Back in 2013 we called Mauritius "the <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftravel.cnn.com%2Fmauritius-best-africa-destination-136561%2F">best Africa destination</a> you know almost nothing about." Word's getting out.
Mauritius, Africa —
Back in 2013 we called Mauritius "the best Africa destination you know almost nothing about." Word's getting out.
TripAdvisor Traveler Photo
The number of visitors is restricted on Fernando de Noronha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. "The lucky few are rewarded with unrivaled beaches and waters filled with dolphins and sea turtles," says TripAdvisor.
Fernando de Noronha, Brazil —
The number of visitors is restricted on Fernando de Noronha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. "The lucky few are rewarded with unrivaled beaches and waters filled with dolphins and sea turtles," says TripAdvisor.
TripAdvisor Traveler Photo
White sand beaches and blue lagoons are two reasons Bora Bora held onto ninth place for a second straight year.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia —
White sand beaches and blue lagoons are two reasons Bora Bora held onto ninth place for a second straight year.
TripAdvisor Traveler Photo
Although the Thai island of Ko Tao didn't make the list this year, another Thai favorite did: Phuket, with its fabulous diving and easy access to imposing rock formations.
Phuket, Thailand —
Although the Thai island of Ko Tao didn't make the list this year, another Thai favorite did: Phuket, with its fabulous diving and easy access to imposing rock formations.
TripAdvisor Traveler Photo
Spanish painter Joan Miró was captivated by the Mediterranean light of the island of Mallorca. So are many Europeans who flock to the No. 6 island's beaches.
Mallorca, Spain —
Spanish painter Joan Miró was captivated by the Mediterranean light of the island of Mallorca. So are many Europeans who flock to the No. 6 island's beaches.
TripAdvisor Traveler Photo
Bali is best known for its beaches but it's also got a unique system of <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fedition.cnn.com%2Fvideos%2Ftravel%2F2016%2F01%2F20%2F60-second-vacations-bali-rice-fields-travel.cnn%2Fvideo%2Fplaylists%2Ftravel%2F">rice terraces</a> that are UNESCO protected.
Bali, Indonesia —
Bali is best known for its beaches but it's also got a unique system of rice terraces that are UNESCO protected.
TripAdvisor Traveler Photo
Locally known as "Provo," Providenciales is the most developed island in Turks and Caicos. Most of its infrastructure is found along the 12-mile Grace Bay beach.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos —
Locally known as "Provo," Providenciales is the most developed island in Turks and Caicos. Most of its infrastructure is found along the 12-mile Grace Bay beach.
TripAdvisor Traveler Photo
Jamaica didn't rank in last year's top 10. Now it's vaulted into third place.
Jamaica —
Jamaica didn't rank in last year's top 10. Now it's vaulted into third place.
TripAdvisor Traveler Photo
The Greek island of Santorini, the remains of an exploded volcano in the Aegean Sea, has black sand beaches and picturesque villages.
Santorini, Greece —
The Greek island of Santorini, the remains of an exploded volcano in the Aegean Sea, has black sand beaches and picturesque villages.
TripAdvisor Traveler Photo
With more than 80 beautiful beaches and only about 131,000 year-round residents, the 2016 "best island" title holder is Maui.
Maui, Hawaii —
With more than 80 beautiful beaches and only about 131,000 year-round residents, the 2016 "best island" title holder is Maui.
TripAdvisor Traveler Photo
World's best islands

Story highlights

U.S. island tops TripAdvisor's list of the best islands in the world

Top islands in regions including the U.S. and Europe also named

CNN  — 

For sun-starved worker bees, nearly any island will do.

But for the island aficionado, Maui is No. 1, according to TripAdvisor’s 2016 Travelers’ Choice awards for islands, released Tuesday.

Maui moved up from second place last year to knock Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos out of the top spot, sending it tumbling to fourth place.

“In addition to their truly magnificent landscapes, the Travelers’ Choice Islands are home to highly rated hotels, restaurants and attractions, and are brimming with unique culture,” said TripAdvisor spokeswoman Julie Cassetina.

World’s best beaches

No. 2-ranked Santorini, Greece, moved up two spots from a No. 4 ranking last year.

Jamaica ranked No. 3 this year. The Caribbean island wasn’t in last year’s top 10.

In addition to the global list, TripAdvisor also ranks islands regionally.

The travel review and booking site selected its Travelers’ Choice island award winners based on the quality and quantity of user reviews over 12 months.

World’s top 10 islands for 2016

1. Maui, Hawaii

2. Santorini, Greece

3. Jamaica, Caribbean

4. Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

5. Bali, Indonesia

6. Mallorca, Spain

7. Mauritius, Africa

8. Phuket, Thailand

9. Bora Bora, French Polynesia

10. Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

Top U.S. islands

1. Maui, Hawaii

2. Key West, Florida

3. Oahu, Hawaii

4. Island of Hawaii, Hawaii

5. Mount Desert Island, Maine

6. Hilton Head, South Carolina

7. Amelia Island, Florida

8. Marco Island, Florida

9. Chincoteague Island, Virginia

10. Mackinac Island, Michigan

Top 10 European islands

1. Santorini, Greece

2. Majorca, Spain

3. Madeira, Portugal

4. Crete, Greece

5. Tenerife, Spain

6. Rhodes, Greece

7. Gran Canaria, Spain

8. Corsica, France

9. Jersey, United Kingdom

10. Island of Capri, Italy