Livability Score

78
/100
i The AreaVibes Livability Score evaluates 9 different categories and creates an overall score out of 100. The higher the score, the better the area.

amenities B-

There are some amenities close to this location.
Coffee (126) F
Entertainment (102) A+
Food and Drink (268) F
Fitness (17) F
Groceries (57) C-
Parks (200) A+
Shops (351) D-
See more Honolulu amenity data

commute A+

Of all people who commute, 10.5% take public transportation in Honolulu.
Public Transit Stops (407)
Stops & Stations
A+
Workers Taking Public Transit
10.5%
B+
See more Honolulu commute data

cost of living F

The cost of living in Honolulu is 185/100 - which is 7% higher than Hawaii.
Cost of Living
Goods & Services, Housing, etc.
F
Tax Rates
Income & Sales Tax
D-
See more Honolulu cost of living data

crime C

Honolulu crime rates are 2,832 per 100k, which is 5% higher than Hawaii
Property Crime
2,578 crimes per 100k
F
Violent Crime
253 crimes per 100k
B
See more Honolulu crime data

employment A+

The median income in Honolulu is $72,454 - which is 1% higher than Hawaii.
Med. Household Income
$72,454
B-
Unemployment Rate
2.7%
A-
See more Honolulu employment data

health A+

There are some hospitals, police and fire stations.
Health & Safety (62)
Dentist, Doctor, Hospital, etc.
A+
Air Quality
Median Air Quality
A+
See more Honolulu health & safety data

housing C

Honolulu home prices are $707,400 - which is 31% higher than Hawaii
Home Price
$707,400
A+
Home Appreciation Rate
15%
A
Home Affordability
9.8x (home price to income ratio)
F
See more Honolulu housing data

schools B+

The Honolulu graduation rate is 86% - which is 3% lower than Hawaii
School Test Scores
53%
D
High School Grad. Rates
86%
C+
Elementary Schools (100) A+
High Schools (31) A
See more Honolulu education data

ratings B+

Honolulu has an overall rating of 75% from 24 reviews.
User Reviews (5)
From AreaVibes
A-
User Surveys (19)
From AreaVibes
C+
See more Honolulu user rating data
Amenities Commute Cost of Living Crime Employment Health & Safety Housing Schools User Ratings
Photo of Honolulu, HI
( 24 Ratings )

Living in Honolulu, HI

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Honolulu Reviews

Write a review about Honolulu Tell people what you like or don't like about Honolulu…
Come 2 times a year for a month each time 3 rating By Anonymous ( Feb 13, 2020) Crime is swept under rug. Who is that helping? Gangs are big on North Shore. Police are throwing in the towel. Can’t blame em. Those guys are real dangerous! Lookout or you could be harmed. People have been beaten into commas here. Kept real down low . Like a shark sign on the ...Read More beach ? it isn’t cool for Tourists! We keep Hawaii green - with cash & yet we’re not protected! We are the other white meat- Pork is the first! The Japanese are catered to. Gee , are they more generous? Would you rather the rest of us stay home ? Too bad! We’re not going to. This land belongs to you & me! Read Less
Honolulu in a Nutshell 4.5 rating By Anonymous ( Dec 19, 2014) I currently live in Honolulu. Previously I lived in Los Angeles for all of my life, and the difference is astounding. I love the family culture here and the dedication to Hawaiian history. Being in the city is very fun because all of the tourist attractions are on this part of th ...Read More e island. One of the best places to shop is the Ala Moana mall, because it is absolutely huge. In addition to the lively city life, the temperature never drops below 70 degrees and if it gets a little hot, the trade winds never fail to cool me down. Whenever I meet someone new in town, I'm always greeted with a smile and a shaka. And to make things even better, there's a huge entertainment scene during the evening, so I never run out of things to do when the city lights turn up. In particular, I love checking out the music at Rumfire in Waikiki.

While there are so many positive things to say about Honolulu, the only negative aspect I have to talk about is the traffic. Since it's an island, there's really only one freeway and it gets congested very easily. Attempting to drive from one side of the island to the other can become a really long mission depending on the time of the day. Moreover, since it's a small island, traffic can get people on edge very quickly, so road rage can be a bit of an issue. However, if you're a laid back person that's okay with sitting in some traffic in paradise, it's no problem. Read Less
Home sweet home is pricey! 3 rating By Joy P ( Oct 29, 2012) I love living here, it's my home and my comfort zone. But because my family and I are middle class ppl and not at all wealthy we rely on each other to make ends meet. We don't get to go on yearly vacations outside of the island because it would be ridiculously expensive on ju ...Read More st our flights alone, not including spending money/hotel/transportation. I've stayed in Houston,Tx for a yr and Baton rouge, LA for another and even though I was working minimum wage I was able to support myself, have spending money, and have a 2bdrm apt with 2 bthrms and my all-time favorite HUGE walk in closet.

Recently my dad hasnt been working for 6 months due to his cancer treatments, and my mom would miss a lot to take him to appts and stays home on his "bad days". Why I'm mentioning this is because, like ive said in the Beginning of my comment, we ALL put in our share to live comfortably enough in middle class, but because of an illness that no one could have predicted it puts a strain in our finances.

Honolulu is lovely. Lots of out doorsy things to do, delicious foods, n wonderful community. Just expensive. Must have money on the side for emergencies! On this site gas says about $4. I'm a national guardsmen so I get my gas cheaper than civilian pumps and I pay about $4.30. Maybe, and that's a big maybe, i was single or me and my husband didn't have children we wouldn't need a bigger place (more rent/electricity bills), a car (reg/safety check/insurance/car note/gas). A small apartment would have done us ok and the bus here is really good, I could buy an adult bus pass for $60/month. But traffic is terrible and worse when there are accidents especially on the freeways. Read Less
Honolulu, Hawaii - Something Different Every Time 4.5 rating By Anonymous ( Nov 25, 2011) I have been to Honolulu and the island of Oahu a handful of times and each time I visit, I try find something different to see. While most tourists will venture out to the Pearl Harbor and Waikiki Beach, there are some hidden treasures that aren't always visited.

For first time
...Read More visitors, I think it's important to make time to visit the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. Granted it's the most popular tourist destination in the island but it's the most significant area on Oahu in terms of American history.

Waikiki Beach is arguably the best and most popular beach in the world and there is no question why. From the white sandy beaches, the moderate temperature of the ocean water and the stunning background of Diamond Head, if you are in the Honolulu/Waikiki area, you will no doubt have a chance to at least get a glimpse of the scenic beauty of the beach. My one and only experience surfing was performed right at the main beach area and am proud to say that I was able to stand and ride almost all the way to the shore on my 2nd attempt!

Also in the Honolulu/Waikiki area, I enjoy visiting Hanauma Bay, known for its great snorkeling, the International Market Place and the Iolani Palace. But one of the best places to go for the best panoramic view of the city is at the very top of Diamond Head. It doesn't appear to be free any longer but at just $1 for pedestrians, it is one of the best bargains you can find. The hike up to the top is about one mile, but it can be difficult so I wouldn't try to make that hike unless you are in good physical condition. Read Less
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Home sweet home is pricey! 3 rating By Joy P ( Oct 29, 2012) I love living here, it's my home and my comfort zone. But because my family and I are middle class ppl and not at all wealthy we rely on each other to make ends meet. We don't get to go on yearly vacations outside of the island because it would be ridiculously expensive on ju ...Read More st our flights alone, not including spending money/hotel/transportation. I've stayed in Houston,Tx for a yr and Baton rouge, LA for another and even though I was working minimum wage I was able to support myself, have spending money, and have a 2bdrm apt with 2 bthrms and my all-time favorite HUGE walk in closet.

Recently my dad hasnt been working for 6 months due to his cancer treatments, and my mom would miss a lot to take him to appts and stays home on his "bad days". Why I'm mentioning this is because, like ive said in the Beginning of my comment, we ALL put in our share to live comfortably enough in middle class, but because of an illness that no one could have predicted it puts a strain in our finances.

Honolulu is lovely. Lots of out doorsy things to do, delicious foods, n wonderful community. Just expensive. Must have money on the side for emergencies! On this site gas says about $4. I'm a national guardsmen so I get my gas cheaper than civilian pumps and I pay about $4.30. Maybe, and that's a big maybe, i was single or me and my husband didn't have children we wouldn't need a bigger place (more rent/electricity bills), a car (reg/safety check/insurance/car note/gas). A small apartment would have done us ok and the bus here is really good, I could buy an adult bus pass for $60/month. But traffic is terrible and worse when there are accidents especially on the freeways. Read Less
Honolulu, Hawaii - Something Different Every Time 4.5 rating By Anonymous ( Nov 25, 2011) I have been to Honolulu and the island of Oahu a handful of times and each time I visit, I try find something different to see. While most tourists will venture out to the Pearl Harbor and Waikiki Beach, there are some hidden treasures that aren't always visited.

For first time
...Read More visitors, I think it's important to make time to visit the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. Granted it's the most popular tourist destination in the island but it's the most significant area on Oahu in terms of American history.

Waikiki Beach is arguably the best and most popular beach in the world and there is no question why. From the white sandy beaches, the moderate temperature of the ocean water and the stunning background of Diamond Head, if you are in the Honolulu/Waikiki area, you will no doubt have a chance to at least get a glimpse of the scenic beauty of the beach. My one and only experience surfing was performed right at the main beach area and am proud to say that I was able to stand and ride almost all the way to the shore on my 2nd attempt!

Also in the Honolulu/Waikiki area, I enjoy visiting Hanauma Bay, known for its great snorkeling, the International Market Place and the Iolani Palace. But one of the best places to go for the best panoramic view of the city is at the very top of Diamond Head. It doesn't appear to be free any longer but at just $1 for pedestrians, it is one of the best bargains you can find. The hike up to the top is about one mile, but it can be difficult so I wouldn't try to make that hike unless you are in good physical condition. Read Less
Honolulu - More than just Waikiki 4.5 rating By Anonymous ( Apr 30, 2010) Honolulu is Hawaii's largest city. Home to not only a major international airport but also major military installations, it is a global trade and business center serving as a bridge between the Americas and Asia. It's also home to a pretty awesome beach. Waikiki is everything tha ...Read More t one would expect--it's long, white, and beautiful. And, yes, you can surf there. The main strip provides its fair share of Honolulu restaurants, shopping and nightlife. I've traveled to Honolulu countless times for pleasure and business and have always enjoyed myself and strongly believe that any trip to Hawaii would be incomplete without a stop in Honolulu.

That being said, Honolulu is a big city and has big city problems. Outside of the touristy areas, it can get rough and ugly. Traffic can be extremely bad, with the freeway moving at a snail's pace almost all day, and the streets can be tight. Many of the hotels are older and in need of renovation, as well. All of this can be forgotten when one sits at a beachside bar or restaurant at the Royal Hawaiian and watch the surf while drinking a mai tai from a hollowed-out pineapple. Read Less

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      Honolulu, HI

      Honolulu, the cosmopolitan capital city of the island of Oahu, stretches from Pearl Harbor to Makapuu Point and surrounds the world-known Waikiki Beach, visited by millions yearly.

      Once a playground for Hawaiian royalty, Waikiki’s calm waters are ideal for surfing and canoeing. With picturesque views of Mount Leahi, Waikiki offers excellent attractions suitable for the entire family, such as the Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Aquarium. Waikiki also offers world-renowned restaurants as well as high-end boutiques and shops. After the stunning Waikiki sunset, the fun continues with incredible nightlife and live music.

      With temperatures averaging 85° in the summer and 75° in the wintertime, water activities like paddle boarding, surfing, scuba diving, swimming, canoeing, kite surfing, and boating are enjoyed year-round, ranking Honolulu at the top of the healthiest cities in the United States list. Small wonder that its approximately 900,000 friendly and welcoming residents call Honolulu paradise.

      For land lovers, Honolulu provides miles of stunning hiking trails like Manoa Falls. Hugely popular activities like exercise boot camps and outdoor yoga are held on sand beaches of a kaleidoscope of beautiful colors, against a backdrop of lush mountains.

      Other attractions in Honolulu include Diamond Head Beach Park, Diamond Head State Monument, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu Museum of Art, Foster Botanical Garden, Chinatown, and Iolani Palace.

      While Honolulu does suffer from a high cost of living and traffic congestion second only to Los Angeles, multiple other reasons abound for moving to Honolulu. The air quality is often a three on the quality index, and the city has the highest livability rate in the state due to low crime, plenty of amenities, high graduation rates, a stable housing market, low unemployment, and low divorce rates. Its laid-back nature ranks it the 3rd least stressed city in the U.S. Dress code is “shirt and shorts” casual, whether for business or formal occasions.

      The real estate in Honolulu is very diverse. Options range from beach living in Waikiki, luxury homes in Kahala, waterfront places in Hawaii Kai, to new condominiums in Kakaako. And because Oahu is surrounded by water, the views from the high-rise condominiums are just magnificent, especially homes located on any of the hilltops or ranges, like the Hawaii Loa Ridge.

      Commute options are plentiful. TheBus is an affordable way, boasting 4,200 stops around the island with 93 routes. Also available are the Waikiki Trolley and Biki Bikes, rental bikes that you can be pick up at one location, then drop off at another. Uber and Lyft are available too.

      Honolulu is cherished at a slower pace. For its people, life is not about just work but rather taking the time to relax and appreciate life’s pleasures with friends and families.

      B- Amenities

      Are there many local amenities in Honolulu? Yes, there are some amenities close to this location.

      Parks

      Auwaiolimu Neighborhood Park
      Kawananakoa Neighborhood Park
      Papakolea Community Park
      Pu'unui Community Park
      Alewa Neighborhood Park
      Kamāmalu Playground
      Nuuanu Valley Park Playground
      Nuuanu Valley Park

      Entertainment

      Kapena Falls Trailhead
      Lili'uokalani Botanical Garden
      Soka Gakki International Hawaii Cultural Center
      Queen Emma Summer Palace
      The Liljestrand House
      Ticky Vasconcellos Stadium
      Washington Place
      Hawaii State Art Museum

      Food & Drink

      ShinshoTei
      McDonald's
      Subway
      Zippy's
      Papa John's
      Jollibee
      Summer Frappe
      Wing Ice Cream Parlor

      A+ Commute

      Is public transit available in Honolulu? Of all people who commute, 10.5% take public transportation in Honolulu.
      Drive to Work
      58%

      19% lower than the US average

      Take Public Transit
      11%

      5% higher than the US average

      Walk to Work
      8%

      6% higher than the US average

      A+ Health & Safety

      Is Honolulu a healthy and safe place to live? Yes, there are many hospitals, police and fire stations.

      Hospitals

      Kuakini Medical Center
      Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center
      The Queen's Medical Center
      Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women and Children
      Straub Clinic and Hospital
      Shriners Hospitals For Children
      Rehab Hospital of the Pacific

      Pharmacies

      Walgreens
      Longs Drugs
      Longs Drugs
      Walgreens
      Longs Drugs
      Longs Drugs
      Longs Drugs
      Longs Drugs

      Doctors

      Dr. Stephen Benchouk, ND
      Queen's Physicians Office Building 1