Poipu Beach Tops Dr. Beach’s 2026 US Beach Ranking

Poipu Beach in Kauai, Hawaii, is No. 1 on Dr. Beach’s 2026 ranking of the best U.S. beaches. Hawaii and Florida dominate the top 10 with picks like St. Andrews State Park, Caladesi Island State Park, Wailea Beach, Lanikai Beach, Kaunaoa (Mauna Kea Beach), Main Beach (East Hampton), Delnor-Wiggins Pass, Beachwalker Park, and Coast Guard Beach. Dr. Beach (Stephen Leatherman) uses about 50 criteria—water and sand quality, waves, cleanliness, and especially swimming temperature—to judge beaches, prioritizing hospitable swimming. Some beaches were dropped due to pollution, erosion, or excessive seaweed; Coronado Beach was notably excluded because of sewage impacts, and Kaunaoa is highlighted for public access rights. The list is a long-running annual assessment since 1991.