Best Cities for Outdoor Enthusiasts in Hawaii
Hawaii ranks #14 of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts, with a outdoor enthusiasts score of 56.7. Mililani Mauka is its best city for outdoor enthusiasts at 55.9.
- Hawaii, all states
- #14 of 50
- Population
- 21,278
Why Hawaii Works for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Hawaii ranks #14 out of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts, offering strong outdoor access alongside reasonable livability. The outdoor access score of 36/100 indicates limited public outdoor infrastructure compared to western and northeastern states. 15.1% public land offers some options, though dedicated outdoor enthusiasts may find themselves driving to reach prime terrain.
Environmental quality matters when you spend significant time outdoors. Hawaii's environment score of 57/100 is middling — air quality (AQI: 24) is good, though environmental policy could be stronger. Higher natural disaster risk (score: 54) means weather awareness is essential, particularly for backcountry activities.
The practical side: above-average living costs (index: 110) can squeeze recreation budgets. Safety (76/100) is strong — important for solo hikers and those exploring remote areas, and the overall health infrastructure (89/100) supports an active lifestyle with good access to sports medicine and emergency care.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Outdoor Enthusiasts
| # City | Grade | Outdoor Enthusiasts score | Overall | Environment | Safety | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Mililani Mauka | A+ | 55.9 | 67.8 | 47 | — | 21,278 |
| 2East Honolulu | A+ | 55.1 | 68.5 | 47 | — | 51,360 |
| 3Honolulu | B+ | 54.8 | 59.7 | 47 | — | 345,482 |
| 4Kailua CDP (Honolulu County) | A+ | 54.0 | 68.0 | 47 | — | 39,640 |
| 5Mililani Town | A | 53.1 | 63.1 | 47 | — | 27,668 |
| 6Ewa Gentry | A | 53.0 | 64.4 | 47 | — | 26,563 |
| 7Waipahu | B | 53.0 | 58.6 | 47 | — | 40,482 |
| 8Kapolei | A | 52.6 | 63.3 | 47 | — | 22,232 |
| 9Ocean Pointe | A | 52.5 | 66.4 | 47 | — | 17,085 |
| 10Pearl City | B+ | 52.4 | 61.3 | 47 | — | 44,547 |
| 11Wailuku | B | 52.2 | 57.0 | 53 | — | 16,926 |
| 12Kaneohe | B+ | 52.0 | 62.4 | 47 | — | 37,355 |
| 13Ewa Beach | B+ | 52.0 | 62.0 | 47 | — | 14,376 |
| 14Kahului | C+ | 51.8 | 55.1 | 53 | — | 28,288 |
| 15Schofield Barracks | C | 50.0 | 52.2 | 47 | — | 16,270 |
| 16Kihei | C+ | 49.4 | 53.3 | 53 | — | 21,567 |
| 17Makakilo | C+ | 48.8 | 55.7 | 47 | — | 20,735 |
| 18Hilo | C | 48.6 | 51.9 | 38 | — | 50,404 |
| 19Wahiawa | C | 48.4 | 51.7 | 47 | — | 17,996 |
| 20Kailua CDP (Hawaii County) | D | 47.1 | 48.9 | 38 | — | 21,818 |
City outdoor enthusiasts scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out.
Compare: States with Similar Outdoor Enthusiasts Rankings
Also See: Hawaii for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hawaii a good state for outdoor enthusiasts?
Hawaii ranks #14 out of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts with a persona-weighted score of 56.7/100. Its strongest relevant category is Health (89/100) and its weakest is Affordability (4/100).
What is the best city for outdoor enthusiasts in Hawaii?
Mililani Mauka ranks #1 in Hawaii for outdoor enthusiasts with a score of 55.9/100, followed by East Honolulu and Honolulu.
What factors are most important for outdoor enthusiasts in Hawaii?
Rankings weighted toward outdoor access (parks, public land, recreation), environmental quality, safety, health infrastructure, and affordable housing — for those who prioritize access to nature and an active lifestyle.