Seven of the eight Florida "best of the best" are returnees from the 1997 list. Dropping off the list are two Florida beaches: Clam Pass Park and Sand Key Park, which ranked 19 and 20 last year, respectively. New to the list from the Sunshine State is Crescent Beach, in Siesta Key (Sarasota), which ranks 17.

The beaches are ranked on 50 criteria, including lifeguard protection, wave size, sand softness and amenities, such as nearby hotels and restaurants. Beaches previously ranked as number one in the country are exluded from Leatherman's survey for 10 years (see table below for previous winners).

The list, with 1997 rankings in parentheses:

1. (2) Kailua Beach Park, Hawaii
2. (8) Kaunaoa, Hawaii
3. (10) St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Fla.
4. (5) Wailea, Hawaii
5. (3) Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin, Fla.

• Caladesi Island State Park, 1 Causeway Blvd. (813) 469-5918. One of the few remaining undisturbed barrier islands, this state park is accessible only by boat or ferry from Honeymoon Island and Downtown Clearwater.