Lanikai Beach and the Mokulua Islands.
Photo by Ken Ige, Star-Bulletin

Experienced beach-goers can close their eyes and evoke images of a full moon rising above the twin Mokulua Islands offshore, or feel their feet curl with pleasure at the memory of walking on Lanikai's soft, clean white sand.

But University of Maryland coastal geologist Stephen Leatherman warns that the charms of Lanikai Beach are in danger of becoming merely a memory. "Lanikai Beach will likely be gone in the near future because bulkheads, built by homeowners to protect their property against slow erosion, are squeezing the beach out of existence."

Although Lanikai is a public beach, in some cases the seawalls prevent people from reaching portions of the beach that the sea walls haven't eroded. "It comes down to the issue of whether we want bedrooms or beaches, private property or public access," he said.

Leatherman, also known as "Dr. Beach" for his enviable job of visiting shorelines, has rated the nation's top beaches since 1991. Kapalua Beach on Maui won in the inaugural year, and the Big Island's Hapuna was No. 1 in 1993.

The Florida Panhandle provided winners in 1995 and 1994, but those beaches were knocked out of contention this year. "Hurricane Opal really took its toll on this area, damaging fishing piers, boardwalks, sand dunes and other amenities," said Leatherman.

"But the good news is that the beach and the water are still there and people can still enjoy these beaches. Nature will recover from this one."

Hawaii and Florida beaches swept the top 10 this year, with Kailua Beach rated just behind Lanikai. Kaunaoa on the Big Island, Maui's Wailea and Hulopoe on Lanai came in fourth, fifth and sixth, while Hanalei on Kauai took ninth place among the nation's top overall beaches.

Leatherman also rates the top five beaches in specific categories. Kailua Beach also was honored as one of the best walking beaches, while Kalalau Beach State Park on Kauai made it for being among the best wild beaches. Hamoa Beach in Hana, Maui, was named one of the most romantic beaches.

But Dr. Beach was clearly smitten by Lanikai, gushing that it has the most beautiful water he has seen in the United States.

Lanikai Beach sea walls illustrate "Dr. Beach" warnings about erosion caused by bulkheads. Photo by Ken Ige, Star-Bulletin