Every year, beach lovers across the U.S. tune in to see who tops the list. Since 1991, Dr. Beach – a.k.a. Dr. Stephen Leatherman -has ranked the top 10 beaches in the country based on water quality, sand softness, safety, and environmental stewardship. His 2025 list just became public, and while Cooper’s Beach in Southampton, NY took the crown, Hawaii continues to shine, with four spots on the list, including a personal favorite right here on the Big Island.
Dr. Beach’s 2025 Top 10 U.S. Beaches
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Cooper’s Beach, Southampton, New York
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Wailea Beach, Maui, Hawaii
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Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii
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Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Naples, Florida
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Main Beach, East Hampton, New York
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Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina
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St. Andrews State Park, Panama City, Florida
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Kaunaoa Beach (Mauna Kea Beach), Big Island, Hawaii
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Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
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Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Where the Best Beaches Are: State-by-State
Over the past 15 years, Hawaii ranks second in total top 10 appearances, but when it comes to taking the #1 spot? Hawaii is in a league of its own.
| State | #1 Rankings (2010–2024) |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | 7 |
| Florida | 4 |
| New York | 2 |
| California | 1 |
| North Carolina | 1 |
Hawaii’s beaches have topped the list more than any other state in the last 15 years, with Oahu accounting for five of those wins. Maui and the Big Island have each claimed the crown once, a true testament to the extraordinary variety and quality across the islands.
Hawaii’s #1 Beaches Since 2010
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2014: Duke Kahanamoku Beach, Oahu
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2015: Waimanalo Bay Beach Park, Oahu
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2016: Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Oahu
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2018: Kapalua Bay Beach, Maui
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2019: Kailua Beach Park, Oahu
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2021: Hapuna Beach State Park, Big Island
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2024: Duke Kahanamoku Beach, Oahu (again)
A Personal Favorite: Mauna Kea Beach (Kaunaoa)
This year, Kaunaoa Beach, also known as Mauna Kea Beach, made it to #8 on Dr. Beach’s list. For our family, though, it’s always been #1.
Set within the historic and luxurious Mauna Kea Resort, this crescent-shaped beach offers a pristine shoreline with powdery sand and calm turquoise waters. We’ve enjoyed countless family staycations here, and I play golf regularly at the Mauna Kea Golf Course, which is as iconic as the beach itself.
What makes Mauna Kea Beach unforgettable is the peacefulness. Unlike larger beaches, this spot feels tucked away, intimate, and often uncrowded. Head toward the northern edge of the bay, and you may find yourself completely alone with the ocean. It’s perfect for a sunrise paddle or that once-in-a-lifetime photo with the Kohala Coastline backdrop.
While Hapuna Beach (2021 #1 winner) lies just to the south and offers a wider expanse, there’s something undeniably elegant about Mauna Kea’s scale and ambiance.
The Big Island is a Treasure Chest
Here’s what most don’t realize: Mauna Kea Beach is just one of many stunning beaches on the Big Island. Some are well-known. Others are hidden, untouched, and breathtaking in their own right. These places offer raw beauty, serenity, and a true connection to nature.
But that’s a story for another post.
The Takeaway: Big Island Beaches, Big Lifestyle
Whether you’re soaking in the scene at Mauna Kea Beach, exploring secret coves, or dreaming of waking up to ocean views, one thing becomes clear: the Big Island offers a beautiful lifestyle.
From luxury estates in Mauna Kea Resort to private retreats in Hualalai, Kukio, and Waikoloa Beach Resort, there’s a home waiting that brings this dream to life.