Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park offers 5,300 acres of breathtaking wilderness on Oahu’s windward coast near Kaaawa—a natural playground that delivers million-dollar views without the hefty price tag.

For someone living on $1,200 a month – perhaps from Social Security or a modest pension – careful budgeting in Pahoa can provide a quality of life that would be unattainable in most other parts of ...