Skip to main content

This U.S. state breaks into the top 10 luxury travel destinations of 2024

Maui is the only U.S. destination that made the list

By Amanda Teague Dec 25, 2024 4:00 AM

Maui — Kinglike

A new survey by Kinglike has revealed that Maui, Hawaii, has secured a spot among the top 10 most visited luxury travel destinations in 2024, making it the only U.S. destination to earn this distinction. The survey included responses from 158,000 high-net-worth individuals worldwide, highlighting Maui’s global appeal.

Known for its stunning resorts, private villa rentals, and exclusive experiences like private helicopter tours and secluded beach retreats, Maui offers plenty of opportunities for high-end indulgence.

Recommended Videos

Commenting on the study, travel expert and founder at Kinglike, Thanasis Mougios said, “Maui being in the top 10 most visited destinations among luxury travelers is no surprise. This is because Maui perfectly combines exclusivity and natural beauty with world-class accommodations. For high-net-worth individuals, it offers an ideal blend of relaxation and exploration. Its unique geography means visitors can experience pristine beaches, volcanic landscapes, and lush rainforests all within a short drive. This variety is rare in other destinations, which makes the perfect spot for travelers seeking diverse, high-end experiences in one place.”

Which other destinations made the list?

Luxury travel destinations — Kinglike / Kinglike

The other destinations rounding out the top 10 include:

Amalfi Coast, Italy
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tuscany, Italy
Maui, Hawaii
Kyoto, Japan
Santorini, Greece
Monaco
Maldives, South Asia
Seychelles, East Africa

Other findings from the study

white yacht on body of water during daytime — Luke Moss / Unsplash

The Kinglike survey offered intriguing insights into the preferences of high-net-worth travelers. Among the most notable trends, luxury train tours emerged as the most popular type of tour, favored by 24% of respondents.

When it comes to booking decisions, sustainability plays a key role, influencing 36.2% of participants, a clear sign that eco-friendly options are becoming increasingly important.

As for motivations, 27.5% of travelers prioritize unique experiences, while 22% are drawn by luxury accommodations. Luxury yachts also made waves, with 40.4% of respondents naming them their preferred mode of transport.

Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio, is a dedicated explorer of both the world and the written word… Read Full Bio

Topics

Destinations

4 wildlife trips worth traveling for this fall

Kenya

Sometimes the best time to experience the wild isn’t always the busiest time. Across some of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife destinations, the shoulder seasons bring their own rewards that can draw travelers in. Wildlife travel is a type of travel I’ve recently become increasingly fascinated with, and I hope to do more of it in the coming years.

Traveling in the fall for fewer crowds, dramatic landscapes, more unique seasonal animal behaviors, and intimate encounters simply makes sense to me. As many safari destinations reopen for the season this fall, these five wildlife trips will get you inspiration for your next adventure.

First Look: Hard Rock is Opening a Baller Resort and Spa in Malta

Indoors, Architecture, Building

A petite rocky paradise which, as an island, is in itself a UNESCO World Heritage site, Malta’s popularity has been steadily growing. And paired with Delta’s first direct flight from JFK, today’s announcement of the Hard Rock Hotel Malta’s opening may be the perfect reason to pack your bags and explore this otherworldly Mediterranean archipelago, just south of Sicily.

As the red-headed stepchild of bigger, more popular destinations like Greece, Croatia, Spain and even Turkey, Malta offers all the perks of a Southern European holiday in a pared-down, more compact setting. Yup, you still get beautiful beaches and clear turquoise water, but you’ll also be able to explore the easy-to-traverse prehistoric temples, Roman-era remains and Neolithic carvings, as well as access thriving local traditions like its Ventian-like dghajsa boats. With its new resort, however, Hard Rock hopes to cement the island country as a more sophisticated hotspot for International travelers, offering the first combination of 5-star luxury, beach club and live entertainment.

These Are the World’s Most Instagrammable Cities in the Fall

Road, City, Street

A new study has revealed that Paris is the most Instagrammable place for autumn travel. Having been there myself — albeit, in the winter — I can see why. Growing up in Los Angeles, you’re not accustomed to seeing the landscape change around you after each season. This is why yours truly is hitting up Portland, Maine, soon to experience foliage season. Paris in the fall is now on the bucket list.

The September 2026 study on the most Instagrammable places for autumn travel was conducted by Duel.com, which looked at how many Instagram hashtags each city has, along with the number of sights and landmarks available to photograph. It also measured average September temperatures and the overall cost of a trip. Each city was scored out of 100, revealing the best cities for travelers looking for the right angle and backdrop.