Here Are The 10 Fastest-Growing Towns In Hawaii And Why
By Megan Shute|Published December 27, 2017
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
The Hawaiian Islands are home to a variety of incredible cities — from tiny communities to the capital city of Honolulu. And while we love all of Hawaii’s towns and cities, we are particularly interested in the areas which are currently experiencing growth. According to the most recent census data compiled by HomeSnacks.com, these 10 towns — and census-designated places — are the fastest-growing areas in the Aloha State. Of the ten fastest-growing places in Hawaii, six were on Oahu, which is not terribly surprising considering the fact that Oahu is known as “The Gathering Place” and is home to nearly two-thirds of the state’s entire population.
Once a crazy whaling town and the original seat of Hawaiian royalty, Lahaina has since been tamed and is now full of restaurants, surf shops, boutiques, and galleries lining the city’s Front Street. With an modest 18 percent population growth and a current population of 12,600, it’s easy to see why so many people are flocking to Lahaina: it is one of the coolest towns on Maui.
9. Makakilo, Oahu
Megan Shute/OnlyInYourState.com
This census-designated place located on the slopes of the Waianae Mountains above Kapolei, Makakilo translates to "observing eyes" in Hawaiian, an apt description for a town that’s home to incredible views of the entire island. This residential area experiences blowing trade winds, and is home to approximately 20,300 residents, an increase of nearly 19 percent.
While Kahului serves as Maui’s retail and business center, it is not devoid of all fun — the city is, in fact, home to countless beautiful beaches, museums, art galleries and eateries. Kahului is located nearby the lush and serene Iao Valley, and is home to Maui’s main airport. With a population of 30,100, Kahului has experienced a nearly 22 percent increase in population.
Housing on Joint Base Pearl-Harbor Hickam has experienced a 27 percent population increase, from approximately 7,000 to nearly 9,000 residents. This joint Navy and Air Force base is the second biggest naval base in the country and countless happy families have been, and currently are, stationed here.
This residential area near the Honolulu International Airport has grown from 8,600 residents to nearly 11,200, a 29 percent increase! Oahu as a whole has experienced tremendous growth, and this residential community is no different.
With less than 5,000 residents, this sleepy Kauai town is full of smiling faces who surely must enjoy their laid-back lifestyle and the phenomenal scenery. It’s also the fifth fastest growing place in Hawaii, with a growth rate of nearly 30 percent!
This census-designated spot located in Hawaii Island’s Puna District has experienced a 50 percent population increase, from 7,800 residents to more than 11,700. This sleepy community might be secluded, but it’s proximity to stellar scenery — and maybe even it’s name — make it a fabulous place to live.
Known as Oahu’s "Second City," Kapolei is a booming city full of quiet residential neighborhoods, and all the amenities you could ever want or need. This Hawaiian city has experienced exponential growth, welcoming more than 7,000 new residents. That’s a growth rate of nearly 60 percent!
This Army base in the middle of Oahu sure has experienced a lot of growth in recent years from approximately 12,000 residents to 20,000 residents. We’re not sure if this growth rate of 68 percent is due to more soldiers being stationed at Schofield Barracks, or those soldiers growing their families at a fast rate. Either way, this base is easily one of the most desirable in America.
Doubling in population between censuses from 6,000 to 12,000 residents, Ocean Pointe is the fastest-growing place in all of Hawaii, and for good reason. However, Ocean Pointe isn’t a town or even a census-designated place — it is a housing community known for its incredible oceanfront location and affordable prices.
Did your town make this list? Are you surprised by any of the towns and census-designated places that made this list? If you’re looking for a change of pace, why not consider moving to one of these 11 mid-size Hawaiian cities?
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