5 great places to live in Hawaii

Natural beauty is the distinctive feature the islands all share, with mountains, lush rainforests, waterfalls, crystal clear water and beaches (nearly 400, all of which are public), providing ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in so many ways. Hawaii is often referred to as a tropical paradise, because it is. That breathtaking beauty and its unique culture, shaped by various peoples over the centuries, make Hawaii a fascinating place to live.

People here embrace the Aloha Spirit, which means a slower pace, an appreciation of the natural world and letting your passions guide your life. Not a bad way to live. Here’s a look at some of Hawaii’s best places to live.

Hilo

Located on the eastern side of the Big Island, Hilo has a tropical climate with about 130 inches of rain a year. But with rain comes rainbows and a rainforest. Natural beauty is evident everywhere you look, with majestic waterfalls, black sand beaches and two active volcanoes — Mauna Loa and Kilauea — located in nearby Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

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This city of nearly 41,000 is considered the cultural capital of the Big Island, with notable historic buildings, tasty restaurants and charming shops to explore downtown. Residents enjoy the small-town feel of Hilo, including the Hilo Farmers Market, which is filled with native fruits and vegetables, flowers and plants, specialty food items and crafts. The University of Hawaii at Hilo is the city’s primary higher-education institution and is known for its marine science and environmental focus. Hilo’s diverse ecosystem offers opportunities for hiking, snorkeling and zip lining. 

Why does Hilo have so many waterfalls?

Hilo has an abundance of waterfalls due to all of the rain the city gets. Some of the more well-known falls include Rainbow Falls, Akaka Falls, Kulaniapia Falls and Umauma Falls. Furthermore, the area is a paradise for nature lovers with a variety of exotic plants, flowers and birds.

Honolulu

It’s hard to go wrong in a tropical paradise. Honolulu is Hawaii’s capital city on the island of Oahu. It offers incredible weather, stunning natural scenery, a thriving job market, great shopping, a dynamic dining and nightlife scene and some of the best outdoor recreation around.

While the cost of living is higher than in many other places, the city has several perks not easily found elsewhere, including the chance to live near some of the most beautiful beaches you can find (does Waikiki ring a bell?). Tourism is the No. 1 industry here, followed by health care and government — the city is home to the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

The Big Pineapple, as the city is called, has approximately 345,000 people but maintains a strong sense of community.

What is Honolulu best known for?

Pearl Harbor was the site of one of the most deadly assaults on the United States when the Japanese attacked the naval base there in 1941, killing more than 1,100 sailors and marines and prompting the U.S. to enter World War II. Today, residents can visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial to learn more about this pivotal event.

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Kailua

This lovely beach town is just 12 miles north of Honolulu on the east coast of Oahu, so it offers the best of both worlds — small-town living with easy access to the big city. Kailua has a population of 40,000 people and offers excellent restaurants, chic shops and ample opportunities for discovering nature and enjoying the crystal clear waters and white sand beaches.

The city is rich in Hawaiian culture, with several annual festivals to celebrate it. Tourism is a significant economic force here, just like most of the state, even though the city has tried to put some limits on it. Kailua also has a low crime rate, making it a comfortable place to raise a family. Plus, this laid-back city has amazing rainbows, sunsets and incredible weather.

What kinds of water recreation are available in Kailua?

You name it, you can find it here. Kailua Beach is a great place to walk, offering spectacular mountain views as the beach winds around the bay for 2.5 miles. In addition, you can snorkel, surf, scuba dive, sail, fish, windsurf, go whale-watching and take a boat tour.

Kaneohe

Kaneohe, population 37,000, is another one of Oahu’s scenic cities and home to both the Koolau Mountains and Kaneohe Bay, the only barrier reef in Hawaii. In addition to that, the bay has the largest saltwater sandbar in the world.

Kaneohe, on the eastern side of the island, is said to be a place where residents experience both the “old” and “new” Hawaii. It is known as a commercial hub, with retail, dining and lots of recreational opportunities, including three golf courses. Kaneohe is also an easy commute for those working in Honolulu, and is one of the most affordable cities in Hawaii.

The city also boasts Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden, a 400-acre plant paradise created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1982. Kaneohe has an extensive school system, with 30 public and private schools and a strong sense of patriotism due to the Marine Corps Base Hawaii that is located there.

What sets Kaneohe apart?

Many people are drawn to Kaneohe because of its natural beauty. Located on the windward side of Oahu, it has ocean, mountains, palm trees and rainbows — an abundance of natural beauty at every turn. The exposed reefs at The Sandbar in Kaneohe Bay are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, picnicking and spotting turtles.

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Waipahu

This former sugar plantation town on the southern shore of Oahu has reinvented itself as a welcoming city to call home. Waipahu offers a bit of Old World charm among modern conveniences and is known as a welcoming place to live with an easy commute to nearby Honolulu.

The city has beautiful scenery, with lush landscapes, mountains and nearby beaches. Industry centers around tourism, health care, education and military-related jobs due to nearby military bases. Diverse dining options include traditional Hawaiian fare alongside Filipino dishes and seafood, and you can shop ’til you drop at Waikele Premium Outlets.

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The history of sugar cane milling is documented at Hawaii’s Plantation Village. In this living history museum, you can learn more about what life was like on the state’s many sugar plantations.

Why is history important here?

Waipahu is rich in history, due to the role it played in sugar milling, which dominated Hawaii’s economy for more than 150 years. The Oahu Sugar Company mill began in 1897 and lasted until it closed in 1995. Workers from many different countries were employed here, including Japan, Portugal, Norway, China and the Philippines. The sugar plantation’s iconic smokestack still stands as part of the property, which is now a YMCA.

Read the original article on Livability.

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