Hawaii claims three of America’s top 10 best beaches

By MOOK Travel Life Net / Li Xinyi, compiled and reported

Dr. Beach has been releasing his list of the top 10 best beaches in the United States every year since 1991 over the Memorial Day weekend. This year marks the 22nd edition. Dr. Stephen Leatherman, director of the Coastal Research and Lab at Florida International University, uses 50 criteria to determine the top 10 U.S. beaches. This year, Hawaiian beaches secured three spots in the top 10.

Kahanamoku Beach on Oahu, Hawaii, took second place. It was named in honor of the famous Hawaiian-American swimmer Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, who is also considered the father of modern surfing. The coral reefs near the shoreline help calm the waves, making it an ideal beach for families with young children. Hamoa Beach on Maui, Hawaii, ranked fifth, while Waimanalo Bay Beach Park on Oahu, Hawaii, came in seventh.

Over the past 22 evaluations, Hawaii has claimed the No. 1 spot 11 times, most recently in 2009 when Hanalei Bay on Kauai took the top honor. However, once a beach has won the No. 1 title, it seems to often step aside and make way for others. Beaches such as Kapalua Bay on Maui in 1991, Hapuna Beach on the Big Island in 1993, Lanikai Beach on Oahu in 1996, Hulopoe Beach on Lanai in 1997, Kailua Beach Park on Oahu in 1998, Wailea Beach on Maui in 1999, Kaunaoa Beach on the Big Island in 2000, Poipu Beach on Kauai in 2001, Kaanapali Beach on Maui in 2003, and Hanauma Bay on Oahu in 2004 — all winners of the No. 1 spot — have since retired from the top ranking.

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