Best places to live in Hawaii

What do you look for in an ideal town? Proximity to trails, lakes, and beaches? How about top-ranked schools for your children? Would you like a professional or college sports team nearby, or do you prefer museums and art walks?

Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in Hawaii using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather.

On the list, there’s a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.

#10. Waimalu
- Population: 14,043
- Median home value: $446,800 (52% own)
- Median rent: $1,763 (48% rent)
- Median household income: $81,054
- Top public schools: Hawaii Technology Academy Public Charter School (A), University Laboratory School (A), Kihei Charter School (A-)
- Top private schools: Our Savior Lutheran School (A-)

#9. Kapolei
- Population: 21,674
- Median home value: $570,800 (70% own)
- Median rent: $1,889 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $103,547
- Top public schools: Hawaii Technology Academy Public Charter School (A), University Laboratory School (A), Kihei Charter School (A-)
- Top private schools: Island Pacific Academy (A)

#8. Pearl City
- Population: 45,605
- Median home value: $667,000 (70% own)
- Median rent: $1,908 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $100,057
- Top public schools: Hawaii Technology Academy Public Charter School (A), University Laboratory School (A), Momilani Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Calvary Chapel Christian School (B), The Children's House, Our Lady of Good Counsel School

#7. Waikele
- Population: 7,442
- Median home value: $508,000 (68% own)
- Median rent: $2,317 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $107,578
- Top public schools: Hawaii Technology Academy Public Charter School (A), University Laboratory School (A), Kihei Charter School (A-)

#6. Mililani Mauka
- Population: 20,090
- Median home value: $691,200 (79% own)
- Median rent: $2,226 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $114,886
- Top public schools: Mililani High School (A), Hawaii Technology Academy Public Charter School (A), University Laboratory School (A)
- Top private schools: Kama'aina Kids - Mililani Tech Park Preschool

#5. Mililani
- Population: 27,562
- Median home value: $639,800 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,920 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $99,460
- Top public schools: Mililani High School (A), Hawaii Technology Academy Public Charter School (A), University Laboratory School (A)
- Top private schools: Hanalani Schools (A-)

#4. Hilo
- Population: 45,056
- Median home value: $329,200 (61% own)
- Median rent: $1,045 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $63,283
- Top public schools: Hawaii Technology Academy Public Charter School (A), University Laboratory School (A), Waiakea High School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Joseph School (A-), Haili Christian School, E'makaala School

#3. Kailua
- Population: 37,586
- Median home value: $959,200 (72% own)
- Median rent: $2,500 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $114,292
- Top public schools: Hawaii Technology Academy Public Charter School (A), University Laboratory School (A), Ka'elepulu Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: St. Anthony School, St. John Vianney Parish School, Hawaiian Mission Academy - Windward Campus

#2. Honolulu
- Population: 400,317
- Median home value: $749,000 (49% own)
- Median rent: $1,534 (51% rent)
- Median household income: $76,055
- Top public schools: Hawaii Technology Academy Public Charter School (A), University Laboratory School (A), Moanalua High School (A)
- Top private schools: Iolani School (A+), Punahou School (A+), St. Andrew's Schools (A+)

#1. Maunawili
- Population: 1,977
- Median home value: $1,080,000 (91% own)
- Median rent: $3,250 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $141,136
- Top public schools: Hawaii Technology Academy Public Charter School (A), University Laboratory School (A), Kihei Charter School (A-)
- Top private schools: Trinity Christian School (A)