A small hidden gem in South Los Angeles, Hawaiian Gardens is a historic, tranquil haven that boasts a harmonious blend of diverse cuisine, lush parks and a strong community. While the suburb may be the smallest in Los Angeles County, it’s home to 15,000 residents — making it one of the most densely populated cities in the area. And its history is as diverse and unique as its people. Hawaiian Gardens was named after a quaint refreshment stand made of bamboo and covered in palm fronds, which sold soda, sandwiches and moonshine secretly to farmers and travelers during the 1920s. The stand was shuttered after the repeal of Prohibition, but the name lived on, a beloved landmark by the people in the then-rural bedroom community. While the tropical-esque stand may be gone, the garden-like vibe remains, with proximity to abundant outdoor recreation being one of the area’s biggest draws. Besides that, The Gardens Casino is the other part of its appeal, popular with locals for weekend fun, and it’s also the area’s largest employer, along with the City of Hawaiian Gardens and Tri-City Regional Medical Center.
Hawaiian Gardens is a lively neighborhood with events, parks, and retail centers.
The Gardens Casino has an iconic "volcano" in Hawaiian Gardens, CA.
1/2
Spanish-inspired abodes and California bungalows abound
A small slice of urban paradise, Hawaiian Gardens offers single-family, ranch-style homes, California bungalows, condos and townhouses. Most were built in the 1960s, ranging from $450,000 to $970,000. Houses showcase a variety of architectural influences, from modern Craftsman styles to Spanish-inspired architecture. Condos are predominantly in the Belshire Gardens development, which offers three-bedroom, two-bath options. The gated Parkside subdivision offers townhouses starting at $525,000, with access to a community pool, spa and tennis courts. Most homes have inviting, covered front porches, and lawns are beautifully landscaped and filled with palm trees.
A small Spanish bungalow with a manicured lawn in Hawaiian Gardens, CA.
A small home in Hawaiian Gardens with a fountain and fruit tree.
1/2
Parks as lush as the name
Let the kids play at Clarkdale Park’s splash pad and playground, play a board game, shoot hoops or head over to its skatepark to shred some pavement. This park also hosts holiday celebrations, movie nights and summer concerts. At Lee Ware Park & Recreation Center, residents can take a leisurely dip or a lesson in its public pool, and the recreation center offers a wide variety of sports and activities for kids. The tree-lined, 15-acre Bloomfield Park is just over the boundary in Lakewood and offers a teen resource center, multi-purpose fields, basketball courts and a sand-filled play area for kids. For a bigger adventure, El Dorado Regional Park is less than 2 miles away. For a fun day trip, head to Long Beach to surf the waves or rollerblade along the waterfront, embark on a deep-sea adventure at the aquarium or whale watch on the water. For some competitive indoor action, The Gardens Casino offers poker, Blackjack and Texas Hold ‘Em. The Hawaiian-themed casino, complete with an artificial volcano and lava, is open 24/7 and offers tournaments.
The Gardens Casino's sign, in Hawaiian Gardens, greets guests as they enter.
Head over to Lee Ware Park in Hawaiian Garden for a game of hoops.
1/2
A city filled with diverse, eclectic cuisine
While getting moonshine in a soda at a roadside stand is now only a memory, Hawaiian Gardens has plenty of fresh fruit carts serving up tropical fruit and authentic mangonadas peppered around the landscape. Most restaurants and shopping options are along East Carson Street. Enjoy authentic Vietnamese fare at Pho May, classic Mexican cuisine at Casa Adelita or Don Ruben and enjoy a sweet treat from Bartha’s Donuts. For shopping, head just across I-605 to Long Beach Towne Center, which offers Walmart, Sam’s Club, Dave & Buster’s, Michael’s, Total Wine & More and a movie theater.
Pho May is a fantastic Vietnamese Restaurant in Hawaiian Garden where the soup is popular.
Head over to Long Beach Towne Center for many outdoor dining options.
1/2
Hawaiian Gardens schools earn high marks
Served by the ABC Unified School District, local students attend Hawaiian Elementary, Pharis F. Fedde Middle School and Artesia High School. The elementary school received a B from Niche, and the middle school received a B-plus. Hawaiian Elementary offers education in STEM, after-school education programs and band. Earning an A-minus from Niche, Artesia offers soccer and cheerleading, a video game and movie club and a Distinguished Scholar Program.
Artesia High School is a magnet school located in Lakewood.
Hawaiian Elementary School, part of the ABC school district.
1/2
Time-honored traditions
A tight-knit community, Hawaiian Gardens hosts a variety of events and festivals to keep residents engaged with time-honored traditions. The community hosts an annual anniversary celebration to honor its heritage, street fairs, car shows, a yearly holiday tree lighting and the popular annual Hawaiian Gardens Robert Canada Friendship Pow Wow.
You will see some amazing vehicles at the Garden Grove Annual Car Show.
The dancing at the Friendship Pow Wow is a spectacular event.
1/2
Getting around Hawaiian Gardens
Interstates 605, 5 and 405 get residents around the region. Long Beach and all its beauty and entertainment are only a 15-mile drive away via I-405. And Long Beach Airport is only 5 miles away. And for a day of magic, residents can reach Disneyland via I-5 in 11 miles. Public transportation is also accessible through Long Beach Transit, Orange County Transportation Authority and Metro.
Written By
Michael Crouch
Photography Contributed By
Samuel Evans
Video By
Maurice Boone
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lynsey Russell,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Over-the-Top “$350,000” Full Remodel Inside and Out in the Perfect Cul-de-Sac Location! An Entertainer’s Dream That’s Been Fully Reimagined in 2025 with Magazine-Worthy Finishes, Top-Tier Systems, and a Newly Air Conditioned Open-Concept Layout! Featuring 3 Bedrooms and 2 Luxurious Oversized Bathrooms! Inviting Double Door Entry with Light Wood Plank LVT Throughout! Light and Airy with Dozens
Discover this unique triplex situated on a quiet street in Hawaiian Gardens, offering great investment opportunity. The front building features 2 units, with one bedroom and one bathroom each. Both have remodeled kitchen, updated bathrooms, and functional floor plan. The stand-alone third unit features two spacious bedrooms and one and a half bathrooms. Also has an open living room and kitchen.
Property is currently Tenant Occupied and buyer will have to assume responsibility of the Tenant. Interior condition is unknown by seller at the moment.
Over-the-Top “$350,000” Full Remodel Inside and Out in the Perfect Cul-de-Sac Location! An Entertainer’s Dream That’s Been Fully Reimagined in 2025 with Magazine-Worthy Finishes, Top-Tier Systems, and a Newly Air Conditioned Open-Concept Layout! Featuring 3 Bedrooms and 2 Luxurious Oversized Bathrooms! Inviting Double Door Entry with Light Wood Plank LVT Throughout! Light and Airy with Dozens
Discover this unique triplex situated on a quiet street in Hawaiian Gardens, offering great investment opportunity. The front building features 2 units, with one bedroom and one bathroom each. Both have remodeled kitchen, updated bathrooms, and functional floor plan. The stand-alone third unit features two spacious bedrooms and one and a half bathrooms. Also has an open living room and kitchen.
Property is currently Tenant Occupied and buyer will have to assume responsibility of the Tenant. Interior condition is unknown by seller at the moment.
Get into a renovated Lakewood, CA, one-, two-, or three-bedroom apartment home at Vicino, an apartment community boasting premium amenities, upgraded interiors, and quick access to the area’s major freeways, including I-605 and I-5. Providing all the perks you need for a lovely and fulfilling residential experience, such as a picnic area, jacuzzi, and fitness center, this pet-friendly home is
Now available for lease – this spacious two-story townhouse is located in the highly sought-after gated Parkside community in Hawaiian Gardens. Offering 2 large bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, an upstairs loft area and an attached 2-car garage, this home blends comfort and convenience in an ideal location. The main level features a bright and airy open floor plan with vaulted ceilings, a generous
Vibrant senior living in newly renovated units just minutes from shops and attractions centrally located in Hawaiian Gardens.Senior Living 55+ Accepting Section 8 Vouchers
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
