9 Best Towns In Hawaii For Retirees
Retiring anywhere in Hawaii is a remarkable accomplishment in itself. Not many people get to live on an archipelago in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, full of history and boasting a unique landscape and culture. Located just over 2,000 miles from the continental United States, this island state is like the ultimate retirement destination, far from the rest of the world, and full of beautiful beaches and green expanses stretching as far as the eye can see. In these 9 towns, retirees will enjoy true relaxation and hospitality, proximity to the state’s top attractions, and a lower cost of living compared to the state average. This is in addition to the year-round sunshine, zero snow, plenty of beach days, and laid-back Aloha vibes that make Hawaii so beloved.
Aiea, Oahu
Located just 20 minutes from Honolulu, Aiea is one of the best towns on Oahu for retirement, particularly for those who want a peaceful suburban atmosphere without losing access to big-city amenities. This town is home to Pearlridge Center, Hawaii’s second-largest shopping mall, offering convenient access to restaurants, department stores, and an open-air farmers' market. The highly rated Pali Momi Medical Center is also located right next to Pearlridge with a full range of services for state-of-the-art care in West Oahu.
For those who enjoy greenery and the great outdoors, the Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area is in Aiea, which includes the 4.8-mile Aiea Loop Trail. This forested trail offers a pleasant hike through beautiful trees above the Halawa Valley, with impressive views of Oahu’s coastline. Golf lovers will appreciate the Pearl at Kalauao, a golf club with a par-72 course committed to building community and supporting the next generation of Hawaiian leaders and athletes. With an average home price of around $835,000, Aiea sits just below the state average, making it accessible for those looking to retire in paradise.
Hilo, Big Island
Hilo, a top tourist destination on Hawaii's Big Island, is also an amazing place for retirement. With average home prices of $532,623, it is one of the more affordable spots in the Aloha State, especially when considering its countless facilities and attractions. In addition to Hilo International Airport, it is home to Hilo Benioff Medical Center with a 24-hour emergency department, and the Kamana Senior Center, which offers a range of in-home and community services and brings seniors together with recreational activities such as softball and hula.
Speaking of recreation, Hilo has much to delight retirees. This town is home to the easily-accessible 80-foot Rainbow Falls and is near Akaka Falls State Park, where two other towering waterfalls can be seen after a short 0.4-mile hike through lush rainforest. The Panaewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens is also here, with over 80 species and around 300 animals, including a white Bengal tiger. Hilo also plays host to the annual week-long Merrie Monarch Festival. Held every spring, it features intense hula contests and other dance competitions and cultural celebrations.
Kapolei, Oahu
Kapolei is a small town where one can enjoy a retirement of natural beauty and urban convenience. The town is just 20 miles from bustling Honolulu, yet its top beaches, like Ko Olina Beach Park and Kahe Point Beach Park (also called Electric Beach), provide opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and fishing away from the crowds of Waikiki. Moreover, homes in Kapolei sell for an average of $847,529, around the same price as the state average, and medical facilities like Starub Benioff Medical Center in nearby Honolulu offer top-notch healthcare. Kapolei also has a few great medical centers of its own, such as the Kaiser Permanente West Oahu Medical Office at Kapolei for urgent care, and the Ilima at Leihano provides various levels of independent and assisted living.
Kapolei also features so much recreation. In addition to the aforementioned beaches, golfers will have the amazing Ko Olina Golf Club to explore, while Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii will make you feel young at heart with its thrilling rides and water attractions. Additionally, the Ka Makana Ali’i shopping mall has a range of shops and dining options, as well as a movie theatre.
Lihue, Kauai
Lihue is one of the best places to live and retire in Hawaii. While the town’s home prices stand slightly above the state average at around $851,697, it offers so much value for the extra cost. This town is the main entry point to Kauai, as it is home to the Lihue Airport and Nawiliwili Harbor, the island’s major port and cruise ship terminal. The Regency at Puakea is a community for seniors with a focus on independence and quality of life. The reputable Wilcox Medical Center is also very accessible, and nearby Kukui Grove Center is an open-air shopping center with 55 shops and restaurants.
Lihue further appeals with many attractions, one of which is the Kauai Plantation Railway. This railway offers one of the rarest experiences in Hawaii with a train ride through orchards, forests, and farmlands. Elsewhere, Kalapaki Beach will satisfy swimmers and sunbathers with its calm waves and beautiful mountain views.
Hana, Maui
Hana is one of Hawaii’s most isolated destinations, perfect for those seeking a retirement far from city life, yet full of exciting adventures. Located on the eastern tip of Maui, this town will first delight retirees with the scenic Road to Hana, which offers a memorable 64-mile journey through lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and coastal cliffs. On this road, you can get out and stretch your legs along the black sand beaches and sea caves at Waianapanapa State Park, or relax at gorgeous Hamoa Beach. Furthermore, Haleakala National Park, one of Hawaii’s signature attractions, is on this highway, meaning more excitement for visitors to Hana. This park is famous for hosting one of the world’s largest dormant volcanic craters and flocks of endangered Hawaiian geese, as well as the Haleakala Visitor Center, a great spot to watch the sunrise and sunset.
Once in Hana, ONO Organic Farms is the place to shop for organic produce, and Hana Coast Gallery boasts a diverse collection of Hawaiian art. As for healthcare, the Hana Health Medical Center has a 24-hour emergency department with a full range of healthcare services, plus Kula Hospital and other high-performing medical facilities are just over an hour away. Hana also matches the state average in terms of affordability, with a median home price of $842,081.
Ewa Beach, Oahu
Ewa Beach is a growing town on the southwestern coast of Oahu, and an incredible place to enjoy a retirement that is equal parts relaxed and exciting. It never gets boring, thanks to recreational opportunities like the stunning 360° Ewa Beach Golf Club and White Plains Beach. Nature lovers can also head to Oneula Beach Park for surfing, sunbathing, or picnicking on golden sand. Yoga4Ewa also offers great options for staying strong with a range of yoga classes in studio or online, including chair yoga, gentle yoga, ashtanga and vinyasa.
Besides recreation, health and wellness needs for retirees in Ewa Beach can be met at nearby Queen’s Medical Center - West Oahu. The town is also less than 25 miles from Honolulu, ensuring that more comprehensive medical services, international flights, and cultural attractions are never far off. With average home prices around $832,000, Ewa Beach is also budget-friendly compared to many other parts of the state.
Hanapepe, Kauai
At first glance, Hanapepe might seem like a sleepy little town on the south side of Kauai, but a closer look says otherwise. Nicknamed Kauai’s biggest little town, it is the ideal destination for a secluded retirement full of fun activities. First off, Hanapepe is the art capital of the Garden Island, with unique galleries such as Troy Carney Art Gallery, specializing in gold leaf, and The Bright Side, which prioritizes and celebrates local artists. Moreover, every Friday night from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, the town comes alive for Art Night. This event has been a part of the town since 1997 and is always a great time to mingle with the locals and take in some live music while perusing the many vendors.
Beyond art, Hanapepe has a public library, which has an auditorium in addition to the usual library offerings. Just outside town, the Salt Pond Beach Park is always an amazing place to relax and play. This beach park is characterized by shallow tide pools and is ideal for surfing, fishing, scuba diving, swimming, and relaxing in the shade. Those who love to cook will appreciate The Aloha Spice Company for island-inspired blends and seasonings, and to keep things really spicy, Skydive Kauai provides tandem skydiving opportunities including photo and video packages to prove you really did it. The average home price in Hanapepe is around $808,700, below the state average, plus the town is less than 15 minutes from Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital, so affordability and convenience go hand in hand.
Pahoa, Big Island
Pahoa is an increasingly attractive place to retire on the Big Island of Hawaii, thanks to its affordability, laid-back atmosphere, and natural beauty. This town is one of the most affordable places to retire in Hawaii, but there are still plenty of services and amenities. For starters, the town has the reputable East Hawaii Health Clinic for primary care, and the top-rated Hilo Benioff Medical Center, is just 20 miles away. Moreover, the Puna Kai Shopping Center is one of the best spots for food and groceries in the area, with a range of other shops and services as well.
Pahoa also provides retirees with many ways to stay active and engaged. Just outside town, Lava Tree State Monument offers an easy walking trail through a forest of lava molds in the shape of the old trees that once stood there, and the town is also within driving distance of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you can explore hiking trails, scenic lookouts, and volcanic craters. Those who love fresh produce and delicious food will always enjoy visiting Uncle Robert’s Awa Bar and Farmers Market, which is a family-run operation featuring a local-style kitchen that serves up Hawaiian comfort food and other tasty treats.
Waianae, Oahu
If you’re dreaming of retiring somewhere truly Hawaiian, Waianae on Oahu’s leeward coast might just be the hidden gem you’re looking for. Tucked between the Waianae Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, this coastal town offers a more laid-back, rural lifestyle compared to Oahu’s bustling urban centers. It is home to some of the island’s most uncrowded and breathtaking beaches, like Pokai Bay Beach Park, which is ideal for safe swimming, paddleboarding, and fishing. Nearby, Makaha Beach is another uncrowded beach with a popular surf break and stunning sunset views. Waianae is also a 30-minute drive to Kaena Point State Park, which marks the westernmost point of Oahu and offers opportunities for coastal hiking, picnicking, and fishing.
While a bit more remote, the area is served by the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, a well-established facility providing a range of medical services, including mental health and primary care. Kapolei, about 30 minutes away, offers even more options for healthcare, shopping, and dining. In terms of affordability, Waianae stands out with average home prices around $580,000, significantly lower than most of Hawaii.
Hawaii is a true paradise in the Pacific Ocean, where gorgeous beaches meet unique Polynesian culture and lush tropical gardens. Detached from the rest of the United States by thousands of miles, this island state is the perfect haven for retirement, and these towns are where retirees should set their radars. From Kapaa to Lihue, these towns in Hawaii are tailored to offer fulfilling senior living, with their low populations, exciting attractions, sizable senior populations, and easy access to world-class health facilities. Make your golden years the best years of your life by retiring in these Hawaiian towns today.
