6 Best Cities to Retire in Hawaii
The enchanting, postcard-worthy scenery and year-round warm weather make Hawaii one of the most appealing places to retire in the United States. The area offers a laid back, comfortable lifestyle, ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle of city life.
Hawaii is more than just a beautiful state consisting of captivating islands, though. It also has a life expectancy of 82.3, which is the highest in the nation. It also offers excellent health care access and quality, which are two major considerations when retiring. On top of all that, your family and friends will love to come visit you, and there is plenty to do along the island.
Curious where you might end up if you move to Hawaii? Learn all about the top six cities to retire in Hawaii to narrow down your choices.
Lihue
Lihue is the commercial, cultural, and historical center of the island of Hawaii, but it also has a small town feel. It is home to Kauai's main airport, meaning you have constant access to the mainland and family and friends can easily visit.
There are numerous beaches in the area, including Kalapaki Beach and Ninini Beach. It is the perfect spot if you love swimming, surfing, and an abundance of other water sports. You will find Wailua Falls just north of the city, where you can enjoy a day of hiking and take in the scenic views of the waterfalls. The area boasts plenty of entertainment options, including a large shopping center, historical spots, and different museums.
Honolulu
The capital city of Hawaii, Honolulu sits on Oahu's south shore and is home to most of the island's population. It stretches from Pearl Harbor to Makapuʻu Point, and also includes the famous Waikiki Beach. Scuba diving, snorkeling, and sightseeing are some of the most common activities in the city.
The tropical climate and extensive beaches make the area popular, but it is also home to a rich history. There are numerous family-friendly museums in the city, including the Bishop Museum and Queen Emma's Summer Palace. Historic sites include the Battleship Missouri Memorial, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace and the Iolani Palace. There are also endless tours and excursions, including hikes along cliff sides, swimming with sharks, and exploring preservation areas.
Hilo
Commonly referred to as the Big Island, Hilo is most well known for Wailuku River State Park. The park is home to Rainbow Falls (Waianuenue), though there are numerous different waterfalls to visit in the city. The vibrant rainforests and beautiful gardens are another attraction, ideal for long walks, hikes, and taking in the scenic views.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is south of Hilo, which is home to more beautiful rainforests, as well as the active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. The downtown area is home to numerous restaurants, museums, art galleries, boutiques, and a farmer's market, perfect for spending weekdays. Don't forget to explore the Kaumana Caves and Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens, as well as ATV and helicopter tours of the area.
Kihei
Located in Maui County, Kihei is the sunniest end of the island. It boasts over 6 miles of beautiful beaches and picturesque views, ideal for surfing, swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling. If you go out often enough, there's a good chance you'll spot plenty of sea life, and even perhaps a humpback whale.
In the city, you'll find Kalama Beach Park, which boasts 36 acres of beaches, volleyball courts, tennis courts, baseball fields, picnic areas, and more. There are lots of shops and restaurants, along with different classes and excursions in which you can take part. The area also offers easy access to other locations in Hawaii as it is only 20 minutes from Kahului Airport. Maalaea Bay is north of the city, where you can book a boating trip and go on whale watching expeditions, as well as fishing and snorkeling trips.
Makawao
Makawao is a smaller, eclectic, "Paniolo" (Hawaiian cowboy) town. It is most well known for its art community, and even earns a spot on the list of the 25 best art destinations in the United States. Of course, there are numerous art galleries and boutiques to peruse through whenever you would like.
There is a rodeo up the road, ringing true to the town's love of the Hawaiian cowboy. On top of that, the only market left in the town is the "Rodeo General Store." It is home to the Makawao Rodeo, which occurs every year on the Fourth of July, and is the largest paniolo competition in Hawaii. Though it offers the charm of a small town, Makawao is a short jaunt away from the busier areas, whether you want to visit a nearby shopping center or fly to a larger part of Hawaii.
Paia
The world capital of wind surfing, Paia sits on Maui's North shore and offers some of the best restaurants and beaches. It is home to an abundance of colorful storefronts and boutiques, as well as local art galleries. In winter, the big waves are attractive to pro windsurfers, which offers plenty of entertainment for the community.
There are also numerous waterfalls and forested areas to explore. Baldwin Beach is just minutes west of the city, which stretches along 17 acres of coastline and is ideal for everything from sunbathing to snorkeling and swimming. There is also the Temple of Peace Maui, which is a spa and retreat center, ideal for rejuvenation and relaxation.
Retire in Paradise
It is no secret why the Aloha State is the perfect place for retirement. The island boasts a number of beautiful cities, though they are more reminiscent of a year-round tropical resort than the busy city you might be familiar with. There are endless views to discover, hikes to enjoy, and beaches to relax on. There are plenty of areas that don’t get too much tourism, and the laid back atmosphere is the perfect place to call home. So, which of these cities will you retire in Hawaii?
