If you are considering planting roots in Hawaii, you’ve made the right decision! A laid-back lifestyle, amazing beaches, phenomenal outdoor activities, and a great deal of culture make raising your family in Hawaii an excellent choice. But how do you choose an island – let alone a city? Luckily, we have nine of the best places in Hawaii to live for families outlined below!

1) Mililani Town

One half of the greater Mililani area, Mililani Town sits outside the hustle and bustle of Honolulu and offers a stable housing market, low crime rates, and excellent schools. It was voted the best town for young families by NerdWallet, and Mililani High is home to some of the best faculty in the state. Take a driving tour through beautiful Mililani Town:

2) Wailuku

Maui was named the best island to raise a family by Islands Magazine for its outdoor activities, cultural significance, and history, as well as natural beauty. And nowhere on the island is better than Wailuku. Because Wailuku – along with its neighbor, Kahului – comprises the major business, commercial and industrial center of the island, commutes are short. A plethora of outdoor activities for the weekends makes it a great place to spend time with your kids.

3) Kapolei

Known as Oahu’s "Second City," Kapolei offers young families new homes in an up-and-coming area that is only going to grow (meaning it’s the perfect time to invest). Easy access to beaches, excellent schools, shopping centers, restaurants, and city and state government offices makes this the perfect place for young families.

4) Kailua-Kona

A growing arts scene, excellent weather, and oceanside location make the Big Island’s Kailua-Kona ideal for creative and artistic families. Kailua was once the home of Hawaiian royalty, and it’s continued to prosper ever since. Get an aerial view of Kailua-Kona:

5) Laie

Located on Oahu’s northeast shore is the small community of Laie, home to the Brigham Young campus, and a bustling Church of Latter-day Saints community. Laie Elementary has been recognized for its Every Day Math program.

6) Haiku

Not only is this small Maui community full of lush green space and close to some stellar surfing spots, but Haiku Elementary has been recognized by the state for continuing excellence in math and language arts. Come see why this is one of our favorite small towns in Hawaii! Enjoy these stunning views of Haiku:

7) Ewa

There are three communities that make up the Ewa District on Oahu – Ewa Villages, Ewa Beach, and Ewa by Gentry, and all have shown remarkable dedication to education and young families. In Ewa Villages, the percentage of residents over the age of 25 with a high school diploma rose more than 30 percent – to 86.4 percent – in just ten years.

8) Kapa'a

The city’s economic health relies on tourism, but has recouped quite well after a lull in tourists during the 2008 recession - now leading the state in stabilizing the community for young families! Kapa'a is one of our favorite places in Hawaii, and it's easy to see why.

9) Honolulu

The state’s capital was once named the best city in Hawaii to raise a family by Best Life Magazine, chosen for its lifestyle, low crime and unemployment rates, divorce rates, and family amenities and resources. There are also more job prospects for young parents.

What do you think? What are the best cities for raising a family in Hawaii in your eyes? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Also, check out the quietest and most peaceful small towns in Hawaii.