Dr. Beach Ranks Poipu Beach in Hawaii as Best US Beach for 2026
Coastal scientist Stephen P. Leatherman, known as 'Dr. Beach,' has released his annual ranking of the best beaches in the United States for 2026. Poipu Beach on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, has been named the top beach, praised for its crescent shape, lush greenery, and proximity to an offshore island. The ranking is based on 50 criteria, including water and sand quality, wave size, and cleanliness. Florida and Hawaii dominate the top ten list, with St. Andrews State Park in Panama City, Florida, taking the second spot. Main Beach in East Hampton, New York, is the only Northeastern beach in the top five, noted for its peaceful setting and towering sand dunes. The list also highlights the impact of environmental issues, such as pollution and erosion, which have led to the exclusion of some beaches from the ranking. 
