Hawaiian Gardens earned its distinctive name from a 1920s refreshment stand called "Hawaiian Gardens," which featured tropical decorations of palm fronds and bamboo. As the smallest city in Los Angeles County at just one square mile, this compact community sits at the southeastern edge of Los Angeles County, bordered by Long Beach, Lakewood, and Cypress. The Gardens Casino serves as a major landmark and contributes significantly to the local economy, offering table games and poker in the heart of the city.

Rental options in Hawaiian Gardens include apartments and smaller multi-unit buildings, with average one-bedroom apartments renting for around $1,958 per month. Two-bedroom units average $2,165, making this area more affordable than many surrounding communities in the competitive Southern California market. The city's location provides excellent access to major highways including Interstate 605, allowing for convenient commutes to employment centers throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

The community features well-maintained recreational spaces, including Fedde Sports Complex with its basketball courts and sports fields, and Lee Ware Park, which offers playground equipment and picnic areas. Shopping needs are met at the Town Center Mall on Carson Street and nearby Los Cerritos Center. Hawaiian Gardens is served by the ABC Unified School District, with Fedde Middle School and two elementary schools located within city boundaries. With its modest size and strategic position between Los Angeles and Orange Counties, Hawaiian Gardens presents renters with a practical option in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area.