Kaua'i named Hawaii's best island

The Kaua'i Visitors Bureau announced today that Travel + Leisure magazine has named Kaua'i the second-best island in the world and island-rich Hawaii's No. 1 destination.

The announcement came on this morning's "Today Show" when Travel + Leisure shared the results of its annual World's Best Awards, which are determined by reader surveys and based on five qualities: natural attractions, activities and sights, restaurants and food, people, and value.

Travel + Leisure is one of the world's most highly regarded and trusted sources of travel information. In the magazine's listing of World's Best Islands for 2010, Kaua'i ranked second overall, trailing only the Galapagos Islands.

"People are touched by the serenity of Kaua'i's tropical beauty and how the island allows them to escape the stress of their daily lives and be rejuvenated by nature," said Sue Kanoho, executive director of the Kaua'i Visitors Bureau. "This is such a thrill for Kaua'i to again earn this recognition from Travel + Leisure's readers because of the strong message that it sends to travelers worldwide."

In addition to hiking, mountain tubing, kayaking, snorkeling, horseback riding, ATV adventures, aerial zipline rides, and helicopter and boat tours, golf is one of the main draws in Kaua'i. Virtually all of the island's golf clubs and affiliated resorts are rated among the best in their category.

Just last month, The Grand Hyatt Kaua'i Resort & Spa and the Kaua'i Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Beach were both listed on Conde Nast Traveler's prestigious list of "Top 80 Golf Resorts." In addition, Celebrated Living named the Princeville Prince Course - located near The St. Regis Princeville Resort and Makai Golf Club - to its Top-20 U.S. Golf Course list.

"Congratulations to the Garden Isle for once again winning the hearts of travelers and receiving this prestige designation from Travel + Leisure magazine," said Mike McCartney, president and CEO of Hawai'i Tourism Authority. "This honor is a testament to Kaua'i's visitor industry and its dedication in providing visitors with an authentic and unique experience that they can't find anywhere else in the world."

Kaua'i offers more than 50 miles of white sand beaches - more beach per mile than any other island in Hawaii. Only four percent of the island is developed for commercial and residential use.

For more information about the Garden Isle visit: Kauaidiscovery.com