Mililani – 1986 All-America City

Hawaiʻi has several lovely planned communities, but the first one was built here on Oʻahu. Mililani, which translates to “beloved place of chiefs” in Hawaiian, sprouted from red dirt of former productive sugar cane fields of Central Oʻahu in 1968. The first homes were sold for between $25,000 and $35,000! It then garnered the distinction of becoming an All-America city in 1986. In fact, when you enter Mililani, you’ll see a sign informing you of such: “Mililani 1986 All-America City.” The National Civic League honored Mililani’s civil spirit after its residents organized a grassroots campaign in the early ’80s to have community developers and the state government better filtrate agricultural pesticides from its drinking water.

The city’s first generation are now raising their own keiki, or children here. Today, it has a population of nearly 28,000 and the 2020 median home price is approximately $715,000. Mililani’s neighborhoods are lined with shade trees and its streets are named for Hawaiian stars, nights and days. Houses here are spacious, newer and best of all, can often be affordable. Plus, the community is perfect for families. Mililani has great schools, community parks and public golf courses. The H-2 freeway, which opened in 1976, makes for a shorter and less congested commute to and from Honolulu, and to U.S. Army Schofield Barracks and Wheeler Army Airfield, where most Mililani residents work. Mililani is also a short drive to the North Shore, giving residents a fun weekend getaway and premier beach options.

While Mililani is considered a charming bedroom community, the city still has a diverse array of amenities and services, including restaurants and shopping centers. Mililani is divided into two defined areas: Mililani Town—the older and more developed community—and Mililani Mauka. The H2 highway neatly splits Mililani Town, located on the West side, and Mililani Mauka. The Town Center of Mililani, situated in Mililani Town, is the largest shopping center in the area and features a movie theater, gym, fast-casual and sit-down restaurants, banks and more. On the east side of highway is Mililani Mauka, as well as the Launani Valley neighborhood. These communities sit nestled against the emerald green mountain range; mauka means inland or mountain in Hawaiian. These neighborhoods lend themselves to a cozy feeling and offer a tranquil respite from the bustle of city life.