In Kailua, the sand is gentle and white, the water is apparent and calm, and the view is precisely what you would expect from a seaside within the Hawaiian Islands. Those are many reasons Oahu’s Kailua Beach Park has been selected because of the best stretch of sand for an annual list of top U.S. Beaches. Stephen Leatherman, a coastal scientist, and professor at Florida International University, has been drafting the list under the alias “Dr. Beach” when you consider that 1991. Leatherman uses 50 standards to assess beaches, with the maximum important categories being water cleanliness, protection, and control of the seaside surroundings and its centers. Leatherman uses data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to grade the seashores on water high-quality and has been to all the beaches on his listing.
Beaches in Hawaii are continuously ranked high, every now and then on the top of his listing.
I love Waikiki Beach. No question about that — a global-well-known seashore — but Kailua is lots smaller and quieter,” Leatherman said. “It’s so much greater peaceful. … You don’t have massive high-rises and all that. Kailua is on the alternative side of the mountains. It’s like a one-of-a-kind global. Leatherman has presented more credit scores to beaches that restrict smoking in the latest years, which all Oahu beaches do. He thinks different seashores around the kingdom and the united states of America have to observe suit.
Leatherman also appears for powdery tender white sand, something Kailua Beach Park has in abundance.
Vari Singh and her own family traveled Oahu from Los Angeles and spent an afternoon in Kailua.
“The color of the sea is something like we’re in no way seen before. The sand is first-rate gentle and a laugh to play with; it makes top sandcastles,” she said as her daughter wiped the sand from her face. “And the surroundings are stunning, you just come over the hill, and it’s just this majestic scene of inexperienced ocean.
Leatherman acknowledged that now not anyone appreciates the publicity his lists deliver to pinnacle beaches.
I get a whole lot of those who are very satisfied with it. They want to recognize wherein to head,” Leatherman stated. But “I constantly get some pushback. Oh sure, human beings say, ‘Oh no, we have already got too many people coming right here. What are you doing?’ It’s nearly like they suppose it’s a secret seaside or something. (Kailua) It is not quite a mystery beach. It is a real gem, though. Braden Marquez, 18, who grew up in Kailua, says he’s concerned about overcrowding and hopeful about the future of his native land.
This seaside is pretty unique to me just due to the fact my circle of relatives has been coming here for years and years,” he stated, noting the region has changed loads when you consider that his early life. (My) biggest concern might be losing the locals because of the influx of human beings,” he said at some point of the latest visit to the seashore. “But other than that, I’m quite excited about all the new matters to return. Unfortunately, for the primary 25 years of ranking, any beach that gained the pinnacle spot on Leatherman’s listing becomes ineligible for inclusion in the next years. But in 2015, Dr. Beach cleared the slate to allow any beach in the state to be once more eligible, resetting the clock — and possibly the relevance— regarding his annual contest.
Kailua turned into named the great seaside in 1998, making it a two-time winner.
Leatherman is again retiring new winners and posting them on his website. The other seashores on this year’s list are Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach on North Carolina’s Outer Banks in 2d area, accompanied by using Grayton Beach State Park in the Florida panhandle; Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York; Duke Kahanamoku Beach on Oahu; Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin-Clearwater, Florida.
Hapuna State Beach Park on Hawaii’s Big Island; Coronado Beach, San Diego, California; and Kiawah Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina. Leatherman aims to generate the list every year, he says, to praise wonderful, secure seashores that stabilize nature with accessibility and services. He hopes beaches that haven’t made his list will improve a better enjoy and a more healthy coastal environment.
