10 Healthiest Cities in Hawaii

Hawaii is a paradisiacal escape where you can stroll along miles of picturesque coastlines as waves endlessly lap the shore. On this island chain in the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find favorite tourist destinations as well as off-the-beaten-path jewels, with an abundance of outdoor activities from swimming and surfing in the ocean to hiking and biking in the lush landscape. If you’re moving to Hawaii and looking to live a healthy lifestyle, NewHomeSource has compiled a list of the 10 healthiest cities in the Aloha State to help you find your new island home.

1. Kailua (Maui)

Niche fitness score: B+
Smoking rate: 15.3
Physical inactivity rate: 22.7
Air quality rate: 9

Kailua is a remote area of unspoiled beauty nestled along Maui’s north shore. You can dive beneath the crystal clear water and swim with the tropical reef fish — to get a better view, put on your snorkeling mask. You may find there is no better way to start your day than with a cup of coffee and a mesmerizing Kailua sunrise. Every day, you can trade your house slippers for flip-flops and an abundance of sand and surf.

2. Kihei (Maui)

Niche fitness score: N/A
Smoking rate: 15.9
Physical inactivity rate: 21.7
Air quality rate: 9

In southwest Maui, Kihei offers six miles of pristine beaches, and just offshore, you can slip beneath the waves to view the island’s prized coral. You can choose from a variety of activities in Kihei; after snorkeling, hop in a kayak or embark on an epic whale-watching excursion. Humpback whales migrate to these waters annually from around December to May to breed and give birth. Kihei’s Kalama Beach Park offers beach volleyball courts, two baseball fields, picnic pavilions, and a playground.

3. Mililani Town (Oahu)

Niche fitness score: N/A
Smoking rate: 11.1
Physical inactivity rate: 22
Air quality rate: 13

A warm aloha awaits you in Mililani Town, situated in the heart of Oahu. Interstate H-2 divides Mililani almost in half: The older, western side is Mililani Town, and the eastern section is Mililani Mauka. Mililani Town is saturated with sophisticated boutiques, quaint retail shops, and scrumptious seafood restaurants where you can feast on divine entrees. You can play golf one day, and the next, take a 30-minute drive to tour historic Pearl Harbor.  

4. Kailua (Oahu)

Niche fitness score: A
Smoking rate: 15
Physical inactivity rate: 18.3
Air quality rate: 9

Kailua is tucked away on the windward coast of Oahu, just 12 miles northeast of Honolulu. Its iconic golden sand beaches — Kailua and Lanikai — are famous worldwide. This tropical gem’s dramatic scenery beckons residents outdoors year-round. While the Pacific Ocean is a main attraction for humans, the Kaelepulu Wetland is a favorite place for migratory birds. Whether you want to hike a nature trail, learn to surf, or watch dolphins play, Kailua won’t disappoint. 

5. Kahului (Maui)

Niche fitness score: A-
Smoking rate: 16.4
Physical inactivity rate: 27.9
Air quality rate: 29

Kahului, Maui’s largest city, lies on the island’s north shore and is surrounded by mountains on three sides. Residents love living in Kahului, as it’s not a tourist hotspot. Still, it offers thrilling ways to get active, such as kitesurfing. Check out the Sugar Museum to learn how Maui’s distinct geography and weather shaped it into a major producer of sugar. If serenity is what you are looking for, then look no further than Kahului.

6. Honolulu (Oahu)

Niche fitness score: A+
Smoking rate: 20.4
Physical inactivity rate: 28.2
Air quality rate: 32

Honolulu stretches across the southeastern coast of Oahu, encompassing the world-famous Waikiki Beach. At any point on this sun-swept beach, you can easily spot the volcanic crater Diamond Head, the island’s most recognizable landmark. You can choose from activities ranging from watching turtles to taking surfing lessons on Waikiki, or if perfecting your standing and balancing yoga poses while floating on a paddleboard is on your bucket list, you can do that too. On more relaxing days, you may want to visit the Waikiki Aquarium and Honolulu Zoo — or just enjoy the sun and the sand (Yoga knowledge not required.).

7. Kaneohe (Oahu)

Niche fitness score: N/A
Smoking rate: 11.6
Physical inactivity rate: 23.3
Air quality rate: 9

Kaneohe is one of the largest residential cities on the windward side of Oahu and borders Kailua. Its location is a prime factor for residents who enjoy the trade winds blowing in. If you are a golf enthusiast and play on one of Kaneohe’s courses, however, the gusty winds can wreak havoc on your game. It’s a small price to pay in exchange for breathtaking views.  

8. Kapa‘a (Kauai)

Niche fitness score: B+
Smoking rate: 14.5
Physical inactivity rate: 24.5
Air quality rate: 9

Kapa‘a is the only city on our list located on Kauai, Hawaii’s least populated island. The eastern side of the island has been dubbed the Royal Coconut Coast, as hundreds of swaying coconut trees bow gracefully with the wind. Hikers will love trekking up the 1,000-foot east side trail of Nounou Mountain, or the “Sleeping Giant.” At the top, the reward is a bird’s-eye view of the majestic Pacific Ocean. 

9. Wailuku (Maui)

Niche fitness score: A-
Smoking rate: 14.1
Physical inactivity rate: 31.1
Air quality rate: 9

Wailuku hugs the base of the West Maui Mountains, which guard the city like a fortress. If steep valleys and carpeted lowlands sound appealing, you will feel at home in Wailuku. Family-owned restaurants and mom-and-pop shops are prevalent across the city. If you are a history hound, you’ll want to explore the Bailey House Museum, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Inside, you will find exhibits and artifacts on Hawaii’s history. The surrounding gardens contain plants and flowers, making it an idyllic backdrop for family photos.

10. Waipahu (Oahu)

Niche fitness score: B+
Smoking rate: 13.2
Physical inactivity rate: 30.2
Air quality rate: 13

Waipahu straddles the south-central portion of Oahu and sits along the northern shore of the Middle Loch and West Loch of Pearl Harbor. Thanks to the hospitable Hawaiian climate, golfers can play year-round on one of three stunning courses. The city’s centerpiece is its 269-acre Central Oahu Regional Park. It offers an aquatic center, archery range, and baseball diamonds. Hikers and runners — and leashed dogs — will enjoy the paved trails. At twilight, you can settle down and watch the sun bid farewell to the day, sending its final rays blazing across the sky.

For more information on moving to this island paradise, check out our articles on Hawaii’s most affordable cities and best places to live. When you’re ready, you can get started building your new home in Hawaii or shop the daily listings at NewHomeSource.

Kathy Pierce

Kathy Pierce is a freelance writer and editor based in Houston who has amassed an extensive portfolio. Her articles have been published in Woman’s Day, Forbes, Huffington Post, Yahoo Finance, Guideposts, and many other national Christian magazines. Further, she has written content for the University of Notre Dame and edited a Wall Street Journal bestseller. Kathy is also a contract writer for Deloitte. When she’s not writing or editing, she enjoys spending time with her biological family and her church family.