Poʻipū Takes #1: Hawaiʻi Claims Four Spots on Dr. Beach’s 2026 List

The Top 10 Best Beaches in the United States for 2026 have been announced by coastal scientist Dr. Stephen Leatherman, widely known as Dr. Beach, and Hawaiʻi once again stands out with four beaches earning a place on this prestigious national list. Leading the rankings this year is Kauaʻi’s beloved Poʻipū Beach as #1 Beach in America! Wailea Beach is #4, Kaunaʻoa Beach is #8 and Lanikai Beach is #9.

From Kauaʻi to Maui, the Big Island, and Oʻahu, these selections reaffirm what is already deeply understood: Hawaiʻi is home to some of the most remarkable coastal landscapes in the world.

To bring that connection closer to home, we’ve paired each featured beach with a nearby Hawaiʻi Life listing, highlighting properties that reflect not only proximity, but a shared sense of place, lifestyle, and natural beauty. Letʻs take a look.

Set within one of Kauaʻi’s most sought-after coastal communities, Hale PiʻLiʻLani offers a rare opportunity to live just moments from one of the most celebrated beaches in the country, the Poʻipū Beach. This 1949 oceanfront estate on Kaua’i’s South Shore is lava rock-built, privately accessed, and largely unchanged in character for more than thirty years. Learn more about Hale PiʻLiʻLani here.

Poʻipū Beach is known for its golden sand, calm waters, and frequent sightings of Hawaiian green sea turtles and monk seals, it remains one of Kauaʻi’s most iconic and family-friendly shorelines.

Perched above South Maui’s premier resort community, this Wailea Golf Estates residence captures sweeping ocean views and the refined rhythm of Wailea living. Thoughtfully positioned within one of Maui’s most established luxury neighborhoods, it offers both privacy and proximity to world-class amenities, and is close by Wailea Beach. Learn more about Wailea Golf Estates home here.

Wailea Beach is one of Maui’s most recognizable shorelines, known for its calm water, palm-lined pathways, and long-standing reputation as a destination for relaxed coastal luxury. It is where resort living and natural beauty meet in a seamless way.

This exceptional residence offers unobstructed panoramic views spanning the Kona–Kohala Coast to Maui, with year-round sunsets sinking into the Pacific, visible from two bedrooms as well as the living, dining, and kitchen areas. Thoughtfully redesigned with refined finishes and expansive gathering spaces, the residence reflects the understated luxury and architectural elegance that define the Kohala Coast lifestyle. Situated within the prestigious Mauna Kea Resort, residents enjoy access to world-class amenities and the pristine sands of Kauna‘oa Bay. Learn more about this exceptional residence here.

Kaunaʻoa Beach, also known as Mauna Kea Beach, is one of the Big Island’s most visually striking coastlines. With its soft white sand and clear turquoise water framed by lava rock, it offers a rare combination of drama and tranquility.

Located in one of Oʻahu’s most established and prestigious residential neighborhoods, this Kahala property reflects understated island elegance. It offers a refined residential setting just minutes from some of the island’s most iconic beaches, including Lanikai Beach. Learn more about this extraordinary home here.

Lanikai Beach is consistently recognized as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Its powder-soft sand, calm waters, and view of the Mokulua Islands create a setting that feels both timeless and quietly extraordinary.

Reach Out for More Information

If you would like to schedule a showing on any of these properties, or if you would like to explore other options, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Call 800-370-3848.