The 10 Worst Places To Live In Hawaii For 2021

The 10 Worst Places To Live In Hawaii For 2021

What could be wrong with a Hawaiian ocean view? Sounds ideal, doesn’t it. But the town Hawaiian Ocean View still ends up on this list.

Well, to be fair, the name isn’t false advertising. The town really is located along the ocean, on the southern tip of the Island of Hawai’i. Unfortunately, great views and beach access (at places like Pohue Bay Beach) can only go so far.

The economy in the area is horrendous. The unemployment rate comes in at 22.7% and the poverty rate sits at the truly frightening level of 55.2%. Meanwhile, the cost of living remains high and the town exists far from an urban area. It will take a drive of nearly an hour and 45 minutes to reach Hilo.

Hawaiian Beaches is a CDP located on the eastern side of the Island of Hawaii.

Here, you can find the absolute cheapest homes of anywhere in Hawaii. There’s a reason homes sell for an average of $190,000. It means no one wants to live here. Homes are priced by demand.

Income levels here are $34,000, and nearly 1 in 5 people in Hawaii Beaches lives below the poverty line. Plus, the unemployment rate is 5.7%, which is really high for Hawaii.

You know you’re in trouble when your town gets known for its homeless. Well, that’s the case with Waianae. The area houses the Pu’uhonua o Waianae, the state’s largest homeless camp (one big enough and well-established enough to have its own Facebook page ).

And you know what? It all makes sense. After all, Waianae faces a 13.5% unemployment rate and a 24.4% poverty rate. At the same time, the median home price sits at $375,100, a big ask when the median income comes in at $62,172. It ranks as the 3rd worst place to live in Hawaii for 2021.

But, this being Hawaii, there is an upside. This town on the western shore of O’ahu sits along the water, with access to many beaches, including Pokai Bay Beach.

Here’s another seaside community located on the western shore of O’ahu. Again, the town suffers no lack of sun and ocean breezes. Check out Aki’s Beach if you’re ever there on vacation.

Day-to-day life comes with its challenges, though. Once again, poverty and affordability present the biggest problems. Nearly a third of the 8,404 residents live below the poverty line. Education suffers in this financial environment, with the town’s elementary school receiving a 2/10 rating on Greatschools.

Meanwhile, the cost of living sits 50% above the national average. This comes with a median home price of $404,900, a figure that compares to median income of $50,992.

Hawaiian Paradise Park ranks as the 5th worst place to live in Hawaii for 2021, let’s take a look at why. Communities in Hawaii often come with names that promise idyllic living conditions. In reality, many of these fall short of their lofty monikers. Add Hawaiian Paradise Park to the list of disappointments.

Located on the eastern shore of the Island of Hawai’i, the town has the usual complement of gorgeous ocean landscapes (well, usual for Hawaii, that is). Just head to Shipman Beach to see what we mean.

Unlike many of the entries on this list, Hawaiian Paradise Park doesn’t have a massive poverty problem. However, affordability remains an issue. The cost of living tops the national average by 40% and the median home price hovers at $303,300. At the same time, isolation makes simple activities, like a commute to work, more difficult.

The western coast of O’ahu consists of a string of communities with similar profiles. Gorgeous beaches? Check. Expensive living conditions? Check. High unemployment and elevated poverty levels? Check and check.

Nanakuli fits this pattern perfectly. Located about 40 minutes outside of Honolulu, the community features beautiful oceanside attractions, like Zablan Beach. However, that comes with a cost of living 50% above the national average and a median home value of $370,600.

You also get a spotty economy, as the tourist trade doesn’t provide enough employment for everyone in town. As a result, the community faces a 11.9% unemployment rate and a 15.3% poverty level.

Let’s see if you’ve been paying attention to this list so far. We’re going to give you a little info about Maili and see if you can guess the rest.

The town sits along the western shore of O’ahu, about 40 minutes away from Honolulu . Can you figure out how it ended up on this list?

That’s right: you get enchanting scenery and excellent access to waves and sand, at places like Māʻili Beach Park. But you also face the typical tradeoff. Just like the surrounding communities (many of which make this list as well), Maili comes with a tough commute, an extremely high cost of living, and a high poverty rate, in this case hovering at 18.1%.

Lahaina is located on the eastern shore of Maui, within sight of the Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Pretty good spot, huh? The community has other benefits as well. It features a solid economy, with a 5.5% unemployment rate and a $75,850 median income. At the same time, it has good housing, solid schools, and excellent amenities (including whales!).

So how did it end up on this list? Well, the price tag for all these advantages starts to add up. The cost of living tracks at 75% above the national average. This includes a median home value of $686,800.

Located about 15 minutes from the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, Waipahu sits along the harbor’s West and Middle Lochs. If you like golf, this is the place for you. Several courses dot the local landscape.

A great place for retired executives. Maybe not an ideal location for working families. The commute is difficult and the local schools are spotty. In addition, the town sports an intimidating cost of living. Expenses in the region top the U.S. norm by 75%, while the median home value comes in above $500,000. It ranks as the 9th worst place to live in Hawaii for 2021.

Wahiawa is a medium sized city just outside Schofield Barracks in the middle of Oahu.

Here, crime is the 10th highest in the state, and income levels and home values are far below the state average. It is known as a drug infested town, where you’re more likely to get ripped off than killed. Commenters in forums say it’s ‘run down’ here and kind of ‘ghetto.’

Another commenter said it’s the armpit of Oahu.

The hookers here might be good entertainment for those stationed nearby. At least they have that.