‘Dr. Beach’ offers picks: Maui’s Fleming No. 1

HONOLULU – Fleming Beach Park, a mile-long crescent white sand beach on Maui’s western shore featuring spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged shores of Molokai Island, has been named America’s best beach in an annual report.

International beach expert Stephen Leatherman, also known as “Dr. Beach,” lauded Fleming for its year-round sunny weather, scenic views, pristine waters, and amenities such as showers, grills for barbecuing, snack bar, picnic facilities and ample parking.

“The west side of Maui always has beach weather. It’s one of the sunniest places in the world, so it’s hard to beat that,” Leatherman said by telephone. “What you call winter there everybody else calls a nice day.”

Leatherman said visitors to Fleming, however, must use caution during the winter months when the surf and currents pick up.

“They have lifeguards there all the time, but if you’re not a big-time swimmer and a big-time surfer, stay close to shore when the big waves are coming in,” he said.

Fleming, in the posh resort town of Kapalua, was one of three Hawaii beaches to make the Top 10 list compiled by Leatherman, director of Florida International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research.

Caladesi Island State Park in Florida was second to Fleming, followed by Ocracoke Island in North Carolina; Coopers Beach in New York; Kauai’s Hanalei Beach; Main Beach in New York; Coast Guard Beach in Massachusetts; Coronado Beach in California; Maui’s Hamoa Beach; and Barefoot Beach Park in Florida.

A Hawaii beach has claimed No. 1 on Leatherman’s list for the 11th time in the study’s 16-year history, including nine in the past 11 years.

“Hawaii is our tropical paradise for America,” he said.

Florida beaches earned the No. 1 spot for five years. California has yet to claim the top spot.

Leatherman said his national winners are retired from his list, so other great beaches will have a chance to share the limelight.