Top Beaches 2012

By Teresa Plowright, About.com Guide

Almost everyone has heard of Waikiki Beach in Hawaii, which is surely one of the world's most popular beaches, with a location just steps from Honolulu's busy streets. Waikiki is actually a two-mile stretch with nine individually named beaches. Kahanamoku Beach is at the north end, near the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort. (Miles away at the other end is the Outrigger Canoe Club Beach near Diamond Head -- read more about Waikiki Beach.)

Kahanamoku Beach is named for Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, a legendary figure in Hawaii who set world records in swimming, but more importantly played a big role in reviving surfing in Hawaii and introducing the sport of Hawaiian royalty to the world.

About Kahanamoku Beach, Dr. Beach says: "A shallow offshore reef protects this beach from the big waves, making it a great swimming area for families with children."

--continue to Top Beach #3, Main Beach, East Hampton, New York.