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If you’re looking for a warm and welcoming place to spend your golden years, why not retire in Hawaiʻi?
The islands have beautiful weather all year long, an easy pace of life, jaw-dropping landscapes, and the highest life expectancy of any U.S. state. (80.7 years!)
Plus, the 65+ population in Hawaiʻi is almost 3% higher than the national average, so retirees will find themselves in good company in the state.
If you’re considering retirement in Hawaiʻi, we’ll show you the 13 best places to live. We chose these spots based on several statistics—including the percentage of 65+ residents, median rents, and average home values—plus our local knowledge after years and years of assisting with Hawaiʻi moves on all four major islands.
With our list, you’ll be perfectly positioned to start your search for the perfect place to retire in Hawaiʻi.
But first, let’s get an overall lay of the land where retiring in Hawaiʻi is concerned.
What Is It Like to Retire in Hawaiʻi?
As you mull over retiring in Hawaiʻi, you might wonder what your life would look like—especially your social life.
Retirees in Hawaiʻi will find themselves in good company. Nearly one in five Hawaiʻi residents is 65+. (That’s 19.6% of the population, or 2.8% more than the U.S. average.) By 2040, Hawaii residents 65+ are expected to number almost one in four!
Where Will You Find the Most 65+ Residents in Hawaiʻi?
In 2010, the answer was Kauaʻi. However, since 2012, the Big Island has been home to the highest percentage of residents 65+. Kauaʻi now holds the #2 spot, followed by Maui, and then by Oʻahu.
(Source)
In other words, if you plan to retire in Hawaiʻi, you’ll find an increasing number of Hawaiʻi residents in your age group to mingle with—especially on the Big Island.
What’s the lifestyle for people over 65?
Finally, if you’re curious how the 65+ population in Hawaiʻi lives, check out the statistics below. They’ll give you a sense for the kinds of people you might meet and mingle with in Hawaiʻi.
(Source)
As you can see, a fairly low percentage of the population lives in either group facilities or with non-family members. Hawaiʻi residents 65+ are most likely to live with their spouse or in a family household without their spouse.
Of course, as a retiree, your lifestyle is entirely up to you. But this data can offer you some intel on the other residents you’ll meet in Hawaiʻi.
Next, we’ll help you narrow down your search by looking at 13 areas that may appeal to you as a retiree. We’ll start with the Big Island, where you’ll find the largest percentage of 65+ residents in Hawaiʻi.
Best Places to Retire in Hawaiʻi: Big Island
Hilo
With some of the lowest average home values in the Hawaiian Islands, the Big Island appeals to many retirees. However, living in a remote area with few public services may not be quite the best choice for someone 65+ who’s looking at the long term.
That’s why we’d recommend taking a look at retiring in Hilo. As with many places in Hawaiʻi, one-story homes are common in Hilo, offering the possibility of a home that could accommodate a senior for many years to come. Additionally, you’ll also find several condo options in Hilo, which mean you won’t have to worry about landscaping and maintenance. Add to that the shops, grocery stores, farmer’s markets, and cultural opportunities in the town, and you’ve got a spot worthy of consideration.
(Sources: zillow.com; U.S. Census Bureau)
Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona delivers what most people expect when they think of Hawaiʻi: hot, sunny weather with easy access to plenty of white sand beaches. Like Hilo, you’ll also find condos in Kailua-Kona—perfect for that low-maintenance lifestyle. Finally, if an active retirement is something you crave, Kailua-Kona also has plenty of restaurants, stores, and activities to keep you busy.
Note: There’s also a Kailua on Oʻahu. To avoid mix-ups, Kailua on the Big Island is referred to as “Kailua-Kona.” Keep this note in mind while you do your research so you don’t accidentally fall in love with (or ship your belongings to) the wrong place!
(Sources: zillow.com; U.S. Census Bureau)
Waimea
Waimea is the heart of the Big Island’s paniolo country. These days, there are fewer Hawaiian cowboys wrangling cattle, but you’ll still find ranch land in the area, complete with grazing cows, sheep, and horses. If a peaceful, quiet lifestyle is one you crave, Waimea will deliver.
Additionally, Waimea sits at 2,500+ ft. of elevation, which means cooler temperatures and even cooler nights. (Especially during the winter months!) If the hot, sunny areas of the Big Island’s Kona Coast are a little too warm for your taste, Waimea might be a perfect fit.
(Sources: zillow.com; U.S. Census Bureau)
Best Places to Retire in Hawaiʻi: Kauaʻi
Princeville
Princeville certainly isn’t the cheapest place to live on Kauaʻi, as you can see from the numbers above. However, Princeville is a location where you’ll find a considerable number of residents 65+. You’ll also find a number of different property types in Princeville, from large estates that could accommodate an entire family to one-bedroom luxury condos perfect for singles or a couple.
is also a community with walking paths, pools, tennis courts—a full roster of amenities that make it easy for any retiree to stay active.
(Sources: zillow.com; U.S. Census Bureau)
Kapaʻa
If you like the idea of Princeville’s walking paths but want something a little more affordable, check out Kapaʻa. This town is located about 20 minutes away from Līhuʻe, Kauaʻi’s center of commerce. In other words, Līhuʻe amenities aren’t far away.
Kapaʻa has its own shops and restaurants, too, so you may not need to leave the area for the essentials. Plus, in Kapaʻa, you’ll have access to the Ke Ala Hele Makalae multi-use path that takes walkers, runners, and bikers along Kauaʻi’s windward coast. In other words, Kapaʻa has plenty to recommend it as a spot for retirees.
(Sources: zillow.com; U.S. Census Bureau)
Līhuʻe
If you like the idea of being in a semi-“urban” area where you never have to drive far to go to the doctor, the bank, the airport, the grocery store, etc., then take a look at living in Līhuʻe. Convenience is the name of the game in this area.
Plus, when you do want to venture farther afield, Līhuʻe’s central location makes it easy to get just about anywhere on Kauaʻi. After all, who wants to spend their golden years stuck in the car? In Līhuʻe, you’ll enjoy maximum accessibility and minimum hassle.
(Sources: zillow.com; U.S. Census Bureau)
The Best Places to Retire in Hawaiʻi: Maui
Wailea
Like Princeville on Kauaʻi, Wailea isn’t one of Maui’s cheaper places to live. However, it’s got a lot to offer retirees, including consistently sunny weather, long beautiful beaches to walk, and a robust condo selection for that all-important low-maintenance lifestyle.
With a number of resorts in the area, you’ll also find plenty of shopping options, plus some of Maui’s best restaurants. If you’ve got a substantial retirement budget, well-groomed Wailea is worth a look.
(Sources: zillow.com; U.S. Census Bureau)
Kīhei
A long walk on the beach every morning. An easy drive to grocery stores, drug stores, restaurants, doctor’s offices, and boutiques. A central location that allows you to get around Maui with ease. Kīhei has a lot of perks that make it a top choice for retirees in Hawaiʻi.
As in Wailea, you’ll find a significant number of condo developments in Kīhei. However, you’ll find a greater variety of price points in Kīhei, which increases your chances of finding one that’s perfect for your budget.
(Sources: zillow.com; U.S. Census Bureau)
Makawao
More affordable than nearby Kula—and closer to Maui’s commercial center—Makawao has a number of different options for retirees. You’ll find single-family homes in friendly neighborhoods for those looking to build an active social life, as well as houses toward the Olinda area that are located on larger tracts of land for those who enjoy their privacy. Plus, in Makawao, you’ll enjoy the charms of this historic area, which remains dotted by farms and steeped in paniolo culture.
(Sources: zillow.com; U.S. Census Bureau)
Kahului
As the island’s commercial hub, Kahului has a more “urban” feel that may not appeal to some. However, there’s nowhere more convenient on Maui to live. You’re just a few minutes’ drive from grocery stores, banks, doctor’s offices, the airport, and the hospital.
Kahului’s central location also makes it easy to access all the sights in both East and West Maui. Take a scenic drive along gorgeous coastline to explore the historic whaling town of Lahaina, head to Maʻalea to catch a whale-watching cruise, or drive to Baldwin Beach to take a long walk on a white sand beach. All are just a short drive away. Add to that the fact that Kahului offers some of the island’s more affordable housing, and it’s definitely one to investigate.
(Sources: zillow.com; U.S. Census Bureau)
Best Places to Retire in Hawaiʻi: Oʻahu
Urban Honolulu
Plenty of conveniences, plus Oʻahu’s largest concentration of condos make Urban Honolulu worthy of consideration. Retirees will have a wide range of condos to choose from in Honolulu: leasehold properties, fee-simple properties, new construction luxury buildings with a full roster of amenities, older properties just waiting for new owners to put their stamp on them, and more.
In other words, if a Hawaiʻi condo is in your future, you owe it to yourself to at least look in Honolulu.
(Sources: zillow.com; U.S. Census Bureau)
Pearl City
Pearl City offers a suburban feel that’s similar to what you might find on the mainland, with parks, schools, stores, restaurants, grocery stores, and local congestion at busy hours. You’ll find Pearl City a bit more relaxed than downtown Honolulu. (But it’s only a short drive away by car in case you want to head to town to enjoy a special dinner or a performance of the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra!)
You’ll find Pearl City a bit more expensive than living in town, but you’ll also find a significant 65+ population in the area to socialize with, which may be a worthy trade-off.
(Sources: zillow.com; U.S. Census Bureau)
Waiʻanae
Waiʻanae often makes the “best place to retire in Hawaiʻi” lists because of its affordable housing. With prices like the above, Waiʻanae is hard to ignore, especially if you’re on a budget. That said, the neighborhood has a reputation for being one that’s difficult for newcomers to find their footing in. Of course, your mileage will vary. If housing prices are a real sticking point for you, Waiʻanae might be worth at least a look.
(Sources: zillow.com; U.S. Census Bureau)
Paradise Is Calling
Now that you’ve taken our tour of the best places to retire in Hawaiʻi, it’s your turn. Make some calls, do your research, and hop on a plane for a visit. There’s nothing like actually driving around your future neighborhood to help you make a confident decision about where you want to spend your golden years.
Finally, if you need some help your belongings to Hawaiʻi, we’d be happy to assist with a safe, easy, and affordable move. Just get in touch with one of our Hawaiʻi moving experts. We’ll put together a complimentary, no-obligation quote for your Hawaiʻi move.
Tell us about your move!
