WAILUKU - For the 15th time, the annual Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards poll has chosen Maui as the "Best Island in the World."

Voters also selected Maui as the "Best Pacific Island" for the 19th straight year. The awards poll is in its 22nd year.

County leaders and visitor officials said the award was particularly meaningful in these tough economic times.

Mayor Charmaine Tavares said the honor "reflects the commitment of our visitor industry to offer their very best to our island guests."

"Receiving such recognition this year is especially significant in light of challenging economic conditions," Tavares said. "It is a result of outstanding and sustained efforts to simultaneously promote an industry that is our county's economic engine and preserve the things that make us exceptional."

Maui Visitors Bureau Executive Director Terryl Vencl echoed Tavares' comments.

"As destinations everywhere continue to endure challenging times, Maui has been able to capture the hearts and minds of treasured visitors from all across the globe," Vencl said.

The awards were announced Thursday evening in New York City. Maui was introduced as "the perennial favorite."

"The Pacific Ocean is the ratings powerhouse. Of 10 islands that score above 80, seven are Oceania and four are Hawaiian led - as usual, by Maui," Conde Nast Traveler reported.

Also for the first time, Maui and Lanai hotels dominated the "Top Hawaii Resorts" category with four of the top five resorts coming from the county. They were: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, No. 1; Four Seasons Resort Lana'i, The Lodge at Koele, No. 3; Hotel Hana-Maui and Honua Spa, No. 4; and Four Seasons Resort Lana'i at Manele Bay, No. 5. The second-ranked Hawaii resort was the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on the Big Island.

Other top-ranked Maui properties included: The Fairmont Kea Lani Maui, No. 9; Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa, No. 12; Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, No. 14; Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, No. 15; and Westin Maui Resort & Spa, No. 20. Maui County captured nine of the top 20 spots.

In the "Best Pacific Island" category, Maui was first with a score of 90.1. Kauai placed second with 87.8, followed by Bora Bora in third with 84.9.

The Big Island placed sixth, followed by Oahu at seventh and Lanai at eighth.

The magazine's annual Readers' Choice Awards poll analyzes the travel preferences of its readership in various categories, including cities, islands, airlines, cruise lines, hotels, spas, resorts and rental cars.

More than 25,000 readers participated this year. Complete results will be in the November issue.