Best Cities for Outdoor Enthusiasts in Hawaii
Hawaii for Outdoor Enthusiasts: The Full Picture
Hawaii ranks #16 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: 109) can squeeze recreation budgets. Safety (70/100) is strong — important for solo hikers and those exploring remote areas, and the overall health infrastructure (84/100) 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 | Outdoor Access | Environment | Safety | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | East Honolulu | A+ | 52.8 | 65.5 | 36 | 57 | 70 | 50,961 |
| 2 | Kailua CDP (Hawaii County) | B | 52.2 | 56.0 | 36 | 57 | 70 | 21,851 |
| 3 | Kahului | B+ | 51.8 | 58.8 | 36 | 57 | 70 | 27,068 |
| 4 | Honolulu | B+ | 51.8 | 57.4 | 36 | 57 | 77 | 341,753 |
| 5 | Wailuku | B+ | 51.7 | 59.3 | 36 | 57 | 70 | 15,754 |
| 6 | Kailua CDP (Honolulu County) | A | 51.2 | 60.8 | 36 | 57 | 70 | 39,762 |
| 7 | Schofield Barracks | B | 51.1 | 55.4 | 36 | 57 | 70 | 16,755 |
| 8 | Mililani Mauka | B+ | 50.8 | 59.9 | 36 | 57 | 70 | 21,967 |
| 9 | Mililani Town | B+ | 50.7 | 58.8 | 36 | 57 | 70 | 27,495 |
| 10 | Hilo | B | 50.6 | 54.0 | 36 | 57 | 70 | 48,223 |
| 11 | Pearl City | B+ | 50.5 | 57.8 | 36 | 57 | 70 | 45,079 |
| 12 | Waipahu | B | 49.8 | 55.0 | 36 | 57 | 70 | 39,871 |
| 13 | Ewa Gentry | B+ | 49.6 | 57.9 | 36 | 57 | 70 | 26,738 |
| 14 | Kaneohe | B+ | 49.5 | 57.5 | 36 | 57 | 70 | 35,945 |
| 15 | Ewa Beach | B+ | 49.5 | 57.2 | 36 | 57 | 70 | 15,388 |
| 16 | Ocean Pointe | B+ | 49.3 | 58.5 | 36 | 57 | 70 | 16,276 |
| 17 | Kapolei | B+ | 49.1 | 57.0 | 36 | 57 | 70 | 23,033 |
| 18 | Makakilo | B | 49.0 | 56.0 | 36 | 57 | 70 | 20,372 |
| 19 | Kihei | B | 49.0 | 54.0 | 36 | 57 | 70 | 22,564 |
| 20 | Wahiawa | C+ | 48.3 | 51.8 | 36 | 57 | 70 | 17,515 |