Conde Nast readers choose Maui as world's best island

Maui really is no ka oi. It is the top island in the world for the 16th consecutive year, according to the 2010 Conde Nast Traveler readers' poll. Additionally, it is the top Pacific island for the 20th consecutive year, with Kauai ranking second globally and locally. The Big Island is No. 8 in the world, Oahu is No. 9 and Lanai is No. 14.

Among the magazine's city rankings, Honolulu was No. 6 in the U.S., behind San Francisco; Charleston, S.C.; Santa Fe, N.M.; Chicago, and New York City -- but ahead of No. 7 Savannah, Ga.; Carmel, Calif.; Seattle, and Boston. On the global list, Honolulu ranked 25th out of the top 50 cities -- which are topped by Sydney, Australia.

Four Hawaii resorts are among the top 100 in the world, based on readers' scores.

Three of them are the Four Seasons Resorts at Wailea (41st), at Hualalai (69th) and at Lanai, Manele Bay (89th), while Hotel Hana-Maui and Honua Spa ranked 58th.

Separately, the Wailea Beach Villas ranked 91st and was Hawaii's sole entry on the magazine's list of top 100 hotels.

Hawaiian Airlines garnered a No. 3 among the top 10 airlines in North America, behind Virgin America and JetBlue Airways.