Hawaii’s breathtaking beaches, turquoise waters, and unforgettable sunsets have helped Maui overtake Paris in a new ranking of the world’s most romantic destinations.
Paris may have long been known as the City of Love, but a new survey suggests that American travelers are falling for a different kind of romantic escape. Maui, one of Hawaii’s most beautiful islands, has claimed the top position, edging out the French capital by one percentage point.
The findings come from a survey commissioned by FunJet Vacations and conducted by Talker Research last summer. The poll asked 2,000 Americans to identify their favorite destinations for romance.
Maui emerged as the clear favorite, receiving 34 percent of the votes, compared with Paris at 33 percent. Its appeal is easy to understand: the island combines azure waters, pristine white-sand beaches, and swaying palm trees with spectacular sunsets, excellent cuisine, rich cultural traditions, fascinating history, and plenty of opportunities for adventure.
Rome, Venice, and Cancún Complete the Top Five
Although Maui and Paris dominated the rankings, several other internationally renowned destinations also earned recognition.
Rome secured third place, with 29 percent of respondents describing it as one of the world’s most romantic destinations. Venice followed in fourth place, while Cancún, Mexico, rounded out the top five, earning 19 percent of the votes.
The results show that romance means different things to different travelers. For some couples, it may be exploring historic European streets and enjoying intimate dinners, while others prefer tropical coastlines, beautiful beaches, and sunsets overlooking the ocean.
Why Traveling Together Matters
According to Dana Studebaker, vice president of marketing for consumer brands at FunJet Vacations, a romantic vacation is about much more than choosing an attractive destination.
She explained that traveling together allows couples to step away from their everyday routines, discover new places, and strengthen their relationships. Whether a couple is beginning a new romance, deepening an existing connection, or rekindling the excitement in a long-term relationship, a shared getaway can create meaningful memories.
The survey also explored when couples should take their first vacation together. Most respondents felt that waiting approximately one year into a relationship was ideal. However, 42 percent said they would be comfortable traveling together sooner.
Ultimately, there is no fixed timeline for a first couples’ getaway. The right moment depends on the relationship and the comfort level of both partners.
Whether the destination is Maui, Paris, Rome, or somewhere entirely different, the most memorable romantic escapes are those that allow couples to reconnect, enjoy new experiences, and celebrate their time together.
With its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, tropical scenery, and extraordinary sunsets, Maui has certainly made a compelling case for taking the crown from Paris.
