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Laboratory for Coastal Research
& National Healthy Beaches Campaign
Florida International University, Miami, FL
"Dr. Beach" Names Hanalei Bay America’s Best
Excerpt: Miami, FL — Hanalei Bay takes the number one spot in the 19th Annual Top 10 Beaches ranking produced by coastal expert Dr. Stephen Leatherman, Director of Florida International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research.
Hanalei Bay is a spectacular white crescent-shaped sand beach that is considered by many residents and
visitors alike to be the most beautiful beach setting in Hawaii. The two-mile long strand is lined by palm
trees with a backdrop of waterfalls and mountain peaks that range up to 4,000 feet high. One of the best
views of the beach is from the Princeville Hotel, located on the high bluff to the east. The other end of this
wide coral sand beach is anchored by a high lava point that extends into the ocean. This panorama has been the inspiration
for many paintings and photo shoots.
“Hanalei Bay on the garden island of Kauai is my favorite getaway beach in Hawaii,” noted Leatherman, an international expert
on beaches and coastal processes. “The clear emerald waters are
perfect for swimming during the tranquil summer months, but only swim at the lifeguarded areas when the surf picks up during
the wintertime as powerful rip currents are sometimes present. The laid-back little village of Hanalei is a good place for
refreshments and casual dining, but accommodations are scarce so plan ahead.”
TOP 10 BEACHES
2009
1. Hanalei Bay
Kauai, Hawaii
2. Siesta Beach
Sarasota, Florida
3. Coopers Beach
Southampton, New York
4. Coronado Beach
San Diego, California
5. Hamoa Beach
Maui, Hawaii
6. Main Beach
East Hampton, New York
7. Cape Hatteras
Outer Banks of North Carolina
8. Cape Florida State Park
Key Biscayne, Florida
9. Coast Guard Beach
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
10. Beachwalker Park
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
As “Dr. Beach”, 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, facilities and environmental management.
What makes Leatherman’s selections unique is his knowledge as a
Ph.D. coastal scientist with more than 30 years of scientific experience studying storm impacts, erosion, and ways to improve
beach health and safety.