Sandy beaches, blue waters, swaying palm trees and lei-clad islanders probably come to mind when you think of Hawaii. And if you’ve vacationed there recently, you know that traveling to this state isn’t exactly cheap. Definitely worth it if you’re someone who appreciates everything Hawaii has to offer.
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If permanent housing in Hawaii is on your wish list, it might be possible for a lot less money than you might think. While it wouldn’t be hard to imagine that you would have to spend a million dollars or more to own a Hawaiian home, there are many places in the Hawaiian Islands where homes are selling for an average price below $1 million – sometimes way under.
Check out these 11 places and see if your dream of a slice of Hawaiian paradise could become a reality.
Hilo, Hawaii
Located on the northeast side of the Big Island – also known as Hawaii – Hilo is known for its natural beauty. It also offers many attractions, such as the Liliʻuokalani Gardens, said to be the largest Japanese ornamental garden outside of Japan; the Wailuku River State Park with an 80-foot waterfall; and the Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo, the only zoo in the United States located in a rainforest.
O’okala, Hawaii
Just a few hundred people live in the small unincorporated community of O’okala, which sits on Hawaii’s Hamakua coast next to the Pacific Ocean. You can expect plenty of natural beauty here, including lush vegetation and sea views, but you don’t have to go far to find modern amenities. The city of Honoka’a, with a population of approximately 2,700, is less than 10 miles away.
Honoka’a, Hawaii
Just down the street from O’okala is this seaside town. While not a big city, Honoka’a has markets, retail outlets, restaurants, and even a hardware store.
The biggest draw aside from downtown is the Honoka’a People’s Theater, a historic building that has been converted into a community center. There’s also a farmers’ market, which isn’t surprising given that the town is surrounded by farmland. Crops grown in the area include coffee, tea, pineapple, papaya, and macadamia nuts. Livestock farming is also practiced in the area.
Lana’i City, Hawaii
With a population of just 3,367, Lana’i City is also considered a small town. However, Maui is about nine miles away.
The city is on the island of Lana’i, about 1,700 feet above sea level in the highlands, so you can expect cooler temperatures than areas closer to the coast. Shopping and dining are popular at Dole Park and information about cultural and historical sites in the area can be found at the Lana’i Cultural & Heritage Center.
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Koloa, Hawaii
Another small town is Koloa on the island of Kauai with a population of 2,231. In the area you will find beaches and hiking trails. There is also Old Koloa Town with many 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 about 16,000. Ewa Beach has seen a lot of new growth in the housing market in recent years, so you can expect a lot of new construction and prices to match.
However, there are also older homes listed for hundreds of thousands below the average home selling price. Attractions include various beaches and golf courses as well as the Hawaiian Railway.
Honolulu, Hawaii
The capital, Honolulu, is home to over 400,000 people, so you can rest assured that everything you need is within driving distance. The city boasts the state’s largest art and history museums and restaurants that cover everything from traditional local eateries to trendy hotspots.
Famous Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head State Monument are some of the area’s most famous attractions. To round out the experience, there is plenty of shopping and nightlife downtown.
Wahiawa, Hawaii
Like Honolulu, Wahiawa is 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 indulge in fruity soft serve ice cream known as Dole Whip be able.
Kahului, Hawaii
In the middle of Maui lies Kahului with around 28,000 inhabitants. This is where Maui locals shop and run errands, where you’ll find major retailers like Walmart and even a Costco. Area attractions include military and history museums, the Skyline Trail, the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, the Schaefer International Gallery and the Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary.
Pearl City, Hawaii
Pearl City has a population of 45,295 and average home sales are approaching the $1 million mark. The city, which is approximately 11 miles from Honolulu, is on the north shore of Pearl Harbor and Pearl Harbor National Monument is only 5 miles from the city.
Waialua, Hawaii
Waialua is another small Oahu town with a population of 4,062, but the median home selling price is closer to the million-dollar mark than any other place on the list. The city was once home to a sugar plantation, but now it has a hip and trendy vibe.
Here you’ll find eclectic shops and restaurants serving fresh, local cuisine, as well as Aweoweo Beach Park, which is more like a private beach than the more crowded beaches found in the island’s more populated areas.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Could You Afford a Vacation Home in Hawaii? Check out prices at 11 locations across the islands