2023 Best Places to Live in Hawaii

• Suburb of Honolulu, HI

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  Rating 5 out of 5  3 reviews

Current Resident: A picturesque neighborhood, safe and cozy with neighbors who wave at you. Lots of families with small children and activities like Easter Egg Hunt, Halloween gatherings and Hay rides during the holidays. Very peaceful and it rains almost every night regardless of the season, keeping your yard lush and green year-round. Even though its very wet and green, there are not many mosquitos or roaches. That is a huge bonus! WE love it here... Read 3 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B

• Population 2,071

• Suburb of Honolulu, HI

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  Rating 4.27 out of 5  119 reviews

Current Resident: I loved growing up in Kailua, near the beach. I spent a lot of time outside playing with friend, swimming in the ocean, and riding bikes in the street. Things were much more simple during those times. Walking down to the beach, picking flowers and fresh fruits from the trees, hitching rides to watch the surf. Kailua has undergone a lot of development in the past 20 years. It's a good thing but also a bad thing. Because of tourism and gentrification, Kailua residents are forced to move out while more wealthy people move in. I would love to see more affordable housing in my area, so that we don't have to be forced out of our hometowns.... Read 119 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B+

• Population 40,402

• City in Hawaii

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  Rating 4.12 out of 5  733 reviews

Current Resident: Honolulu is a very convenient and beautiful place to live in! However, the cost of living has gone through the roof over the years which makes living in paradise a bit burdensome. However, if one can afford to live in Honolulu, it's definitely worth moving to. There are plenty of things to do such as going to the beach and hiking. Also, the food here is amazing and diverse. With a bunch of different cultures, you can find practically anything that with soothe your tastebuds!... Read 733 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B+

• Population 406,004

• Suburb of Honolulu, HI

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  Rating 4.34 out of 5  102 reviews

Nearby Resident: Mililani is a great area! There is an abundance of restaurants, activities, and many other resources. The roads are convenient to drive on and traffic flows well.... Read 102 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A

• Population 27,974

• Town in Hawaii

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  Rating 3.75 out of 5  279 reviews

Current Resident: The town is very nice, a lot of nice people and a lot of good vibes. We share the spirit of Aloha often throughout our days in life. I live in a neighborhood known as Keaukaha, a coastal neighborhood. The experience is great and I could live here for the rest of my life. Something I would change about the neighborhood is the amount of tourists and people that come through and desecrate the beaches that my ancestors used to thrive on.... Read 279 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Population 46,559

• Suburb of Honolulu, HI

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  Rating 4.19 out of 5  86 reviews

Current Resident: Me and my family formerly lived in Kalihi, which is an urban environment comprising of congested commutes, industrial workplaces, and numerous restaurants. When the pandemic came, we moved to a townhouse in Pearl City. What I deeply enjoy is that it is a suburb, a perfect balance between natural and artificial landscapes. There are two public buses that come approximately 30 minutes for my daily commute, mini parks, neighborhood housing, trees, nearby supermarkets, a mall, convenience store, and above all the glorious natural phenomena of rainbows as well as an excellent view of the sunset. One change that I would like to see is a public water filler to keep the residents hydrated, in case they forgot to drink before they go or their hydro-flasks at hand. Thank you.... Read 86 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• Population 45,941

• Suburb of Honolulu, HI

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  Rating 3.42 out of 5  77 reviews

Current Resident: Mililani Mauka is generally quiet and safe neighborhood. The community is “governed” by an HOA, so the neighborhood is clean and not pretty. The homes are well maintained by their owners, as well as the townhouses that are available. There are 2 recreation centers with pools and several parks. There are 2 elementary schools that are good, as well as an intermediate/middle school. Distance from the high school is also not far, but it is technically in lower Mililani Town. Mauka also has a gas station, some restaurants, and a Longs Drugs (CVS). The ever popular Starbucks and McDonalds is also in Mauka. The closest grocery would be Walmart, Times, and Foodland located in Mililani Town. There is also a nearby dog park and recycling service. There is an urgent care nearby, as well as other medical services like dentists, optometrists, and veterinarian in nearby Mililani Town. Mililani Mauka is a suburb neighborhood so there isn’t really a nightlife.... Read 77 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• Population 21,657

• Suburb of Honolulu, HI

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  Rating 4.38 out of 5  161 reviews

Current Resident: Oahu in Hawaii, Kapolei offers a lifestyle that combines the best of both worlds. What truly sets Kapolei apart, though, is its strong sense of community. The people of Kapolei are warm, welcoming, and deeply connected to their Hawaiian heritage. Traditional Hawaiian culture and values are celebrated here, creating a sense of unity and respect that is both heartwarming and inspiring. The local events, festivals, and gatherings provide opportunities to embrace this culture and forge lasting friendships. Moreover, Kapolei boasts modern conveniences and a thriving economy. The city is home to a range of shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment options, making it easy to meet daily needs and enjoy leisure activities. The commitment to sustainability and innovation is evident in the city's development, ensuring a high quality of life for residents. I love Kapolei with all my heart.... Read 161 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Population 23,248

• Town in Hawaii

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  Rating 4.39 out of 5  18 reviews

Current Resident: I loved growing up in Kula! It's a fairly suburban/rural area, and the views of the rest of Maui are unbeatable. There are not many stores in Kula, so you'll need a car to get around. There are plenty of parks and walking roads.... Read 18 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Population 7,495

• Suburb of Honolulu, HI

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  Rating 4.88 out of 5  8 reviews

Current Resident: I love the community and the how safe it is. Everyone is so nice! Waikele Elementary School was a wonderful experience as well. I have lived in Waikele my entire life and I have really loved every moment of it. There's a lot of areas for children to play, to exercise, and explore. The shopping center is close-by as well.... Read 8 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Population 7,495

• Town in Hawaii

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  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Current Resident: Waimea is a small community filled with big personalities. Every day I see people I recognize and love to greet them. Each person creates tight-knit relationships with their close friends and loved ones.... Read 2 reviews

• grade B

• grade C+

• Population 1,863

• Town in Hawaii

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  Rating 4.24 out of 5  37 reviews

Current Resident: To know Wailuku you have to get immersed with the people or poʻe as we say in Hawaiian, and also the moʻolelo or story. The people of Wailuku enjoy the thriving nature of their culture and the growth of it. When talking about Wailuku people commonly associate it with Na Wai Eha which is the four great waters that flows through Wailuku. For many people this water from Wailuku is crucial for their survival and it holds a very special place in their hearts for its connection with Hawaiian history.... Read 37 reviews

• grade B

• grade B minus

• Population 15,670

• Suburb of Honolulu, HI

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  Rating 3.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Current Resident: Very little crime in this town, everyone is closely knit and know each other. I have always felt safe in this town, and everything runs smoothly without much issues. The schools are not so great because they are public schools, and waimalu is a little bit on the poorer side.... Read 2 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Population 13,818

• Town in Hawaii

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  Rating 4.82 out of 5  11 reviews

Nearby Resident: Kealakekua is a truly beautiful place and the people in it treat each other with Aloha! I have lived near this area for the great majority of my life and I have never had an outstanding bad experience in this community. Most people are willing to help one another, no questions asked. It is unlike a large city in so many ways. People tend to be more patient on the road and aware of what those around them are doing. It's like a big happy family who is sharing and caring towards one another if some on need a shoulder to lean on. That is what it's like to treat someone with Aloha and that is what makes Kealakekua such a great place.... Read 11 reviews

• grade B

• grade B minus

• Population 2,128

• Suburb of Honolulu, HI

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  Rating 4.25 out of 5  8 reviews

Current Resident: A little slower pace than Honolulu and still only 30 minutes to town. The H3 highway barely ever has traffic, plus there are 3 highways out of Kaneohe. Five minutes away from the beach and hiking. Awesome place to live for those that like the outdoors. If the sound of chickens and roosters bother you, this probably isn't the spot for you.... Read 8 reviews

• grade B

• grade B minus

• Population 5,006

• Town in Hawaii

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  Rating 3.89 out of 5  9 reviews

Nearby Resident: It is a quiet, wonderful town on the higher end of the price scale. It is great to visit, however, there are no schools nearby. It is a small town though and driving out of it is not a problem. There are a lot of older couples that live here and lots of celebrities that do not normally stay in their houses.... Read 9 reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• Population 6,546

• Town in Hawaii

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  Rating 4.31 out of 5  13 reviews

Current Resident: There is an awesome bicoastal view in the right places - I recommend the pool for sunset viewing! There is a nice skate park, park, pool, and little shopping center, and the local elementary school is excellent. The weather is also balmy, if somewhat dry. It's convenient to go anywhere Downtown or Upcountry!... Read 13 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Population 7,315

• Town in Hawaii

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  Rating 3.97 out of 5  67 reviews

Current Resident: Living in Kahului, you're constantly surrounded by convenient stores, shopping malls, and neighborhoods. It's a very safe environment they created especially for kids to grow up in. Although, my only complaint is that it's not near any beaches but since you're in the center of Hawaii, Maui, the beaches are only about 15-20 minutes from you.... Read 67 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Population 27,938

• Town in Hawaii

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  Rating 4.38 out of 5  21 reviews

Current Resident: I was born and raised in Lahaina and there truly is no place like home. Nothing beats the beautiful weather, glistening ocean, and friendly community that is Lahaina. As much as I love being a local here, there are very few opportunities to advance in a career and sometimes the town just feels a little too slow paced. I would say this is a perfect place for a family and place to raise children because it is so safe, but for someone in their early adulthood, there isn't much going on here. Its slow, its small, and it often feels like you need a vacation from this place where so many people come to vacation. haha!... Read 21 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade C+

• Population 13,261

• Town in Hawaii

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  Rating 4.22 out of 5  46 reviews

Current Resident: Makawao Maui is such an amazing place, yet it has become overrun with tourists and foreigners wanting to move to Hawaii. Hopefully one day it can return to its original beauty, but until then I encourage everyone to visit Hawaii, NOT MOVE HERE!... Read 46 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Population 7,670

• Suburb of Honolulu, HI

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  Rating 4.25 out of 5  4 reviews

Current Resident: I love the people and the sense of community in this neighborhood. There are plenty of parks, nice sidewalks, and bike paths. I also enjoy the easy access to a variety of amenities.... Read 4 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Population 16,676

• Town in Hawaii

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  Rating 4.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Current Resident: Its a very peaceful, safe, and beautiful community. Located on the north shore of Kauai, you have access to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.... Read 3 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B minus

• Population 1,969

• Town in Hawaii

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  Rating 4.17 out of 5  12 reviews

Current Resident: Waimea is a small tightknit community. The town sits on a hill towards the northwest of the Big Island. There are several exciting stores, restaurants, and activities to do around the area area.... Read 12 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade C+

• Population 10,422

• Town in Hawaii

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  Rating 3.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Niche User: I love living here, it's so comfortable and everything is so close. But it's hard to find jobs. I think Hilo is the best place to live if you lived here for a long time. But for newcomers, It's hard to find a place to live and a good job.... Read 2 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Population 1,020

• Town in Hawaii

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  Rating 4 out of 5  10 reviews

Former Resident: It is a very quiet place, the neighbors are friendly and since it is relatively small everyone knows everyone. The only thing I would like to see change in Wailua Homesteads is the affordability, right now it is very expensive and hard for residents to find homes.... Read 10 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Population 6,634