10. Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Brazilian archipelago of Fernando de Noronha is the world's 10th best island according to TripAdvisor's 2016 Travelers' Choice Awards. Visitors are restricted, but the lucky few are rewarded with unrivaled beaches and soothing warm waters filled with dolphins and sea turtles, making Noronha one of the world’s top diving destinations. (TripAdvisor)

While they may all seem the same to some, there's more to an island than just sun, sand and surf. The 10 postcard-perfect islands named by TripAdvisor's 2016 Travelers' Choice Awardsas the world's best feature stunning scenery, amazing hotels, bustling nightlife and an abundance of activities, in addition to spectacular beaches.

Maui topped the 2016 list, announced by travel planning and booking site TripAdvisor on Tuesday. The Hawaiian island knocked the 2015 winner, Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos, out of the top spot. Providenciales, known for Grace Bay's stretch of white-sand beaches and turquoise-blue waters, is ranked fourth this year.

What catapulted Maui to the top? TripAdvisor cited the island as a "destination for true nature lovers," with Haleakala National Park'sethereal bamboo forest and churning waterfalls as major attractions. Reviewers also praised Maui's golden sands and unforgettable windsurfing and snorkeling.

"With common traits like breathtaking beaches, exciting activities and popular hotels and restaurants, the Travelers’ Choice Islands are favorites of the TripAdvisor community," said Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor.

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View the slideshow above to see stunning images of the world's top 10 islands to explore in 2016, or see the list below.

World's Top 10 Islands for 2016:

1. Maui, Hawaii

2. Santorini, Greece

3. Jamaica

4. Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

5. Bali, Indonesia

6. Majorca, Spain

7. Mauritius, Africa

8. Phuket, Thailand

9. Bora Bora, French Polynesia

10. Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

TripAdvisor determinedthe 2016 Travelers' Choice Award winners with algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for hotels, restaurants and attractions on islands worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period, as well as traveler booking interest on TripAdvisor.