With summer just around the corner, beach lovers are eager to find the best sandy spots in the U.S. The person with the answers: Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, also known as Dr. Beach.
Every year, Leatherman ranks the top U.S. beaches along the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts. He uses 50 criteria scored on a five-point scale, including sand softness, number of sunny days, cleanliness, and more.
A geoscientist and coastal ecologist, Leatherman earned his nickname while teaching a course on waves and beaches at the University of Maryland. His students began calling him “Dr. Beach.”
This year, Duke Kahanamoku Beach in Hawaii has been named the number one beach in the United States in Dr. Beach’s annual Best Beaches awards, published just in time for Memorial Day Weekend.
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An aerial view of Duke Kahanamoku Beach, Oahu, Hawaii, named the best beach in the U.S.
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What Leatherman loves about Duke Kahanamoku Beach: “It has the finest white coral sand and clear water, with the iconic Diamondhead volcano in the distance,” he said in a statement. “Its location at the west end of Waikiki Beach means it’s far from the large crowds, making it the widest beach on this world-famous stretch of sand.”
The winning beach is protected by an offshore coral reef, which makes it an ideal spot for families with children. The nearby Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon is also a favorite for bathing and swimming. “Hawaii’s smoking ban on all beaches enhances public health and protects marine life, earning extra points in my ranking,” said Leatherman.
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Unfortunately, North Carolina’s Lighthouse Beach, a long-time favorite, is absent from this year’s list due to severe erosion and environmental contamination from an old U.S. Navy submarine spy station revealed by coastal storms. “Lighthouse Beach is an erosion hotspot and currently caught in an environmental and bureaucratic mess,” said Leatherman.
From Hawaii to Florida, here are Dr. Beach’s 10 best beaches for 2024.
Duke Kahanamoku Beach, which was just named the best beach in the U.S. Duke Kahanamoku Beach is the … [+] widest beach in Waikiki and an offshore protective reef makes it a good beach for families.
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1. Duke Kahanamoku Beach – Oahu, Hawaii
Why it made the list: “Kahanamoku Beach is located on the west end of Waikiki Beach, far from the large crowds elsewhere,” says Leatherman. “It is the widest beach on this world-famous stretch of sand and protected by an offshore coral reef, making it a good beach for families with children.”
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A tip: Check out the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon, which is protected by an offshore coral reef—“ideal for families with children,” says Leatherman. The iconic Diamond Head volcano adds to its picturesque beauty.
Coopers Beach in Southhampton, New York.
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2. Coopers Beach – Southampton, New York
Why it made the list: “Coopers Beach is located on the south shore of Long Island, shielded from the cold Labrador currents in the beautiful village of Southampton,” says Leatherman. “This first Gold Coast in the country is hundreds of yards wide, made of grainy white quartz sand, and backed by large sand dunes and extravagant mansions.”
A tip: “Some of the best beach access in the Hamptons exists on Coopers Beach; a snack bar serving lunch and drinks can be found here as well,” says Leatherman.
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Wailea Beach on the island of Maui.
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3. Wailea Beach – Maui, Hawaii
Why it made the list: “Wailea Beach is a series of five pocket beaches that are part of the Wailea resort complex, which provides public right-of-way for visitors,” says Leatherman. “The white coral sand beach gently slopes offshore and is great for snorkeling when the ocean is calm.”
A tip: “The beautifully landscaped park, adorned with tropical vegetation and flowering bushes and trees, makes this beach even more special,” says Leatherman.
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Caladesi Island State Park in Florida.
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4. Caladesi Island State Park – Dunedin/Clearwater, Florida
Why it made the list: “Caladesi is accessed via pedestrian ferry boat, private boats, or a long walk north from Clearwater Beach,” says Leatherman. “The white beach, composed of crystalline quartz sand, is soft and cushy at the water’s edge, inviting one to take a dip in the sparkling clear waters.”
A tip: “Leatherman recommends taking a kayak or canoe trip through the mangroves to see large blue herons and other birds that frequent this wonderful natural area.”
A pretty South Carolina beach.
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5. Beachwalker Park – Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Why it made the list: “Beachwalker Park is the public beach on the southern end of Kiawah Island, a nature-lovers coast where visitors can bring their canoes and kayaks to paddle through the tidal inlets,” says Leatherman.
A tip: “It’s fun to walk or bicycle down the fine-grained sand beach to Captain Sam’s Inlet to see thousands of birds,” says Leatherman. “The water isn’t clear, but it is clean and provides fantastic seafood.”
Main Beach in East Hampton, New York.
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6. Main Beach – East Hampton, New York
Why it made the list: “Main Beach blends nature and built environment perfectly,” says Leatherman. “Wealthy summertime residents flock to the beaches protected by a conservation easement dating back over 300 years.”
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A tip: “Main Beach is great for star-spotting as many actors and actresses visit for its peaceful, countryside setting,” says Leatherman. “The best way to get around is by bicycling to avoid parking issues.”
Sunset on Poipu Beach, a popular vacation destination lined with resorts vacation condo rentals, … [+] restaurants and hotels on the south shore of Kauai, Hawaii.
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7. Poipu Beach – Kauai, Hawaii
Why it made the list: “Located on the sunny, dry side of this island, Poipu Beach is actually two beaches in one,” says Leatherman. “A tombolo, a narrow sand spit, separates the two pocket beaches, with the offshore island knocking down the big waves.”
A tip: “Small waves break gently on the shallow sandbar, creating a fun area for children to play,” says Leatherman. “As you move along the crescent-shaped beach, the waves vary in size.”
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White sand beach of Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples, Florida.
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8. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park – Naples, Florida
Why it made the list: “This barrier island beach boasts beautiful white sand beaches and crystal-clear Gulf waters,” says Leatherman. “Activities include swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, shelling and fishing.”
A tip: “Pine trees provide welcome shade,” says Leatherman. “The park is still recovering from Hurricane Ian in 2022, so some areas remain closed.”
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A tidal flat at Coast Guard Beach in Eastham on the Cape Cod National Seashore.
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9. Coast Guard Beach – Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Why it made the list: “Accessible by bicycle from the Salt Pond Visitor’s Center or shuttle bus, Coast Guard Beach offers a spectacular view of the Nauset Spit barrier system and bay,” says Leatherman. “The picturesque old Coast Guard station still sits atop the glacial bluffs.”
A tip: “During the summer, beachgoers take quick, refreshing dips in the ocean as the water is chilly,” says Leatherman. “Always swim near a lifeguard and heed the red flags with shark images if present.”
Scenic shots of Coronado on Coronado Beach in San Diego, California.
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10. Coronado Beach – San Diego, California
Why it made the list: “Coronado Beach is the toast of Southern California with its unique Mediterranean climate and fine sparkling sands containing mica,” says Leatherman. “The local landmark Hotel del Coronado has hosted kings, sheiks and celebrities for over a hundred years.”
A tip: “The beach is great for ship-watching and summer’s warm and mild surf,” says Leatherman. “Check online for water quality before swimming and surfing.”
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Tonight: Cloudy. Scattered showers in the evening, then isolated showers after midnight. Lows 59 to 66 near the shore to 48 to 54 at 4000 feet. Southeast winds up to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40 percent.
Monday: Cloudy with isolated showers. Highs 75 to 80 near the shore to around 65 at 4000 feet. East winds up to 10 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.
Monday Night: Cloudy with scattered showers. Lows 59 to 65 near the shore to 48 to 54 at 4000 feet. East winds around 10 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.
Kona
Tonight: Cloudy. Isolated showers in the evening. Lows around 69 near the shore to 45 to 52 near 5000 feet. Light winds. Chance of rain 20 percent.
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Monday: Cloudy. Highs 81 to 86 near the shore to around 67 near 5000 feet. Light winds becoming west up to 10 mph in the afternoon.
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Monday Night: Mostly cloudy. Lows around 69 near the shore to 44 to 51 near 5000 feet. Northwest winds around 10 mph in the evening becoming light.
Waimea
Tonight: Cloudy and breezy. Isolated showers in the evening. Lows 59 to 68 near the shore to 53 to 59 near 3000 feet. East winds up to 10 mph increasing to up to 20 mph after midnight. Chance of rain 20 percent.
Monday: Cloudy and breezy. Isolated showers in the morning. Highs 72 to 78 near the shore to 67 to 75 near 3000 feet. East winds up to 20 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy. Breezy. Isolated showers in the evening. Lows 59 to 67 near the shore to 52 to 58 near 3000 feet. East winds 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.
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Kohala
Tonight: Cloudy and breezy. Isolated showers in the evening. Lows 59 to 68 near the shore to 53 to 59 near 3000 feet. East winds up to 10 mph increasing to up to 20 mph after midnight. Chance of rain 20 percent.
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Monday: Cloudy and breezy. Isolated showers in the morning. Highs 72 to 78 near the shore to 67 to 75 near 3000 feet. East winds up to 20 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy. Breezy. Isolated showers in the evening. Lows 59 to 67 near the shore to 52 to 58 near 3000 feet. East winds 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.
South Big Island
Tonight: Cloudy. Isolated showers in the evening. Lows around 71 near the shore to around 51 near 5000 feet. Northeast winds up to 15 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.
Monday: Cloudy and breezy. Highs around 83 near the shore to around 64 near 5000 feet. East winds up to 20 mph.
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Monday Night: Mostly cloudy. Breezy. Lows around 70 near the shore to around 50 near 5000 feet. East winds 10 to 20 mph.
Puna
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Tonight: Cloudy. Scattered showers in the evening, then isolated showers after midnight. Lows 59 to 66 near the shore to 48 to 54 at 4000 feet. Southeast winds up to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40 percent.
Monday: Cloudy with isolated showers. Highs 75 to 80 near the shore to around 65 at 4000 feet. East winds up to 10 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.
Monday Night: Cloudy with scattered showers. Lows 59 to 65 near the shore to 48 to 54 at 4000 feet. East winds around 10 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.
Waikoloa
Tonight: Cloudy. Lows around 70 near the shore to 48 to 54 above 4000 feet. Light winds.
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Monday: Cloudy. Highs around 83 near the shore to 65 to 71 above 4000 feet. Light winds becoming northwest up to 15 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy. Lows around 70 near the shore to 47 to 54 above 4000 feet. North winds 10 to 15 mph shifting to the east after midnight.
Synopsis
The cold front has dissipated into a trough and remains northwest of the Hawaiian Islands this evening. High pressure will build in from the north and allow the trade winds to strengthen from Monday through Wednesday. Brief passing showers will favor windward and mountain areas in the overnight to early morning hours through Wednesday and then over southeastern slopes and island interior sections from Thursday onward. Winds will weaken and veer slightly from a more east-southeast direction from Thursday on into the weekend. Shower activity will remain limited during this time period.
Short term update
The large band of high level cirrus clouds and mid level alto stratus clouds currently over the islands will continue to slowly diminish through Monday. The cold front approaching the islands has stalled and diminished into a trough just northwest of the island of Kauai. Trade winds blow into the region and strengthen into the moderate to locally breezy range from Monday through Wednesday. A slight decrease in wind speeds and a shift from a more east- southeast direction remains in the forecast from Thursday onward as another cold front approaches the islands from the northwest, weakening and lifting the ridge north of the state. Local scale sea breeze winds will develop along terrain sheltered slopes of each island as the large scale winds weaken. Limited shower activity will prevail into next weekend with only brief showers possible. The afternoon forecast looks good. No evening updates.
Previous discussion
Issued at 302 PM HST Sun Mar 1 2026. Expectations for this afternoon remain on track. The boundary upstream of Kauai has made little to no forward progress today, sea breezes have struggled to establish owing to abundant high clouds, and showers southwest of Kauai and Oahu have essentially remained in place while stratiform elements peel off to the northeast. In addition, regenerating showers over Windward Oahu have dissipated in response to backing low-level flow. All told, an uneventful, cloudy, and mostly dry day across the state. Going forward, building heights over the N Central Pacific will maintain strengthening, but progressive high pressure at the surface. This in turn ensures the return of trades tonight which then become breezy during mid-week. Winds diminish slightly by late week as trades veer to ESE in advance of another round of upstream height falls. Typical trade wind weather anticipated throughout this time with showers focused windward and mauka. High clouds gradually clear from west to east Monday into Tuesday before exiting the area altogether by Wednesday.
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Aviation
A weakening stationary boundary will allow for abundant high clouds and relatively light land/sea breezes to prevail across most TAF sites. This front will also allow for disorganized showers across Kauai and Oahu tonight, however confidence was on the lower end based on weather model guidance, so made use of VCSH and PROB30 where rain chances were felt to be the highest. MVFR conditions may prevail under shower activity, otherwise VFR is expected across most sites for the period. AIRMET Tango remains in effect across the islands due to upper- level turbulence from FL200-400 due to this front, with conditions expected to improve into tomorrow as this system continues to weaken. Patchy mountain obscuration may occur due to the presence of this front, however observations and webcams suggest that the threat is not widespread enough to warrant an AIRMET at this time. Light icing is also possible in cloud layer 120-180.
Marine
Issued at 302 PM HST Sun Mar 1 2026. A dissipated front will linger into Monday just northwest of the area. Fresh to locally strong easterly trades will build in by Tuesday as surface ridge strengthens to the north. Winds will maintain strength but veer east southeast towards the end of the week as another system approaches from the west. Surf along north and west-facing shores will be above seasonal average as a northwest swell (310 degrees) is expected to impact through Monday. Surf should remain small though the week with a small northwest bump expected next weekend. Surf along exposed east-facing shores will be a bit elevated due to a short-to medium-period northeast (40 degrees) swell, then decline Tuesday. However, period and choppy conditions are expected to return by Tuesday as fresh trade winds redevelop and expand upstream of the state. Surf along south-facing shores will remain near the seasonal average into March.
HFO Watches/Warnings/Advisories
None.
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(BIVN) – YAS Fest, aka the Youth Art Series Festival, is returning to Kalākaua Park in Downtown Hilo.
The East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center is hosting the event on Saturday, March 14th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Keiki and their families will be treated to an exciting array of performances, craft and information booths, and art activities,” a press release promoted.
From event organizers:
YAS Fest brings together local organizations dedicated to providing arts opportunities to keiki and teens from around Hawaiʻi Island. By spotlighting their activities, YAS Fest celebrates the importance of arts education for everyone.
Booths include the Hilo High School Art Club, Hawaiʻi Handweavers’ Hui, Friends of the Palace Theatre, and over a dozen more.
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Headlining the performers is HAAStile (a teen rock band from Hawaiʻi Academy of Arts and Sciences, directed by Trever Veilleux). Audiences will also enjoy performances by Big Wave Dance Academy, Aloha Teen Theatre, N2 Dance, Hawaii’s Volcano Circus, Prince Dance Institute, and Kona Dance and Performing Arts.
YAS Fest is made possible by support from County Council District 2 and Coldwell Banker Island Properties. EHCC also thanks KTA Super Stores, Kelsey Ito, and Lō‘ihi Studios for their contributions.
Says YAS Fest organizer Kellie Miyazu, who is EHCC’s Youth Education Director, “Last year we had around 300 visitors to the first YAS Fest. There was a lot of nice feedback from visitors, and also from the organizations who were able to network with each other and the community. We’re expecting an even more successful festival this year.”
Visitors are also encouraged to stop by the EHCC patio across the street to learn more about EHCC’s vision for the year and how community support helps keep EHCC’s unique gallery and keiki programs accessible to all.
For more information, visit EHCC online at ehcc.org, call 961-5711, or visit EHCC at 141 Kalakaua Street. Current gallery and office hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and Friday noon to 6 p.m.
A boy was killed after being struck by a vehicle today in Hawaii Kai, police said.
At about 11:02 a.m., a 37-year-old woman “was attempting to travel northbound” on Kukuau Place when the vehicle hit a boy who was in the road in front of the vehicle, according to a Honolulu Police Department’s Traffic Division news release. The child was taken to a hospital in critical conition where he was pronounced dead.
The driver remained at the scene and was uninjured, police said.
HPD did not release the boy’s age or say whether speed, drugs or alcohol were possible factors in the collision.
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This was Oahu’s ninth fatality in 2026, compared with 15 at the same time last year.
