“Dr. Beach” Names the Top 10 U.S. Beaches for 2018

Each year, Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman (Dr. Beach) produces a Top 10 Beach List as he scours the U.S. for the very best beaches using his 50 Criteria to determine each year’s best of the best.

This year, “Dr. Beach” Names Hawaii’s Kapalua Bay Beach America’s Best Beach.

“Kapalua Bay Beach is number one in the 28th annual Top 10 Beach List, produced by coastal expert Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, a professor at Florida International University.

Kapalua Bay Beach is a secluded, crescent-shaped beach lined by palm trees. This small beach is protected from the oceanic waves by the “arms” of lava flows, making it a great place for snorkeling with the plethora of beautiful tropical fish, which are just offshore of the white coral sand. Getting there from the main road is an easy drive through a golf course. There are showers and restrooms nearby; lunch and drinks can be purchased from the nearby Ritz Carlton. The only problem is the limited parking so arrive early to snag one of the spots.

As “Dr. Beach” (www.DrBeach.org), Leatherman has selected the annual Top 10 Beaches since 1991. Fifty criteria are used to evaluate beaches, which include water and sand quality as well as safety and management. Dr. Leatherman is an internationally known coastal scientist who has published 20 books and hundreds of scientific articles and reports about storm impacts, coastal erosion and ways to improve beach health and safety. Bonus points are awarded for the prohibition of smoking on beaches. Previous National Winners are retired and listed on my website.”

A few years back, Carol and I were able to frolic on the Kapalua Beach and the neighboring D. T. Fleming Beach, a former “best beach” winner in years past.

There is a beautiful Ritz-Carlton Kapalua nestled near these beaches. You can read our review and watch the video from our stay by clicking here.

To find a beautiful resort on or near any of the other beaches on the Top 10 list, click here.

You can book these resorts 24/7 on our website AND get our complimentary Virtuoso VIP perks as well!  🙂

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