Mililani

Mililani is a highly desired, master-planned community on Oahu, often referred to as an "All-America City." It’s particularly great for families because of its excellent public schools (some of the best in Hawaii) and its friendly, established vibe. As a resident, you become part of the Mililani Town Association (MTA), which means you get access to seven Recreation Centers—each with pools, tennis courts, and party spaces—making community activities easy. When looking at homes, you’ll see two areas: Mililani Town (the older section) generally has bigger yards and houses the main shops, while Mililani Mauka (the newer section) features newer construction and is a bit cooler and rainier due to its higher elevation.

The central location is both a plus and a minus. If you commute to military bases like Schofield Barracks or Wheeler Army Airfield, the drive is usually short (10-15 minutes). However, to  Honolulu, expect a tough commute. Rush hour traffic can easily take 45 minutes to over an hour. The upside is that you’re centrally located for fun: the famous North Shore beaches (like Haleiwa) are only a quick 20-30 minute drive away. Mililani is also very self-contained—you'll find your own shopping centers, movies, restaurants, and a golf course, offering the full suburban convenience right where you live.