Here's the latests in our series of beach lists from John Clark, the noted Hawaii beach expert and all around beach nut, will be feeding us his extremely informed take on best beaches around the Aloha State. At any rate, if you like what John tells you here, buy his books at the University of Hawaii Press for a much more in-depth look at Hawaii beaches.

Flat Island: "It’s a longboard spot on the east side of the island. There’s a shallow reef and it forms a nice little left that goes into a deeper channel. The takeoffs are always quite mellow. The bottom is flat reef and not jagged. There aren’t usually strong currents. It does get crowded as it’s a popular spot for longboarding. When the swell is a little bigger, some reform breaks start to show up further outside. The usual takeoff spot is right at the outside tip of the island. It breaks consistently, even on normal trade wind swell. When the North Shore is really big and there is a strong North swell and you are getting a push into the bay there, the wave will get to shoulder high. The island is exactly a quarter mile paddle out from the boat ramp on the beach. There is a little beach on the islands so if you want a break you can paddle over there, and rest for a while. The island is also a bird sanctuary with many indigenous Hawaiian species making their homes out there. The view back towards Kailua of the vertical verdant cliffs of the Koolau's is amazing." (Map)

—Alex, 10/18/06