TripAdvisor names the best islands in the US
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Hawaii's Maui island has been voted the top island in the U.S. (TripAdvisor)
Looking for a tropical getaway but don't want to deal with the hassle of leaving the country?
TripAdvisor has just named the winners of the 2016 Travelers’ Choice awards for best islands in the U.S. With its surf-friendly beaches and plethora of outdoor adventures, Hawaii’s Maui clinched the top spot. Maui also came out on top for the best island in the world. Take that Tahiti.
Three Hawaiian islands made it to the top 10 but if you’re on the East Coast, getting to the Aloha State can be a bit of a trek. Never fear, Key West, Fl. Was voted as the country’s second best island and TripAdvisor reviewers also rated Maine’s Mount Desert Island, South Carolina’s Hilton Head and Virginia’s Chincoteague Island as can’t miss spots.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The travel site ranks award winners based on an algorithm that looks at the quality of reviews and ratings for hotels, restaurants and attractions on islands across the country and worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period.
While most of these islands have something for every type of traveler year-round, not everyone can afford to jet off to Maui at the drop of a hat. TripAdvisor also calculated the average nightly hotel rates throughout the year so you can plan your vacation when the prices are low. And you can save-- over 40 percent in some cases-- by booking a getaway during the off season.
Top 10 Islands in the U.S:
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}1) Maui, Hawaii
Reason to book now: Maui Film Festival in Wailea, Maui: June 15-19, 2016
Average seasonal hotel rates: Spring: $346; Summer: $339; Fall: $315; Winter: $412
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}2) Key West, Florida
Key West has sun, surf, sand and plenty of great nightlife options. (TripAdvisor)
Reason to book now: Turtle Kraals Key West Paddle Classic, located on Higgs Beach: April 30, 2016
Average seasonal hotel rates: Spring: $400; Summer: $299; Fall: $314; Winter: $443
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}3) Oahu, Hawaii
Reason to book now: 46th Annual Ukulele Festival, located in Kapiolani Park, Waikiki, Oahu: July 17, 2016
Average seasonal hotel rates: Spring: $243; Summer: $278; Fall: $251; Winter: $291
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}4) Island of Hawaii, Hawaii
Reason to book now: 5th Annual Big Island Chocolate Festival, located at Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel: May 13-14, 2016
Average seasonal hotel rates: Spring: $278 Summer: $273 Fall: $267 Winter: $315
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}5) Mount Desert Island, Maine
For hikers and campers, Maine's Desert Island is the perfect spot. (TripAdvisor)
Reason to book now: National Trails Day, located at the Park Headquarters: June 4, 2016
Average seasonal hotel rates: Spring: $130 Summer: $230 Fall: $171 Winter: $115
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}6) Hilton Head, South Carolina
Reason to book now: 20th Annual Rib Burnoff and Barbecue Fest, located at The Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn: May 14, 2016
Average seasonal hotel rates: Spring: $271 Summer: $328 Fall: $214 Winter: $155
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}7) Amelia Island, Florida
Love to golf? Amelia Island is calling you to the green. (TripAdvisor)
Reason to book now: Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, located in Fernandina Beach, Florida: April 29, 30, and May 1, 2016
Average seasonal hotel rates: Spring: $262; Summer: $262; Fall: $222; Winter: $194
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}8) Marco Island, Florida
Reason to book now: 40th Annual Great Dock Canoe Race, located in Crayton Cove, Naples: May 14, 2016
Average seasonal hotel rates: Spring: $410; Summer: $297 Fall: $271; Winter: $419
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}9) Chincoteague Island, Virginia
Reason to book now: 48th Annual Chincoteague Seafood Festival, located at Tom’s Cove Park: May 7, 2016
Average seasonal hotel rates: Spring: $108; Summer: $192; Fall: $114; Winter: $82
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}10) Mackinac Island, Michigan
Reason to book now: 68th Annual Mackinac Island Lilac Festival: June 3-12, 2016
Average seasonal hotel rates: Spring: $239; Summer: $337; Fall: $289; Winter: N/A
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Looking beyond the U.S. for that perfect slice of island paradise? Check out TripAdvisor’s top 10 islands around the world.