Looking for the cheapest place to live in Hawaii? There is no doubt about it: the cost of living in Hawaii is high. However, if you do some research, you will find that life in many of Hawaii’s smaller, younger towns is much more affordable than in big cities with lots of amenities. Whether you’ve dreamed of living in Hawaii your entire life, or you are living paycheck to paycheck but aren’t ready to leave the only home you’ve ever known, consider a move to any of these 13 Hawaiian towns, which represent some of the most affordable living in Hawaii.

1. Laie, Oahu

Laie, HI 96762, USA
Allie/Flickr
Laie is a charming and well-known community of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and is home to the Laie Hawaii Temple, the fifth oldest currently operating Mormon temple in the world. The Polynesian Cultural Center, the state's largest living museum, brings in millions of visitors each year.

2. Wailuku, Maui

Wailuku, HI 96793, USA
Emmett Anderson/Flickr
With rich history and culture, Wailuku is a great city for those who love to walk or bike everywhere, and it is more affordable because it has been overshadowed by nearby Kahului. It's one of our favorite towns in all of Hawaii, in fact!

3. Kurtistown, Big Island

Kurtistown, HI, USA
Joel Abroad/Flickr
With easy access to amenities in Hilo, Kurtistown is home to a lush, tropical setting that receives a lot more rain than the leeward coast.

4. Waimea, Kauai

Waimea, HI 96743, USA
Robert Linsdell/Flickr
Waimea serves as the gateway to Waimea Canyon as well as Kokee State Park, making this the perfect spot for explorers. In addition to the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, the town is also home to two supermarkets, and a variety of shops and businesses.

5. Wahiawa, Oahu

Wahiawa, HI 96786, USA
Sean Munson/Flickr
Located in central Oahu, Wahiawa is close to legendary north shore beaches, but can be a pretty killer commute to Honolulu.
6. Haiku, Maui
Haiku, Hawaii 96708, USA
Ken Lund/Flickr
Located in northern Maui, Haiku is pretty rustic and perfect for those seeking simplicity. It is also close to Hookipa Beach, a premier spot for windsurfing.

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7. Kaunakakai, Molokai

Moloka‘i, Hawaii, USA
Patrick McNally/Flickr
Living on Molokai is only advised if you want to be off the grid and experience true Hawaii – there are few amenities and job opportunities, but the island is home to some incredible beaches.

8. Lihue, Kauai

Lihue, HI 96766, USA
Jim Mullhaupt/Flickr
As Kauai’s capital, Lihue is home to the island’s main airport, several shopping centers, and a major ship harbor.

9. Waianae, Oahu

Waianae, HI 96792, USA
Mathieu Thouvenin/Flickr
Within easy driving distance to some great amenities in Kapolei, Waianae is also home to some of the island’s most beautiful, less popular beaches and scenic hiking trails.

10. Hana, Maui

Hana, HI 96713, USA
Derek Fung/Flickr
Located in east Maui, Hana is relatively isolated, and experiences more rain than the leeward coast. However, it is full of lush, tropical gardens, incredible black and red sand beaches, and has plenty of "Old Hawaii" charm.

11. Pahala, Big Island

Pahala, HI 96777, USA
Ken Lund/Flickr
Nestled between Kau Forest Reserve and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Pahala is perfect for those who want to get away from it all and live in a rural and remote setting.

12. Kapa’a, Kauai

Kapa?a, HI 96746, USA
John Verive/Flickr
As the largest city on Kauai, Kapa'a can experience heavy traffic, but it is full of shopping and dining options, as well as having access to some gorgeous beaches.

13. Kahuku, Oahu

Kahuku, HI 96731, USA
Jennifer Cachola/Flickr
Hailed as the "Shrimp Capital of the World," Kahuku is in a prime location to enjoy all Oahu’s north shore has to offer, while also maintaining high-performing schools, including strong high school athletic programs.

Do you live in any of these towns? Which do you think might be the cheapest place to live in Hawaii? Did we miss any other of the cheapest places to live in Hawaii? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

While the Aloha State might not be the cheapest place to live, we absolutely love it here and think it’s the best place to live!

Did you know that camping is a very popular activity in Hawaii? Well, if you are interested in exploring several campgrounds and want to learn about renting an RV, be sure to check out RVShare. Whether you are new to RVing or are a seasoned pro, here are some great RV tips for your next adventure!

If you’re still in the mood for more Aloha State adventures, take a look at this video:

 

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More to Explore

More to Love about Hawaii

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | August 01, 2022

Where can we find historic cemeteries in Hawaii?

  • The Royal Mausoleum of Hawaii  in Honolulu is a state monument and the final resting place of two prominent royal families.
  • The Kalaupapa and Kalawao Settlements in Molokai feature historic tombs made out of lava rock and lime mortar.
  • The Lekeleke Burial Grounds in Kailua-Kona is where several warriors killed during a major battle in 1819 are buried.

 

Read on to learn more about some of the many other historic cemeteries in Hawaii.

What are some fun facts about Hawaii?

  • The Big Island was the first discovered by Polynesian settlers.
  • When British captain James Cook visited Hawaii In 1778 he nicknamed them the “Sandwich Islands,” after the Earl of Sandwich.
  • The Hawaiian language was initially banned when Hawaii became a U.S. territory in 1898.

 

Read on to learn more about some of the many other fun facts about Hawaii.

Where can we find scenic drives in Hawaii?

  • The Kalaniana'ole Highway passes by lava formations, hiking trails, and beautiful beaches.
  • The Hawaii Belt Road goes around the island from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to Waimea through Kona.
  • Honoapiilani Highway goes from downtown Wailuku through Waikapu and Maalaea.

 

Read on to learn more about some of the many other scenic drives in Hawaii.

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