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Hawaii Beach Crowned US's Best!
21 May
Summary
- Poipu Beach in Kauai, Hawaii, is named the best beach in the US for 2026.
- The annual ranking by 'Dr. Beach' considers 50 criteria, focusing on warm swimming conditions.
- Several beaches were excluded due to pollution, erosion, or excessive seaweed.
Coastal scientist Stephen P. Leatherman, widely known as 'Dr. Beach,' has declared Poipu Beach on Kauai, Hawaii, as the top beach in the US for 2026. The crescent-shaped beach, nestled in lush greenery and facing an offshore island, earned the coveted first place based on an evaluation of 50 distinct criteria.
Leatherman's annual list prioritizes 'swimming beaches,' meaning warm water is a key factor. This focus often leads to Hawaiian and Floridian beaches consistently ranking high, as seen with St. Andrews State Park in Florida and Wailea Beach in Maui also appearing in the top spots. Northeastern beaches, while scenic, are frequently excluded due to cooler water temperatures.
This year's ranking saw the exclusion of several notable beaches. Coronado Beach in San Diego was removed for the second year due to sewage pollution from the Tijuana River. Lighthouse Beach in North Carolina was excluded because of erosion, and Cape Florida State Park faced removal due to excessive sargassum seaweed. Leatherman has been compiling this list since 1991, assessing factors like water quality, sand, waves, and cleanliness.
