Sandy beaches, blue water, swaying palm trees, and lei-clad islanders probably come to mind when you think of Hawaii. And if you’ve vacationed there lately, you know that a trip to this state isn’t exactly cheap. However, it is definitely worth it if you are someone who values all that Hawaii has to offer.
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If having a permanent place to stay in Hawaii is on your wish list, it could be possible for a lot less money than you think. Although it wouldn’t be a stretch to imagine that you would have to shell out a million dollars or more to own a home in Hawaii, there are many places on the Hawaiian Islands that have homes that sell for an average price of less than $1 million, sometimes for much less. beneath
Take a look at these 11 places and see if your dream of owning a piece of Hawaiian paradise could come true.
Hilo, Hawaii
Hilo is located on the northeast side of the Big Island, also known as Hawaii, and is known for its natural beauty. It also offers many attractions, such as the Liliʻuokalani Gardens, which is considered the largest Japanese ornamental garden outside of Japan; Wailuku River State Park, which features an 80-foot waterfall; and the Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo, which is the only zoo in the US located in a rainforest.
O’okala, Hawaii
Only a few hundred people live in the small unincorporated community of O’okala, which sits on Hawaii’s Hamakua Coast along the Pacific Ocean. You can expect an abundance of natural beauty here, including lush greenery and ocean views, but you won’t have to drive far for modern conveniences. The town of Honoka’a, with a population of about 2,700, is less than 10 miles away.
Honoka’a, Hawaii
Just down the road from O’okala is this seaside town. While not a big city, Honoka’a has markets, retail stores, restaurants, and even a hardware store.
Its biggest attraction, aside from downtown, is the Honoka’a People’s Theater, which is a historic building turned community center. There is also a farmers market, which is not surprising considering that the city is surrounded by farmland. Crops grown in the area include coffee, tea, pineapple, papaya, and macadamia nuts. Livestock farming is also developed in the area.
Lana’i City, Hawaii
With a population of just 3,367, the city of Lana’i also qualifies as a small town. However, Maui is about nine miles away.
The city is located on Lana’i Island, about 1,700 feet above sea level in the highlands, so you can expect cooler temperatures than areas located closer to the coast. Shopping and dining are popular in Dole Park and information on cultural and historical sites in the area can be found by visiting the Lana’i Cultural & Heritage Center.
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Koloa, Hawaii
Another small town is Koloa, located on the island of Kauai, with a population of 2,231. You will find beaches and hiking trails around the area. There is also Old Koloa Town, full of shops and restaurants where you can learn about the history of this plantation town.
Ewa Beach, Hawaii
If you’re looking for a larger population, Ewa Beach, a suburb of Honolulu, has a population of around 16,000. There has been a lot of new growth on the housing front in recent years in Ewa Beach, so you can expect to see a lot of new construction and prices to match.
However, there are also older homes here that are trading for hundreds of thousands below the median home sales price. Attractions include several beaches and golf courses and the Hawaiian Railroad.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Over 400,000 people live in the capital city of Honolulu, so you can expect to have everything you need within a short drive. The city boasts the state’s largest museums of fine art and history and dining venues that cover everything from traditional local eateries to hot spots.
The famous Waikiki Beach and the Diamond Head State Monument are some of the most famous attractions in the area. To complete the experience, there are many shops and nightlife in the center.
Wahiawa, Hawaii
Like Honolulu, Wahiawa is also located on the island of Oahu. Wahiawa’s population is 18,658, but there are several historical attractions here, including a 27-acre botanical garden, the Kukaniloko Birthstones, and the famous Dole Plantation, where you can enjoy a fruity ice cream known as Dole Whip.
Kahului, Hawaii
In the center of Maui is Kahului, with a population of about 28,000. This town is where Maui locals shop and run errands, where you’ll find big box retailers like Walmart and even a Costco. Attractions in the area include military and history museums, The Skyline Trail, Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, Schaefer International Gallery, and Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary.
Pearl City, Hawaii
Pearl City boasts a population of 45,295 and median home sales prices approaching the $1 million dollar mark. The city, which is about 11 miles from Honolulu, is located along the north shore of Pearl Harbor, and the Pearl Harbor National Memorial is 5 miles from the city.
Waialua, Hawaii
Waialua is another small town on Oahu with a population of 4,062, but the median home sales price is closer to $1 million than anywhere else on the list. The town was once home to a sugar plantation, but now has a modern, hip vibe.
You’ll find eclectic shops and restaurants offering fresh, local cuisine, along with Aweoweo Beach Park, which is more like a private beach than the crowded beaches in more populated areas of the island.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Could You Afford a Vacation Home in Hawaii? Check prices at 11 locations on the islands