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 raising your family in Hawaii an excellent choice. But how do you choose an island – let alone a city? Luckily, we have nine of the best places in Hawaii to live for families outlined below!

1) Mililani Town
Mililani, HI 96789, USA
Alex Avriette/Flickr
One half of the greater Mililani area, Mililani Town sits outside the hustle and bustle of Honolulu and offers a stable housing market, low crime rates, and excellent schools. It was voted the best town for young families by NerdWallet, and Mililani High is home to some of the best faculty in the state.

Take a driving tour through beautiful Mililani Town:

2) Wailuku
Wailuku, HI 96793, USA
emmett anderson/Flickr
Maui was named the best island to raise a family by Islands Magazine for its outdoor activities, cultural significance, and history, as well as natural beauty. And nowhere on the island is better than Wailuku. Because Wailuku – along with its neighbor, Kahului – comprises the major business, commercial and industrial center of the island, commutes are short. A plethora of outdoor activities for the weekends makes it a great place to spend time with your kids.
3) Kapolei
Kapolei, HI, USA
Joel/Flickr
Known as Oahu’s "Second City," Kapolei offers young families new homes in an up-and-coming area that is only going to grow (meaning it’s the perfect time to invest). Easy access to beaches, excellent schools, shopping centers, restaurants, and city and state government offices makes this the perfect place for young families.
4) Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona, HI, USA
Steve Boland/Flickr
A growing arts scene, excellent weather, and oceanside location make the Big Island’s Kailua-Kona ideal for creative and artistic families. Kailua was once the home of Hawaiian royalty, and it’s continued to prosper ever since.

Get an aerial view of Kailua-Kona:

5) Laie
Laie, HI 96762, USA
BYU-Hawaii/Flickr
Located on Oahu’s northeast shore is the small community of Laie, home to the Brigham Young campus, and a bustling Church of Latter-day Saints community. Laie Elementary has been recognized for its Every Day Math program.
6) Haiku
Haiku, Hawaii 96708, USA
Kevin McCarthy/Flickr
Not only is this small Maui community full of lush green space and close to some stellar surfing spots, but Haiku Elementary has been recognized by the state for continuing excellence in math and language arts. Come see why this is one of our favorite small towns in Hawaii!

Enjoy these stunning views of Haiku:

7) Ewa
Ewa, Ewa Beach, HI, USA
Karmacamilleeon/Flickr
There are three communities that make up the Ewa District on Oahu – Ewa Villages, Ewa Beach, and Ewa by Gentry, and all have shown remarkable dedication to education and young families. In Ewa Villages, the percentage of residents over the age of 25 with a high school diploma rose more than 30 percent – to 86.4 percent – in just ten years.
8) Kapa'a
Kapa?a, HI 96746, USA
K e v i n/Flickr
The city’s economic health relies on tourism, but has recouped quite well after a lull in tourists during the 2008 recession - now leading the state in stabilizing the community for young families! Kapa'a is one of our favorite places in Hawaii, and it's easy to see why.
9) Honolulu
Honolulu, HI, USA
Tim/Flickr
The state’s capital was once named the best city in Hawaii to raise a family by Best Life Magazine, chosen for its lifestyle, low crime and unemployment rates, divorce rates, and family amenities and resources. There are also more job prospects for young parents.

What do you think? What are the best cities for raising a family in Hawaii in your eyes? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Also, check out the quietest and most peaceful small towns in Hawaii.

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Best Places in Hawaii to Live for Families

Tori Jane | July 22, 2022

Which island is the best Hawaiian island to raise a family?  

The best Hawaiian island to raise a family is Oahu.

Honestly, we think you can’t go wrong with Oahu! It’s the most populous island, and as a result, there are almost endless opportunities for you and the little ones to live your best lives. There are excellent schools and plenty of amazing things to do. Discover Hawaii’s rich culture and history at the Polynesian Cultural Center, and then teach them about one of the darkest days in American history at Pearl Harbor. There are lots of gorgeous, kid-friendly hiking trails in Hawaii, especially on Oahu, and any child who loves the outdoors is sure to also love the state parks in Hawaii. Really, any of the islands are wonderful for families, but there are lots of reasons Oahu is often titled the “best place in Hawaii for kids”.  

Is Hawaii a good place to raise a family?  

Yes, Hawaii is a good place to raise a family.

Family – Ohana – is a major value in Hawaii, and as a result, it’s excellent for new families to get their roots down or established families to move. It’s not just one of the most beautiful places on the planet, in our eyes; it’s also one of the most interesting, culturally vibrant places in the world. There are centuries of history to learn and respect, and with that comes plenty of amazing folklore, legends, and myths. Hawaii is one of the safest states in the country, with a violent crime rate of about half the average. If you’re not a fan of winter, Hawaii is an amazing place to call home. Just makes sure the kids don’t mind, either!  

What are the most kid-friendly places in Hawaii?  

The most kid-friendly places in Hawaii include:

  • Hawaiian beaches
  • Turtle Bay
  • Hilton Garden Inn

 

Hawaii might have a reputation as a paradise perfect for escaping away with your significant other, but that’s not the only thing it’s great for. It’s also an excellent destination for family vacations with kids, with lots of excellent kid-friendly places and spots to explore. Some of our favorite kid-friendly places in Hawaii include some of the most amazing beaches in the United States, which are ours – all ours! Many beaches in Hawaii have lifeguards on duty, which is incredibly important for families with little ones. There are also plenty of kid-friendly hotels in Hawaii, like Turtle Bay on Oahu, the Grand Wailea on Maui, and the Hilton Garden Inn Kauai.

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