The Best Beach In America Can Be Found Right Here In Hawaii
By Megan Shute|Published June 04, 2016
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
We all know that the Hawaiian Islands are home to some of the best beaches in the country, if not the world. And now we have proof to back up that claim – Dr. Beach, a professor from Florida, who releases an annual list of the country’s best beaches, has named Oahu’s Hanauma Bay the greatest beach in America for 2016.
Located on Oahu’s southeastern shore, this marine life conservation district was formed from a tuff ring, and is perhaps the island’s most popular snorkeling destinations for tourists and locals alike.
Also known as Dr. Beach, Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, a professor at Florida State University, releases this exclusive list each spring based on 50 criteria – including water and sand quality – and there’s always at least one Hawaii beach that makes the list.
Dr. Beach awards extra credit to beaches that ban smoking, as well as for beaches that place an emphasis on environmental management and beach safety – Hanauma Bay was not only the state’s first marine life conservation district and beach to ban smoking, but is also heavily lifeguarded.
With stunning white sand, turquoise waters and incredible coral, it’s no wonder that this gorgeous beach was featured in Elvis’ 1961 film, Blue Hawaii.
An estimated 400 species of fish live in the gentle waters of this picturesque bay, and luckily, renting snorkeling or diving equipment is easy if you choose not to bring your own.
Hanauma Bay might be one of Hawaii’s prettiest beaches, but it is also one of the most expensive; Admission to this state park is $7.50, and does not include the $1 per car parking fee. The admission fee is waived for Kama’aina, active duty military and children under 12 years of age, as well as if you enter the park after 4 p.m.
Despite the fact that this beach is one of the most lifeguarded on island, it also presents some danger for inexperienced swimmers and those who aren’t aware of quickly changing ocean currents.
Visitors are also required to watch a short video about marine life conservation before entering the park and heading into the water – however, you do not need to watch the video every time you visit.
The stunning crescent-shaped bay attracts nearly 3,000 people each day – except on Tuesdays when the fish are given a day to rest – and is easily one of Hawaii’s most visited tourist attractions. Arrive early if you want to snag a parking spot – or take the Waikiki Shuttle.
Isn’t it fantastic that this beauty has been recognized as America’s greatest beach – at least for this year? The only other Hawaii beach to make this top ten list is Maui’s Kapalua Bay Beach, but in 2015, Waimanalo and Hamoa beaches were in spots one and four, respectively.
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