Can these 4 world-class islands compete with Maui?

Instagram seems to make everywhere look too good to be true. So when it comes to turning your island dreams into an actual vacation, which destination delivers the experience you’re truly searching for?

We’ve done the research for you. Today we’re comparing 5 of the world’s most coveted island destinations: Seychelles, Bermuda, Koh Samui, Bora Bora, and Maui. Ready to dive in?

Seychelles: dreamy paradise in the Indian Ocean

Located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa, Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 granite and coral islands that feels like stepping into a nature documentary. This is where you’ll find some of the world’s most pristine beaches, including the famous Anse Source d’Argent with its iconic granite boulders and Anse Lazio’s splendid swimming conditions.

What makes Seychelles special

The Seychelles offers an unmatched commitment to conservation, with UNESCO World Heritage sites like Vallée de Mai and rare endemic species including giant tortoises. The warm Creole hospitality creates a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere, and the powder-white sand beaches are protected by coral reefs that provide calm, crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

The authentic Creole cuisine blends African, French, and Asian influences, featuring fresh grilled fish, coconut-based curries, and tropical fruits. However, dining can be expensive due to the remote location and reliance on imports.

The reality check

While Seychelles delivers on pristine natural beauty, it comes with a hefty price tag. Expect to spend $3,000-6,000+ per person for a seven-day trip, with accommodations ranging from $150-800+ per night.

The remoteness that makes it special also means limited dining variety and higher costs for everything from meals ($50-100+) to flights ($800-2,000+ from major cities).

Bermuda: pink sand paradise in the Atlantic

This British territory in the North Atlantic offers something completely unique: 34 beaches with pink sand created from coral and shell fragments. Bermuda’s compact 21 square miles pack in dramatic limestone formations, no rivers, and the famous Horseshoe Bay with its iconic rock formations.

Bermuda’s distinctive charm

What sets Bermuda apart is its blend of British courtesy with island friendliness. The locals are known for their “courtesy culture” where people wave to passing vehicles, and the traditional British manners create a uniquely welcoming atmosphere. The pink sand beaches are globally unique, and the island’s location makes it easily accessible from North America.

The food scene reflects British colonial influences with international cuisine, fresh seafood, and the famous fish sandwich. The island is also notably safe, with proper British manners still observed throughout.

Consider this

Bermuda has some quirky limitations that might surprise you. No rental cars are allowed, so you’ll be getting around by scooter, bus, or taxi. While the pink beaches are stunning, there’s less variety in landscapes compared to other tropical destinations.

A seven-day trip runs $2,500-5,000+ per person, with meals costing $25-75+ each.

Koh Samui: Thailand’s cultural gem

Thailand’s second-largest island in the Gulf of Thailand offers 228.7 square kilometers of volcanic mountains, 25 beautiful beaches, and a rich Buddhist culture that’s both authentic and welcoming.

This is where you’ll find the iconic 12-meter Big Buddha and some of the most genuine hospitality in Southeast Asia.

Why Koh Samui stands out

The exceptional Thai hospitality is rooted in Buddhist culture, with locals known for their genuine warmth and generosity. The food scene is world-class, and includes tasty dishes like Pad Thai, Pad Kra Pao, Som Tam, and Massaman Curry at super affordable prices. The street food scene offers authentic dishes for just a few dollars.

Koh Samui also benefits from a shorter wet season (September-November) compared to other Thai islands, and it recently gained fame as the filming location for “The White Lotus” Season 3.

The budget-friendly bonus

Here’s where Koh Samui really shines: value. A seven-day trip can cost as little as $800-2,500+ per person, with accommodations ranging from budget-friendly $25 per night to luxury $300+ options. Meals cost just $5-30+, making it possible to experience authentic luxury without breaking the bank.

Bora Bora: the ultimate romantic escape

Bora Bora is known as the “Pearl of the Pacific,” a 38 square kilometer volcanic island in French Polynesia surrounded by a crystal-clear lagoon. It’s is famous for being the first to offer those dreamy iconic overwater bungalows, with Mount Otemanu as the dramatic volcanic backdrop.

Bora Bora’s romantic appeal

This is the ultimate honeymoon destination, offering legendary overwater bungalows with direct lagoon access and some of the world’s most pristine white sand beaches at Matira Beach. The warm Polynesian hospitality includes traditional Tahitian dances, Polynesian arts and crafts, and meaningful cultural storytelling.

The French-Polynesian fusion cuisine features specialties like Poisson Cru (raw fish in coconut milk) and traditional underground oven cooking (imu), with French influences evident in pastries, fine dining, and baguettes of course.

The luxury reality

Bora Bora delivers on the ultimate luxury experience, but it comes at a premium price. A seven-day trip can cost $3,500-20,000+ per person, with accommodations ranging from $400-3,000+ per night. The overwater bungalows are iconic but expensive, and the limited variety of dining options can feel restrictive during longer stays.

Maui: the best of all worlds

At 727 square miles, Maui offers an incredible diversity of landscapes, from the 10,023-foot Haleakala crater to its 80+ beaches of various hue of sand. This is where you’ll find everything from luxury Wailea Beach to family-friendly Kaanapali Beach, plus world-class diving at Molokini Crater just offshore.

What makes Maui special

The Aloha spirit is deeply embedded in Hawaiian culture, emphasizing respect for both land and people. Locals are known for talking story (unhurried conversation) and building genuine, long-lasting connections with others. The cultural renaissance of the past 30 years has strengthened authentic Hawaiian traditions while inviting visitors  to participate.

Maui’s thriving farming community and year-round growing climate have created excellent opportunities for healthy, fresh cuisine. The diverse influences and Hawaii Regional Cuisine movement create an eclectic dining scene all the way from food trucks to fine dining. This includes fresh local fish, tropical ingredients (think lilikoi (passionfruit) and kalo (taro)), and farm-to-table experiences that connect diners directly with local fishermen and farmers.

The variety advantage

What sets Maui apart is its incredible diversity. You can watch the sunrise from Haleakala National Park, drive the scenic Road to Hana, go whale watching (November-April), and experience everything from luxury resorts to authentic local culture. The island offers the most variety in landscapes, activities, and cultural experiences.

A seven-day trip costs $2,000-5,000+ per person, with accommodations from $100-500+ per night and meals ranging from $15-50+. This puts Maui in the middle range for cost while offering the most diverse experiences.

Why we think you should come to Maui

Of course, we’re biased! But here’s why we believe Maui offers something special that sets it apart from these other incredible destinations.

What makes Maui unique is that it delivers the perfect balance across multiple categories. You get pristine beaches like Seychelles, cultural richness like Koh Samui, romantic luxury like Bora Bora, and accessibility like Bermuda.

But beyond matching what each destination does best, Maui offers diverse landscapes from volcanic craters to coral reefs, authentic Hawaiian culture with genuine aloha spirit, world-class dining from food trucks to fine restaurants, and activities ranging from adventure sports to relaxing spa days.

Maui also offers this incredible variety at a reasonable cost compared to ultra-luxury destinations like Bora Bora, while providing more cultural depth and natural diversity than smaller islands.

For US mainland travelers, especially those on the West Coast, Maui is incredibly accessible with over 100 flights daily from the US mainland and competitive pricing that makes it easier to get here than many other tropical destinations.

Conclusion

Each of these five destinations excels in their own way:

• Seychelles offers unmatched pristine nature
• Bermuda provides unique pink sand beaches with easy accessibility
• Koh Samui delivers exceptional value and authentic Thai culture
• Bora Bora remains the ultimate romantic luxury escape.

But when you choose Maui, you’re not just picking a beautiful beach destination. You’re choosing an island that can fulfill multiple vacation dreams in one trip, whether it’s adventure, relaxation, cultural immersion, or romantic escape. And once you experience that breathaking natural beauty and authentic aloha spirit, you’ll understand why so many people keep coming back to the Valley Isle.

Image credits: Chris, Mark Harpur, Max Böttinger, Fabien BELLANGER,