthouse at Wailea Beach Villas with a spacious lanai close to Wailea's top dining.

Your Maui, your way

Watch the sun dip into the Pacific from the summit of Haleakala, snorkel in calm morning coves, hike fragrant eucalyptus upcountry, then gather for a farm-to-table dinner as the sky turns to stars. National Geographic's recognition is a reminder of what makes Maui extraordinary. It is also an invitation to travel thoughtfully and to help keep the Valley Isle beautiful for generations to come.

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