Barry Villamil isn’t surprised that Pearl City was ranked 8th on WalletHub’s 2024 happiest places in America list.
“It’s a testament to the heart, soul, and spirit of our wonderful community,” says Villamil, who’s lived in Pearl City most his life. “We’re very happy people.”
WalletHub compared the most populated American cities and examined key indicators of happiness in different categories, such as employment and income, emotional and physical well-being, and community and environment. The list was also based on sports participation rate, adequate sleep rate, and ideal weather.
Walking pedestrian bridge at Moanalua Road. Photo courtesy Earl Yoshii
Pearl City wasn’t the only Hawaii mention. Honolulu was 6th, which is a jump from 33rd on last year’s list. But when it comes to mental health, Pearl City was ranked as having the lowest depression rate, with Honolulu coming in as the second lowest.
“We have a lot of aloha here,” says Villamil. “We take care of our senior community and thrive off their inspiration and love for one another. And we support our children in the schools.”
Michael D. Nakasone Performing Arts Center at the top of Waimana Home Rd. Photo courtesy HeatherKelley
Spreading aloha
In 2019, Villamil wrote Stuck on Aloha, a collection of inspirational stories and messages from people who posted positive messages on a wall at Pearl City Shopping Center. The messages conveyed hope, love, compassion, kindness, courage, and pride.
“It was uplifting to see keiki to kupuna participate,” he says. “It’s shows how tight knit this community is.”
Villamil believes in more than simply living in a community. He takes an active role in contributing to Pearl City’s health and well-being. He’s involved in nonprofit community organizations, including the Rotary Club of Pearlridge, the Mana Loa Nimitz Lion’s Club, Pearl City High School College Academies, and Pearl City Shopping Center Merchants Association.
During holidays, he helps plan events that bring the community together, including the annual Pearl City Shopping Center Christmas Parade, Pearl City Toys For Tots Christmas Toy Drive, and Pearl City Keiki Easter Egg Hunt.
As editor of MyPearlCity.com, Villamil keeps residents connected through an online community. The website highlights their accomplishments from sports events to neighborhood cleanups.
“I’m blessed to be involved,” he says. “It’s rewarding to help. Happiness is contagious. It makes everything better.”
Barry Villamil (right) with Mana Loa Nimitz Lions Club community volunteer Mary Takeshita
at a community cleanup at the Pearl Harbor Bike Path in Pearl City. Photo courtesy Barry Villamil
Returning home
Pearl City is where it all started for high school sweethearts Dominic and Melissa Bojorquez.
They met and fell in love while attending Pearl City High School and later got married. Although they left Hawaii to live on the Mainland, Pearl City eventually called them back. The couple helped care for Melissa’s aging parents and they now live in Melissa’s childhood home, where they raised their own family.
“We live and breathe Pearl City,” says Melissa.
Throughout the years, they’ve been involved in their children’s activities at Pearl City High School, including the band booster club, Project Grad, and the school’s 50th anniversary events. They’ve also been involved with the Pearl City Community Association and Pearl City Foundation. They’re currently active in their local church, Our Lady of Good Counsel, organizing activities from tai chi classes to blood drives.
“There are a lot of social connections here,” Melissa says. “There’s a good sense of family and ohana that’s not just blood.
The couple also enjoy Pearl City’s growing modern conveniences. “We have all we need here for shopping, restaurants, and entertainment in walking distance,” says Dominic. “Two Zippy’s, Sam’s Club, H Mart, Foodland Farms, and a new Liliha Bakery. There’s no need now to fight the traffic and parking to go into town.”
Deep connections keep them rooted to their community. They enjoy seeing former classmates while out and about and look forward to talking to neighbors on their daily walks with their dog.
“There’s something special about being in Pearl City,” says Melissa. “We’re grateful to have raised our family here. It’s a community of diverse culture and relationships with faith-based support. I know that I can pick up the phone and connect with former classmates who have each other’s backs.”
Dominic and Melissa Bojorquez enjoy walking their dog in their Pearl City neighborhood.
Photo courtesy Quinn Bojorquez
Homegrown pride
For Chad Yamashiro, Pearl City is home. And there’s no other place he’d rather live.
Yamashiro grew up in Pearl City, but moved to Ewa, where buying his first home was more affordable. But he always had his sights on returning to his hometown. In 2019, he bought a home in Momilani.
“I chose that place because it has one of the best elementary schools for my kids,” he says. “It’s also very safe. When I park my car on the street, I don’t have to worry too much about it being broken into.”
He and his wife enjoy Pearl City’s central location. Being just 20 minutes away from work has cut down their commuting time, leaving more time to focus on family activities.
Yamashiro, who coaches baseball and soccer clubs, says Pearl City is home to a variety of sports clubs, including volleyball, judo, and swimming. “And we have one of the last bowling alleys on the island,” he says.
Aside from his full-time teaching job in Kapolei, Yamashiro owns a shirt printing business in Pearl City. He says he has no intentions of moving anywhere else.
“I’m vested in the community,” he says.
Chad Yamashiro with daughter Avery (8) and Cam (6) at the Pearlridge butterfly exhibit.
Photo courtesy Chad Yamashiro
Honolulu Skyline on Kamehameha Highway. Photo courtesy Earl Yoshii
This isn’t the first year Pearl City was named one of the happiest cities. Read about its past honor.
