Honolulu, HI, known as 'The Big Pineapple,' offers a unique blend of tropical paradise and urban amenities. Located on the island of Oahu, Honolulu is a large city that serves as the capital and a major cultural and economic hub of Hawaii. Major nearby cities like Kailua and Pearl City enhance its status as a central point in the region. Honolulu's blend of stunning beaches, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.
Honolulu is home to several iconic landmarks, including Waikiki Beach, the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, and Diamond Head State Monument. The city offers a variety of attractions, from the beautiful Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve to the bustling Ala Moana Center, known for its shopping and dining. Honolulu's dining scene is diverse, offering everything from traditional Hawaiian dishes to international gourmet cuisine.
Annual events such as the Honolulu Festival and the King Kamehameha Celebration highlight the city's vibrant cultural scene and provide unique entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors. These events celebrate Honolulu's rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Prestigious institutions like the University of Hawaii at Manoa contribute to the city's academic and cultural vibrancy, fostering a thriving intellectual community.
The arts and culture scene in Honolulu is dynamic and diverse, with numerous theaters, music venues, and art galleries. The Honolulu Museum of Art and the Hawaii Theatre Center are just a few of the cultural landmarks that showcase the city's commitment to the arts. Living in Honolulu provides ample opportunities to engage with art, music, and history, making it an exciting place to call home.
Honolulu’s community is welcoming and diverse, creating a friendly environment for newcomers. The city is home to professional sports teams like the Rainbow Warriors (NCAA) and is near the Aloha Stadium, providing plenty of excitement for sports fans. Major industries in Honolulu include tourism, defense, and healthcare, with significant employers such as Hawaiian Airlines and The Queen's Health Systems driving economic growth. The city has extensive public transit options, including buses and the HART rail system, making commuting convenient and accessible.
Commute
A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.
Employment
This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.
Health & Safety
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
Schools
The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.
Ratings
Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.
Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this area is notably high, making it a more expensive place to live. You'll find higher expenses for everyday goods and services, housing and groceries.
Honolulu, Hawaii is a large city with a population of 347,181 residents. With a population density of 5,734 people per square mile, Honolulu is well above the nation's average density level. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Honolulu is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 23 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.
Living in Honolulu can be a fulfilling experience for anyone relocating to the city. Having said that, in the state of Hawaii, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. To help you find the best places to live in and around Honolulu, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, commute, health & safety, housing and more.
Using data and statistics Honolulu has received a livability score of 77 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 91st percentile when compared to all other cities. This is a fantastic score, as Honolulu ranks well in multiple categories! Honolulu is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. For each of the livability categories, we see that Honolulu ranks very well for amenities (B-), education (B+) and employment (A+). Honolulu does not do well for the following: cost of living (F) and housing (D). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Honolulu has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Honolulu has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Some of the interesting things to do and attractions include: Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, and Discover Hawaii Day Tours.
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Honolulu, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.65% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.
Assuming that Honolulu meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Honolulu. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Honolulu are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Honolulu come in at $707,400, which is 31.4% higher than the Hawaii average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Honolulu, the home price to income ratio is 9.8, which is 30.7% higher than the Hawaii average.
| Statistic | Honolulu | Hawaii | National |
| Average one way commute | 23min | 27min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 57.9% | 66.6% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 12.8% | 14.1% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 10.5% | 6.7% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.7% | 1.0% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 8.3% | 4.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.0% | 4.6% | 4.6% |
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