Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, the nation's foremost beach expert and a professor at Florida International University of Miami, releases his ranking of America's Best Beaches each year on Memorial Day weekend.

Known as Dr. Beach, Dr. Leatherman devises his annual listing based on 50 criteria, falling under three main categories: physical factors such as sand softness, wave size and current strength; biological factors such as water color and quality, and presence of pests; and human-use factors and impacts such as lifeguard protection, visual obstructions and amenities.

For a complete list of Dr. Leatherman's best beaches for this year, click here.

According to Dr. Leatherman, Kaunaoa Beach on the Big Island of Hawaii, topped his 2000 list by scoring high marks in all 50 of his rating categories.

Kaunaoa Beach always has the great sunny beach weather. "This long crescent-shaped, white sand beach contrasts with the black lava headlands that frame it. It is a great place to swim and snorkel in the sparking clear waters, especially during the calm summer months," Leatherman said.

In his full-color book, America's Best Beaches, Dr. Leatherman provides insightful information about the characteristics of a wide variety of beaches along the Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific coasts. Beaches are regionally evaluated by category best swimming, walking, wilderness, sports, city, novelty and surfing beaches. A best overall beach is selected in each region.

America's Best Beaches also includes a beach-rating questionnaire, so that wannabe beach experts can do their own ratings, Dr. Leatherman said.