Mccully-Moiliili - Honolulu, HI

Once used by the natives to grow taro, the area now known as the Moiliili neighborhood was owned by King William Lunalilo in the 1800s. During the latter half of the 19th century, Chinese and Japanese immigrants began arriving and settling in the area. Although Moiliili has grown from an agricultural community into an urban jungle, it maintains its rich culture through various museums and events.

Stroll through the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii for a walk through time, or enjoy the community's artistic side at the Gallery of Hawaii Artists. For a taste of local culture, don't miss the Moiliili Summer Fest complete with a big Bon Dance, food vendors and entertainment late into the night.

Away from the tourist-laden nightclubs and restaurants of Waikiki, you discover a treasure trove of local hot spots for Asian-inspired cuisine right in Moiliili. Sample Taiwanese hot pot, ramen, sushi or Vietnamese noodles mixed in with traditional Hawaiian cuisine at the restaurant district near the corner of King Street and Isenberg Street. The neighborhood has the perfect blend of trendy cafes and fine dining, and you never have to go far to find nightlife.

Sweet Home Cafe may not look like much from the outside, but this hot pot joint has quickly become a Honolulu favorite. For starters, choose from a selection of homemade broths, order your favorite meats and pick a bunch of fresh veggies from the fridge to throw in your pot. Add some flavor at the sauce bar to finish it off. One of Sweet Home's sweetest surprises is the complimentary shaved ice with boba, pudding and fruit. This place always has a line out the door, so get here before it opens to enjoy a quick meal and the day's freshest ingredients.

For gourmet cuisine that blends Asian specialties with Hawaiian flavor, reserve a table at Alan Wong's Restaurant. Be sure to try the ginger-crusted onaga, and check out the fresh catch menu to sample the local fish of the day. The coconut sorbet made in the shape of a coconut and stuffed with fruit makes a fine meal here even finer.

If you crave global cuisine and plant-based dishes, step into the cute cottage atmosphere of Peace Cafe. If you can't decide on an entree, go for the heart and Seoul bibimbap plate or the Hanoi sandwich, and be sure to try one of the rotating mochi cakes. A few parking spaces make up the back lot, and you can always pull up to one of the meters on King Street.

When the sun sets, the neighborhood comes alive with one of the most diverse nightlife scenes in Honolulu awaiting along King Street and scattered throughout Moiliili. Explore a collection of cocktail bars, lounges, nightclubs and dive bars where locals come to kick back. Head to Anna O'Brien's to dance to live music in the upstairs dance hall or sip on your favorite cocktail. This place attracts a lively college student population, and the comedy nights always draw a crowd.

Whether you drive or take the bus, hop on the Lunalilo Freeway for a quick trip into downtown Honolulu. The neighborhood has metered parking on its more retail-heavy streets, such as King Street, but you find free street parking in the residential areas. Just be prepared to hunt for a spot. You can always call Uber or a local taxi for a quick ride.

The city bus system services the neighborhood with stops on most major roads, and bicycle enthusiasts can cruise down bike lanes on University Avenue and Ala Wai Boulevard. If you prefer to travel on foot, enjoy access to most of your amenities within a short walk of your apartment.

Living in Moiliili puts some of the city's best beaches at your fingertips, but you also find plenty of green space without leaving the neighborhood park. Ala Wai Park situated along the canal stands as a favorite spot for basketball and volleyball enthusiasts. Let your kids climb on the playground or play on the swings, or join the dozens of locals who come here to take a jog or stroll with their canine companions. Also stop by Moiliili Neighborhood Park to watch a game of softball or baseball on the lighted fields.

Moiliili residents enjoy a cost of living that falls below average for the Honolulu metro area. Renting one of the neighborhood's many mid-rise and low-rise apartments only costs around $1,175 a month for a one-bedroom dwelling.

Taking the bus into downtown Honolulu costs around $2.50 for a one-way trip while gas prices generally hover 14 percent above the national average. Entertainment prices remain steep, so expect to pay upward of $7 for a pint at your local pub.

The retail scene along King Street is a far cry from the upscale fashion boutiques and gift shops on the beachfront, but shoppers love the edgy, urban feel that characterizes the hip-hop boutiques, discount fashions, bike stores, cosmetics shops and consignment shops found here.

If you love the underground hip-hop culture, stop into About the Goods to browse cool fashions, vinyl records, B-Boy DVDs and jewelry. Pick up a stylish cap from the hat shelf while discovering a collection of apparel for men and women that you can't find anywhere else on the island.

Truest stands as the city's best spot to find new sneakers and consignment shoes from hard-to-find, high-end brands at fair prices. Also check out the store's handmade jewelry and cell phone accessories, along with clothing from top brands such as Kidrobot and Supreme.

When you need to grab your weekly groceries, stop by Down to Earth for a selection of healthy, natural food products, or swing by India Market for coconut juice, spices and homemade samosas. Safeway and Foodland are also available to fill basic grocery needs. The Moiliili Farmers Market sets up once a week for residents who want to shop local and buy the freshest fruits in the neighborhood.