America's 'Worst City For Staycations' In 2026 Is A Popular Vacation Destination

In the modern era, the "staycation" has become a popular alternative to a traditional getaway. While going off to far-flung lands and exploring new regions is exciting, you can often find unexpected hidden gems in or around your hometown. Plus, staycations are usually cheaper than standard vacations, since you don't have to pay as much for travel and accommodation costs (unless you stay at a hotel in your city).

That said, some cities are better for this than others. So much so that the website WalletHub ranked the top 182 cities in America based on how suitable they are for staying put. As you might imagine, the top locales were tourist-friendly options like Orlando, Las Vegas, and Hawaii's stunning capital city full of breathtaking nature and historical sites: Honolulu. However, in something of a bizarre twist, a spot just next to Honolulu actually ranked dead last on the list. Pearl City, while not technically its own city, is apparently the worst place for staycations in 2026, despite being part of one of the best tropical vacation destinations on the planet.

According to WalletHub, cities were ranked based on the availability of recreational activities and hubs like swimming pools, shopping centers, and playgrounds, as well as food, entertainment, and health and wellness options. So, let's break down why Pearl City ranked so poorly and what that means for your next vacation if you were thinking of visiting the area.

At first glance, it wouldn't make sense that Honolulu would be ranked fifth for staycations and a suburb of the city would be so far down the list — especially when you consider that Oahu, where Honolulu and its surrounding communities are located, is the most visited Hawaiian island. However, once you realize that Pearl City is mostly residential, the pieces start to come together. While Honolulu is full of attractions and amenities to cater to throngs of tourists, Pearl City has houses, condos, and apartments. And while it has its own shopping center, restaurants, and recreation spots, they are fewer and farther between than in other cities on the list.

But that doesn't mean Pearl City is completely lacking in staycation-worthy experiences. One of the highlights of the suburb is a quintessentially beautiful example of Hawaii's natural spaces. Waimano Falls is about a 15-minute drive northeast of central Pearl City, and it's one of the more scenic falls on the island. To reach it, you can hike either the Mānana Ridge Trail or the Waimano Valley Ridge Trail. Both trailheads are accessible within neighborhoods of Pearl City, so the falls are relatively convenient to travelers and residents alike.

Outside of the waterfalls, the other highlight of Pearl City is its dining scene. There are a few local chain restaurants where you can sample Hawaiian cuisine, such as Paradise Poke, serving poke bowls; Oh My Grill, serving Hawaiian barbecue; or Zippy's, serving Hawaiian comfort food. Alternatively, if you prefer an upscale menu within a casual setting, you can try Little Joe's Steakhouse. A more unique fine-dining option is The Pearl, which is part of the Leeward Community College, meaning you're helping culinary students hone their craft.

So, given the WalletHub report, should you plan to vacation in Pearl City? On the one hand, it's only about 15 minutes by car from the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), so it's easy to reach. Also, because the suburb isn't full of resorts and world-famous attractions, it's less crowded than Honolulu while still being close enough to reach everything the capital city is known for.

That said, because there are no hotels or resorts in Pearl City, you'll likely have to stay elsewhere anyway. There are a few vacation rentals in the area, but it's hard to say whether they'd be available when you're planning your trip. Additionally, while the dining scene here is decent, it's not necessarily better or more memorable than other parts of the island.

Overall, the main reason to add Pearl City to your travel itinerary would be to visit Waimano Falls. And if you can secure a vacation rental within the suburb, you'd still have access to all of the other iconic destinations on the island, such as the picturesque Hawaiian town offering pristine, turquoise beaches and fun water sports: Kailua.