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If your idea of vacation still revolves around turquoise water and peaceful beaches, stop eyeing Hawaii getaways—your dream island may be a lot closer to home than you realize.
That's according to Condé Nast Traveler's 2026 Readers' Choice Awards for the best islands in the United States, with South Carolina's Hilton Head Island taking first place and Kiawah Island coming in second. Yes, even Maui had to settle for bronze. Oahu came in at No. 4 and Nantucket at No. 5. Not exactly shabby company for a couple of Southern barrier islands.
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So what makes Hilton Head the reigning champion? The island offers 12 miles of sandy beaches, sprawling golf courses, bike trails and enough waterfront restaurants to make a weeklong vacation feel woefully insufficient. It's the sort of slow-paced place where your biggest daily decision might be whether to spend the afternoon paddleboarding or lying horizontal on the beach.
Kiawah Island, meanwhile, is the slightly more secluded sibling. Located about an hour's drive from Charleston, the island is known for its pristine shoreline, wildlife and high-end resorts, including the Sanctuary Hotel at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. One of Kiawah's best perks is Beachwalker Park, a rare public beach on the island's southwest tip. Seasonal admission typically costs $5 to $10, making it one of the most accessible ways to experience this otherwise upscale destination.
South Carolina's island domination doesn't end there. Fripp Island landed at No. 15, while Isle of Palms came in at No. 18. That's four state destinations on the list, in case the first two weren't enough to inspire a little regional bragging.
Of course, Maui remains an extraordinary, iconic destination, with dramatic volcanic scenery, snorkeling and the unforgettable drive to Hana. But the latest ranking is a reminder that a memorable island vacation doesn't have to involve a transpacific flight. Sometimes, all you need is a stretch of sand, a good seafood dinner and the radical decision to ignore your phone for a few days.
The best islands in the United States, according to Condé Nast Traveler:
1. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
2. Kiawah Island, South Carolina
3. Maui, Hawaii
4. Oahu, Hawaii
5. Nantucket, Massachusetts
6. Lanai, Hawaii
7. Sanibel Island, Florida
8. South Padre Island, Texas
9. Amelia Island, Florida
10. Big Island, Hawaii
11. Kauai, Hawaii
12. Jekyll Island, Georgia
13. Mackinac Island, Michigan
14. Tybee Island, Georgia
15. Fripp Island, South Carolina