Many people see Hawaii as a tourist destination perfect for a dream vacation. However, Hawaii is also a sensational place to settle down, whether you’re retiring from the rat race or looking for a calm place to raise a family.
Hawaii real estate is enticing, from condos to resort residences to lavish houses. This article will discuss the best places to live in Hawaii, so if you want to move to the islands, consider these spectacular locations.
14 Best Places to Live in Hawaii
While Hawaii may seem small, the various towns and cities can differ substantially. This list is a roundup of the most beautiful spaces and best places to live in Hawaii, ranging from city life in Honolulu to a quiet atmosphere in beach towns like Hanalei. Learn more about these top towns, cities, and communities below.
Honolulu
Population: 345,500
Median Income: $36,900
Median Home Price: $635K
Honolulu is the capital city of Hawaii and the largest city in the state. This vibrant and picturesque city has beautiful beaches and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. If you want to live in Hawaii, Honolulu is a brilliant option because it has plenty of job opportunities with lots of options to make a decent salary.
Honolulu is also the most convenient place to live if you want to easily visit the other Hawaiian islands or travel to the mainland frequently, thanks to the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in East Honolulu and many ferries and boats. The white sand beaches along Honolulu, specifically the famous Waikiki Beach, also offer impeccable surfing conditions, among other outdoor activities, so it’s popular among outdoor enthusiasts and beach-loving folks.
Honolulu is also rich in Hawaiian culture, with many captivating museums, art galleries, and gardens. You can visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial to learn and appreciate a pivotal moment in the country’s history, or discover ancient Hawaii at the Bishop Museum.
Mililani
Population: 28,500
Median Income: $44,000
Median Home Price: $720K
Mililani is on Oahu island and has a growing population. The area has new commercial and residential developments. Moreover, there are public sidewalks, which are rare in Hawaii suburbs, green spaces, mountainous views, and sports venues.
A super family-friendly area with three main neighborhoods: Mililani Mauka, Mililani, and Launani Valley. The local activities include visiting one of the golf courses, the many Mililani Town Association recreation centers, Dole Plantation, or Haleiwa Town, all of which offer a glimpse into authentic Hawaiian culture.
A major pro of living in Mililani is the lovely weather, which is slightly cooler than the rest of the island, making it more comfortable during summer. With seven top-notch public schools, it’s teeming with young families, making it a charming and calm suburb. It captures the typical American suburban vibe, with gyms, retail stores, and fabulous restaurants.
Kailua
Population: 37,900
Median Income: $48,400
Median Home Price: $1.4M
Kailua is a suburb of Honolulu with a substantially smaller population, offering a more laid-back and slower vibe. Yet it’s still in Honolulu County, so you can easily visit the city. The area has many green spaces, restaurants, and public schools, which are above average compared to other Hawaiian public schools. The population consists of young professionals and retirees, but more and more young families are buying property here.
The affluent area features many spacious golf courses, hiking trails, tennis courts, cycling paths, and other outdoor activities. Kailua residents gravitate toward watersports, like surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
The area offers quick and easy access to stunning places like North Shore, The Mokes, Kailua Beach Park, and Lanikai Beach, some of the most magical and serene spots in Hawaii. Kailua is a highly sought-after area and, therefore, pricey, but many of the Hawaii homes for sale here are lavish and have their own private swimming pools in addition to the nearby amenities.
Hilo
Population: 40,800
Median Income: $70,400
Median Home Price: $427.5K
Hilo is on Hawaii’s Big Island and is considered one of the most culturally-rich places to live in Hawaii. The best neighborhoods in the area are Downtown Hilo, Keaau, Pepeekeo, and Mountain View. You’ll find many local shops and mom-and-pop restaurants offering you an authentic Hawaiian life.
You can spend your Sundays at the charming farmer’s markets or visit the quaint eateries scattered around the area. Hilo is one of the best places to live in Hawaii if you want to immerse yourself in the rich culture and live a quiet island life.
You can visit the beautiful and bountiful botanical gardens, check out all the hiking and watersports available, or just relax at one of the seven stunning beaches. The rainfall in this area can be heavier than in other places mentioned on this list, but Hawaii is rainy in general.
Kakaako
Population: 8,500
Median Income: $36,900
Median Home Price: $635K
Kakaako is a booming neighborhood in Honolulu. This premier lifestyle community offers a combination of city living and lavish life. A lively area with lots of activities, events, and popular hangouts, it’s among the best places to live in Hawaii if you love to be active and experience new things.
Thanks to recent developments, Kakaako has plenty of available properties, so it’s the perfect time to buy a house there. The area features five excellent public schools, and the job market is booming. You can enjoy the dazzling ocean and mountain views from the Kewalo Basin Park, Magic Island, or Mau’umae Nature Park.
It’s also one of the sunnier spots in Hawaii, with substantially less rainfall than other locations, so if you can’t stand the precipitation, Kakaako may be the perfect place for you. Keep in mind the lack of rain means the summers are much hotter.
Haleiwa
Population: 4,600
Median Income: $89,200
Median Home Price: $940K
Haleiwa is on the island of Oahu and is a spectacular area if you can’t get enough sun, surf, and sand. A world-renowned surfing spot with incredible waves in the winter and calm waters in the summer, this area is perfect for swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
Haleiwa is the main town along Oahu’s North Shore, offering quick sandy beach access. Moreover, it’s a family-friendly area with calm beaches where the kiddos can build sandcastles and splash in the water. The best places to visit are Haleiwa Beach Park, Waimea Bay, and Sunset Beach, all offering soft sand and turquoise waters.
The population is tiny, so it’s a quiet and cozy town ideal for people who want a laid-back island life. It has a lot of local charm, with small shops and historic buildings. This former plantation town is a splendid spot for young families who love to spend time outdoors and want a peaceful, safe neighborhood to grow and create memories.
Wailea-Makena
Population: 5,700
Median Income: $84,100
Median Home Price: $1.3M
You can find the Wailea and Makena Resorts on the South Shore of Maui County. These beautiful communities are the pinnacle of luxury living, with stunning beaches, golf courses, green spaces, restaurants, and extravagant real estate.
The areas have condos, houses, and land for sale in Hawaii as the neighborhoods continue to grow and become one of the most desirable spots in the state. Only 30 minutes from Kahului Airport, it’s a convenient spot for frequent travelers. These Maui communities offer residents a luxury lifestyle and privacy, so you don’t have to worry about crowds of tourists.
The beautiful homes often feature their own swimming pools and indoor-outdoor living designs, so you can always enjoy the fresh island air. With miles of beaches, golf courses galore, and posh spas, it’s an exclusive community that will pamper and entertain you.
Paia
Population: 2,410
Median Income: $112,500
Median Home Price: $2.6M
Paia is a tiny city in Maui that is in flux right now. The population is slowly declining, but housing prices are increasing. A spacious suburb with lots of land between properties, Paia has a more rural and private vibe. However, the community is still intimate and welcoming.
The main complaint is that it’s a wildly expensive place to live, but the beautiful homes, convenient location, and many amenities make it a fabulous option for affluent people. The quality of life score for the area is high, and crime rates are low, so it’s a popular choice for young families and retirees.
The area has many high-quality public schools, including Paia Elementary School, which attract families with children and create a tight-knit community. Paia also has a low poverty rate, which contributes to a high quality of living.
Poipu
Population: 1,000
Median Income: $107,000
Median Home Price: $985K
Poipu is an idyllic Hawaiian town if you love shopping centers, beach days, and stunning views. The natural beauty in this area is exquisite. Most notably, Kauai’s Spouting Horn is a magnificent blowhole where you can watch water erupt from the shore as the waves crash into small holes. Poipu is on the southern side of Kauai island, in Kauai County, HI.
There are lovely hiking trails and beaches where you can admire the palm trees and crystal clear water. What’s more, it’s a shopping mecca with tons of local retail stores, grocery stores, and cute boutiques.
The crime and poverty rates are impressively low in Poipu, so young families, retirees, and professionals flock here. The weather here is also sensational, with mild rainfall and moderate temperatures that make it a comfortable place year-round.
Kahului
Population: 20,140
Median Income: $92,500
Median Home Price: $948K
Kahului is on the Hawaiian island of Maui and is one of the most affluent and family-friendly locations. There are excellent schools here, and it’s a vibrant place with lots of shopping, dining, and recreation options. It also has a flourishing job market, making it ideal for working people rather than retirees, and it’s home to the Kahului Airport, the main airport in Maui island.
The climate is stunning, with milder winters than other Hawaiian locations and comfortable summers with reasonable rainfall. This area is not a popular destination for tourists, so you can enjoy the locals-only life and avoid hordes of visitors. It offers a strong sense of community, where you likely know all your neighbors.
While housing here is pricey, general amenities and necessities are more affordable because they don’t charge tourist prices, so things like groceries and electricity will be cheaper. It features attractions like the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, Maui Arts and Cultural Center, Maui Swap Meet, and the Queen Kaahumanu Center.
Hanalei
Population: 410
Median Income: $88,600
Median Home Price: $3M
Hanalei is a trendy and hip town with a tiny population and an exclusive vibe. It is located on Kauai island. Additionally, it’s an authentic area where you won’t find any chain stores or corporate companies, only local shops and restaurants run by residents.
A picturesque little town surrounded by splendid views of the ocean and mountains, Hanalei’s food truck scene is booming, and there are some top-notch eateries where you can enjoy traditional and fusion Hawaiian food. Many residents here focus on farm-to-table dining, so everything is fresh and organic.
The area is devoid of resorts, hotels, and tourist attractions, making it a wonderful place to get away from the hustle and bustle. The town is safe, with almost no poverty or crime, making it ideal for families and retirees.
Kona
Population: 40,900
Median Income: $81,300
Median Home Price: $630K
Kona is a beautiful area on Hawaii’s Big Island and encompasses two of the island’s districts. The weather here is generally pleasant, with warmer temperatures and mild rainfall. This large area offers many outdoor activities, like hiking, biking, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, horseback riding, and more.
The lush area also has jungle paths and majestic forests you can explore and truly experience Hawaiian nature. Kona is very laid back and relaxing, as everyone moves at a slow pace that captures the easygoing spirit of Hawaii.
This beautiful city boasts a wide range of single-family homes for sale in Hawaii and mostly attracts outdoorsy people of all demographics, including single people, young families, and retirees.
Waimea
Population: 7,000
Median Income: $116,900
Median Home Price: $849K
Waimea on Hawaii’s Big Island is a gorgeous place to live, with many lovely spots to visit, like Waimea Valley, Kahuku Farms, Shark’s Cover, and Dole Plantation. The area offers many activities and attractions, so it’s ideal for people who love adventure.
The weather is practically perfect every day of the year, with very little rain and comfortable temperatures. Waimea is also a foodie haven, with some of the most amazing and distinct restaurants throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
While many Hawaiian locations on this list are quaint and quiet, the small town of Waimea has a more lively vibe. The energy is bubbly and young, with luxury amenities that make it easy to have a good time!
Pearl City
Population: 31,000
Median Income: $118,000
Median Home Price: $840K
Pearl City is a medium-sized suburb in Honolulu County. This city is a wonderful place to live for every demographic, including young families, young professionals, and retirees. It’s a middle ground between urban living and a rural suburb, offering more space but with a tight-knit community.
The crime and poverty rates in Pearl City are extremely low, making it one of the safest places to live in Hawaii. It’s close to Honolulu, so you can easily spend a few hours in the city and then return to the quiet and cozy suburbs.
The schools are excellent, with an array of public and private school options for children of all ages. Pearl City is also a super friendly place, with welcoming locals and an inviting atmosphere.
FAQs: Best Places to Live in Hawaii
If you want to know more about living in Hawaii, review these answers to many commonly asked questions below.
What is the best part of Hawaii to live in?
All of the places on this list are fabulous, so it’s hard to choose just one place. However, many people consider Kauai the best place for nature lovers and Ohahu the best place for city folks who want more excitement.
Which Hawaiian island has the best cost of living?
The Big Island of Hawaii, commonly known as Hawaii County, has the lowest cost of living. On the Big Island, the average cost of living is 25% lower than the cost of living across Hawaii.
Is it a good idea to live in Hawaii?
In many ways, moving to Hawaii is a wonderful idea, as you can enjoy beautiful weather year-round and slip into a more laid-back and soothing lifestyle. However, it can be hard to find work, and the cost of living can be high, so it’s not an ideal choice for people with unstable jobs or careers that demand they stay in the continental US.
How much do you need to live comfortably in Hawaii?
Hawaii is known for its high cost of living, so as a single person, you need to earn at least $70K to $100K annually. Families need an annual income of $120K to $200K. Living in Hawaii with anything less than $70K per year will likely not be comfortable and will require intense budgeting and frugal behavior.
Is Hawaii a good state for retirees?
The relaxing and slow vibe of Hawaii is perfect for retirees ready to leave the hustle and bustle behind. While expensive, Hawaii is not out of the question for retirees. With careful planning and budgeting, retirees can move to Hawaii and live the island life.
Is Hawaii or Florida more expensive to live in?
Hawaii is substantially more expensive than even the nicest places in Florida. Cost of living rates fluctuate, but Florida’s cost of living is roughly 2% higher than the US national average. Whereas Hawaii’s cost of living is between 70% and 90% higher than the US national average, making it the most expensive state in the US.
Is Maui or Oahu more expensive?
These two places are close in cost of living, but Maui tends to be slightly more expensive than Oahu. The reason for this is Oahu rent and housing costs tend to be lower than Maui’s, but average salaries and other expenses in these two areas, like groceries and utilities, are almost identical.
What are the cons of living in Hawaii?
The top con of living in Hawaii is how expensive it is. Everything from housing to dining out to groceries to utilities is substantially more expensive than in every other US state. Other cons include active volcanoes, intense weather, risk of natural disasters, traffic, isolation from the rest of the nation, limited job opportunities, and slightly high crime rates in certain areas.
What jobs are in high demand in Hawaii?
The top industries in Hawaii are automotive and transportation, building and construction, and business and finance. Most jobs in these sectors are in high demand and a decent place to look for employment.
Can you live off $50K in Hawaii?
Sure, you can live off $50,000 a year in Hawaii, but it will not be comfortable. You will likely not be able to go out for dinner or buy luxury items. You’ll have to adhere to a strict budget to afford the necessities, like housing, utilities, and groceries. Unless you want to rough it, $50K annually is not enough for Hawaii.
What is the average price of a house in Hawaii?
Housing prices fluctuate in Hawaii often. The median home value in Hawaii is over $910K, and the average is just under $500K. However, it’s difficult to find a decent property in Hawaii for less than $1 million.
Parting Thoughts
Hawaii can be expensive, but the stunning white sand beaches, lush green spaces, and friendly, relaxing atmosphere still make it an attractive option. Whether you want to enjoy urban life or escape to tiny Hawaiian suburbs, moving here means enjoying all the natural beauty and peace the island life offers.
If you’re ready to move to this majestic state, reach out to a local eXp real estate agent for help finding your dream home. With their knowledge of the local market, language, and real estate laws, a good agent can save you time, money and hassle in the long run. Plus, they can provide valuable insights and advice that you may not otherwise have access to.
You can also perform custom property searches, sign up for notifications when new houses become available, and even search for upcoming open houses in any of these Hawaiian cities!
