I have a boos walnut top prep table that I only oil maybe every 6 to 8 months that has even been cut on that looks great after decades of use. Oil is my first choice. This is after 20 years of use.

Oil doesn’t give much protection against stains or water. If the island will be lightly and carefully used, lots of oil (really soak it in) then beeswax can be ok. If the island will be used for food prep by not careful people then you may get some stains. Maple is light and uniformly colored so stains will show more than on a dark or variegated block. Stains can sometimes be sanded out.

If youre not cutting on it, go varnique. Oil looks nice at first but you’ll have to keep reapplying it or it starts looking dry and dull. Varnique is way easier to live with and still looks good as a tabletop

I believe for food safety not just cutting oiling is the preferred and approved method.