Every year for 34 years, the famous Dr. Beach, or if you prefer Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, professor and director of the coastal research laboratory at Florida International University in Miami, publishes his list of achievements a few days before Memorial Day of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the United States. In 2023, a beach in Florida ranked first, but this time, a beach in Hawaii took the prize. All the same, Florida still stands out, since two of its beaches appear in the ranking.
Thus, of the 650 American public beaches evaluated by the scientist, the big winner for 2024 is Duke Kahanamoku Beach in Oahu, Hawaii. Named for the Hawaiian Olympic swimmer, this beach is on the west end of Waikiki Beach, away from the big crowds. Stephen P. Leatherman, a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia, explained in his press release that it is “the largest beach on this world-famous stretch of sand, and is protected by a coral reef offshore, making it the ideal beach for families with children. He adds that the nearby Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon is also a popular swimming spot. Its view of the iconic Diamondhead Volcano in the distance makes Duke Kahanamoku one of the most picturesque beaches in the United States.
For over 30 years, Stephen P. Leatherman (Dr. Beach) has examined, assessed and rated beaches and coastal areas around the world.
Photo provided by Stephen P. Leatherman
Hawaii really stands out this year as three of its beaches made the short list with Maui’s Wailea Beach coming in at number three and Kauai’s Poipu Beach at number seven.
Last year, Julian G. Bruce Beach at St. George Island State Park in northwest Florida’s Panhandle topped the rankings. It is not included this year, but the beach at Caladesi Island State Park, 14 km long in the Dunedin region, still in Florida, comes in fourth place, the same rank as last year.
Coronado Beach, San Diego, California.
Photo provided by Stephen P. Leatherman
The beach at Caladesi Island State Park
Dr. Beach explains that Caladesi Island State Park is one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States because of its white quartz sand, which is particularly soft especially at the water’s edge. It also highlights the quality of its particularly clear water, without forgetting the wooden footbridges from which you can admire the surroundings. But his favorite part of this place is to kayak or canoe through the mangroves to observe the great blue heron and other birds of this idyllic place. Caladesi is reached by ferry from Honeymoon Island (the neighboring island which is also worth visiting), by private boat or by a long walk north from Clearwater Beach.
Main Beach, East Hampton, New York.
Photo provided by Stephen P. Leatherman
Naples also takes top honors
In eighth place is Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park Beach in Naples. The scientist says he loves this Gulf of Mexico beach because of its white sand and crystal clear water. It is possible to practice many activities there: -swimming, -snorkeling, paddle boarding, shellfish picking, or simply fishing. As for the wildlife in the park, it includes eagles, ospreys and manatees. In addition, visitors particularly like the refreshing shade of the tall pines. Note that the park has not yet completely recovered from the hurricane Ian of 2022 and certain areas remain prohibited!
Wailea Beach, Maui, Hawaii.
Photo provided by Stephen P. Leatherman
Comparison criteria
Stephen P. Leatherman uses around fifty criteria to establish his ranking, among these, the softness and color of the sand, the color of the water and its temperature, the number of days of sunshine, the frequency of precipitation and wind speed.
It also considers the presence of algae, waste, rip currents (rip currents) which could take you offshore and the presence or absence of rescuers.
It also takes into account the smell, the noise, the fauna and flora, the safety record, the crime rate, the number of deaths if applicable, and finally the traffic. and development.
Extra points are awarded to beaches that prohibit smoking, due to pollution attributable to discarded cigarette butts.
RANKING FOR 2024
1 Duke Kahanamoku Beach Oahu, Hawaii
2 Coopers Beach Southampton, New York
3 Wailea Beach Maui, Hawaii
4 Caladesi Island State Park Dunedin Clearwater, Florida
5 Beachwalker Park Kiawah Island, South Carolina
6 Main Beach East Hampton, New York
7 Poipu Beach Kauai, Hawaii
8 Delnor-Wiggins Pass-State ParkNaples, Florida
9 Coast Guard Beach Cape Cod, Massachusetts
10 Coronado Beach San Diego, California
