Everyone has a different wish list when it comes to where they want to live – some want small, artsy towns while others thrive in big cities with lots of amenities. In an attempt to give an accurate analysis of Hawaiian cities, we have compiled the 10 best cities to live Hawaii, based on various criteria.
Highest Livability – East Honolulu
Chris James/Flickr East Honolulu is widely thought to have the highest livability rating in the Aloha State – and is also one of the top cities to live not just in Hawaii, but in the entire nation. This is due to low crime rates, high graduation rates, lots of local amenities, and a stable housing market. Honolulu, HI, USA
Best Beachside Town – Paia
Staticantics/Flickr Located on Maui’s North Shore, Paia has long been designated as the “happiest beach town in America,” and there is no doubt as to why! This small, eccentric, artsy town is perfect for anyone who wants a true Hawaiian experience – without all the fuss of a big tourist center. And the town is heaven for artists, surfers, and wind sport enthusiasts. Oh, and did we mention it’s about the cutest and most charming beach town in the world? It is! Paia, HI 96779, USA
Best Small Town – Haleiwa
Lukas/Wikimedia Commons Voted as Hawaii’s favorite small town by Hawaii Magazine, Haleiwa sits on Oahu’s north shore, as the gateway for many gorgeous beaches – and killer surfing in the winter months. The quaint town is full of shave ice stands, restaurants, souvenir shops, and surfing retailers. People come from around the world during surf season to ride the huge waves, but even in the summer, the town is the perfect getaway from the big state capitol. It’s pretty much the best weekend getaway in Hawaii, and you’ll fall in love with it so much, you might be tempted to make it your home! Which we fully support, by the way… Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
Best Surfing Mecca – Hanalei
Tom Bridge/Flickr Named one of the best surf towns in the world by National Geographic, Hanalei is located in Kauai’s north shore, and is the perfect place for surfers of all skill levels. Just be careful as some of the wave action is not suitable for visitors – so please, ask the locals or lifeguards if you are unsure of an area. More than just surfing, the historic and cultural town gives transplants and visitors alike the opportunity to learn about Hawaii’s history. Hanalei, HI, USA
Best City to Raise a Family – Mililani Town
Alex Avriette/Flickr One of the best cities in Hawaii to raise a family, Mililani has a stable housing market, sunny weather, and low crime rates. However, because the town is located in central Oahu, you will have to drive to get the best beaches on Oahu. Mililani, HI 96789, USA
Best Place to Retire – Kailua-Kona
Steve Boland/Flickr This beachside town in Hawaii town is a golf lover’s dream, with low annual rainfall, stellar views, and towering palm trees. The city also boasts a lower cost-of-living than nearby resort destinations, and a small town feel, despite the hospital, airport, and tourists. Kailua-Kona, HI, USA
Safest Place to Live – Makaweli (AKA Kaumakai)
Dave Seidman/Flickr Though this town is tiny – the population is just over 1,000 full-time residents – it has one of the lowest crime rates in the nation, and is an extremely safe, and very quiet place to live. Kaumakani, HI, USA
Best City for Millennials – Honolulu
ArdentArbitration/Wikipedia The state’s capital, Honolulu has a thriving art and cultural scene, plus excellent recreation options, and is the main city in Hawaii if you want to further your career, or start a new one. Honolulu, HI, USA
Best City For Adventurers – Kailua
Marcus Jobstl/Flickr Located along Hawaii Island’s scenic Kona coast is Kailua-Kona, a historic seaside village full of natural beauty, royal history, and plenty of charm. It’s the best small town in Hawaii, and we think you’ll agree! In fact, if you are looking for adventure, look no further than Oahu’s Kailua. Located near some of the island’s most beautiful beaches, the town is also close to great hiking, and has a charming, old town feel. With low crime rates and a booming housing market, Kailua is a perfect place to fuel your sense of adventure – if you can afford it, of course. Kailua, HI, USA
Most Underrated Town – Hilo
Mark Kortum/Flickr Hilo has never experienced huge tourist draws, which means it has stayed true to the state’s pre-World War II persona. In fact, visiting Hilo in Hawaii is unlike many big Hawaiian cities as it has never experienced huge tourist draws, which means it has stayed true to the spirit of “Old Hawaii” and is full of plantation-style architecture and historic storefronts. With approximately 278 days with substantial rain each year, the Big Island’s Hilo is one of the rainiest locations in Hawaii, making it the perfect place to live if you want tropical weather, but work inside and don’t want to experience what people in Hawaii like to call “sun guilt.” Hilo is also only a 40-minute drive from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Hilo, HI 96720, USA
We don’t know everything, and just because your town isn’t on this list, doesn’t mean it isn’t an absolutely glorious place to live. Tell us why you think your hometown should be on this list in the comments below!
Chris James/Flickr
East Honolulu is widely thought to have the highest livability rating in the Aloha State – and is also one of the top cities to live not just in Hawaii, but in the entire nation. This is due to low crime rates, high graduation rates, lots of local amenities, and a stable housing market.
Honolulu, HI, USA
Staticantics/Flickr
Located on Maui’s North Shore, Paia has long been designated as the “happiest beach town in America,” and there is no doubt as to why! This small, eccentric, artsy town is perfect for anyone who wants a true Hawaiian experience – without all the fuss of a big tourist center. And the town is heaven for artists, surfers, and wind sport enthusiasts. Oh, and did we mention it’s about the cutest and most charming beach town in the world? It is!
Paia, HI 96779, USA
Lukas/Wikimedia Commons
Voted as Hawaii’s favorite small town by Hawaii Magazine, Haleiwa sits on Oahu’s north shore, as the gateway for many gorgeous beaches – and killer surfing in the winter months. The quaint town is full of shave ice stands, restaurants, souvenir shops, and surfing retailers. People come from around the world during surf season to ride the huge waves, but even in the summer, the town is the perfect getaway from the big state capitol. It’s pretty much the best weekend getaway in Hawaii, and you’ll fall in love with it so much, you might be tempted to make it your home! Which we fully support, by the way…
Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
Tom Bridge/Flickr
Named one of the best surf towns in the world by National Geographic, Hanalei is located in Kauai’s north shore, and is the perfect place for surfers of all skill levels. Just be careful as some of the wave action is not suitable for visitors – so please, ask the locals or lifeguards if you are unsure of an area. More than just surfing, the historic and cultural town gives transplants and visitors alike the opportunity to learn about Hawaii’s history.
Hanalei, HI, USA
Alex Avriette/Flickr
One of the best cities in Hawaii to raise a family, Mililani has a stable housing market, sunny weather, and low crime rates. However, because the town is located in central Oahu, you will have to drive to get the best beaches on Oahu.
Mililani, HI 96789, USA
Steve Boland/Flickr
This beachside town in Hawaii town is a golf lover’s dream, with low annual rainfall, stellar views, and towering palm trees. The city also boasts a lower cost-of-living than nearby resort destinations, and a small town feel, despite the hospital, airport, and tourists.
Kailua-Kona, HI, USA
Dave Seidman/Flickr
Though this town is tiny – the population is just over 1,000 full-time residents – it has one of the lowest crime rates in the nation, and is an extremely safe, and very quiet place to live.
Kaumakani, HI, USA
ArdentArbitration/Wikipedia
The state’s capital, Honolulu has a thriving art and cultural scene, plus excellent recreation options, and is the main city in Hawaii if you want to further your career, or start a new one.
Marcus Jobstl/Flickr
Located along Hawaii Island’s scenic Kona coast is Kailua-Kona, a historic seaside village full of natural beauty, royal history, and plenty of charm. It’s the best small town in Hawaii, and we think you’ll agree! In fact, if you are looking for adventure, look no further than Oahu’s Kailua. Located near some of the island’s most beautiful beaches, the town is also close to great hiking, and has a charming, old town feel. With low crime rates and a booming housing market, Kailua is a perfect place to fuel your sense of adventure – if you can afford it, of course.
Kailua, HI, USA
Mark Kortum/Flickr
Hilo has never experienced huge tourist draws, which means it has stayed true to the state’s pre-World War II persona. In fact, visiting Hilo in Hawaii is unlike many big Hawaiian cities as it has never experienced huge tourist draws, which means it has stayed true to the spirit of “Old Hawaii” and is full of plantation-style architecture and historic storefronts. With approximately 278 days with substantial rain each year, the Big Island’s Hilo is one of the rainiest locations in Hawaii, making it the perfect place to live if you want tropical weather, but work inside and don’t want to experience what people in Hawaii like to call “sun guilt.” Hilo is also only a 40-minute drive from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Hilo, HI 96720, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best cities to live in Hawaii July 24, 2022 Sarah M. What are the best cities to live in Hawaii for families? If you are considering planting roots in Hawaii, you’ve made the right decision! A laid-back lifestyle, amazing beaches, phenomenal outdoor activities, and a great deal of culture make Hawaii an excellent choice to raise your family. But how do you choose an island – let alone a city? Not to fear; we’ve done the research for you, and present the top cities for families to live in Hawaii in this article. Among those listed, we’re partial to Mililani Town, Laie, Wailuku, Kailua-Kona, and Haiku, some of which you might recognize from the above list of best all-around cities to live in Hawaii!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best cities to live in Hawaii
July 24, 2022
Sarah M.
What are the best cities to live in Hawaii for families? If you are considering planting roots in Hawaii, you’ve made the right decision! A laid-back lifestyle, amazing beaches, phenomenal outdoor activities, and a great deal of culture make Hawaii an excellent choice to raise your family. But how do you choose an island – let alone a city? Not to fear; we’ve done the research for you, and present the top cities for families to live in Hawaii in this article. Among those listed, we’re partial to Mililani Town, Laie, Wailuku, Kailua-Kona, and Haiku, some of which you might recognize from the above list of best all-around cities to live in Hawaii!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
If you are considering planting roots in Hawaii, you’ve made the right decision! A laid-back lifestyle, amazing beaches, phenomenal outdoor activities, and a great deal of culture make Hawaii an excellent choice to raise your family. But how do you choose an island – let alone a city? Not to fear; we’ve done the research for you, and present the top cities for families to live in Hawaii in this article. Among those listed, we’re partial to Mililani Town, Laie, Wailuku, Kailua-Kona, and Haiku, some of which you might recognize from the above list of best all-around cities to live in Hawaii!
