Kapalua Bay named "America's Best Beach"

Pristine, white sand. Colorful coral reefs. Clear, azure water.

These are just a few of the reasons why Kapalua Bay Beach was named the nation’s best beach, according to an annual survey by “Dr. Beach.” Last year, the beach ranked No. 2, just behind Siesta Beach in Sarasota, Florida.

Teeming with marine life, Kapalua Bay is a favorite for locals and visitors alike, who flock to Kapalua Bay for white sands, swimming, snorkeling and other ocean activities.

Dr. Beach says Kapalua Bay Beach is “a perfect beach for swimming and snorkeling in the clear, azure waters that are protected by two headlands formed long ago by lava flows into the sea.”

“This beautiful crescent-shaped, white sand beach is bounded by these rocky anchors where good restaurants can be found,” he said.

Since 1991, Stephen Leatherman — better known as Dr. Beach - has ranked beaches across the nation. The coastal expert and professor at Florida International University uses 50 criteria — ranging from water quality to sand to safety — to evaluate the beaches. Beaches are also awarded bonus points for banning smoking.

Kapalua Bay is no stranger to the “America’s Best Beach” list — the beach was the first to clinch the title in 1991, and has since ranked among the top 10 beaches in the country multiple times. Besides a plethora of marine life and gentle breaking waves, Kapalua Bay also boasts an activity desk that caters to a wide variety of watersports equipment and activities.