9 Best Towns In Hawaii To Retire Comfortably
The islands of Hawaii are more than just a paradise for vacations; they are a dream destination for retirees seeking comfort, community, and natural beauty. While some areas may be costly, these towns offer the best balance of affordability, peacefulness, and access to amenities. Each one includes enriching local highlights perfect for a retirement lifestyle.
Hilo
Hilo is one of the best towns in Hawaii to retire comfortably, especially for seniors seeking an affordable and laid-back lifestyle. With median home values well below the state average at $329K, Hilo offers retirees the ease of small-town living with the perks of a developed neighborhood. It has access to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the Wailoa River State Park for outdoor enjoyment, and also offers lush rainforests and stunning waterfalls. Seniors will appreciate the strong sense of community and the slower pace of life, which makes for an ideal retirement setting. For the arts and culture lover, Hilo is also home to the Lyman Museum and Mission House and the Imiloa Astronomy Center, offering educational and cultural experiences. Health care access is convenient, with Hilo Medical Center providing various services for aging residents. Hilo is a top choice of retirement towns and balances nature, comfort, and culture for those looking to retire in one of Hawaii's best and most affordable communities.
Waianae
Located on Oahu’s scenic leeward coast, Waianae is among the most affordable towns in Hawaii for retirement, with median home prices being $275K. Waianae has a rich cultural heritage and a great community, making it ideal for seniors seeking support and connection with their neighbors. Seniors who love the ocean will appreciate Waianae and its pristine beaches like Pokai Bay and Makaha Beach, offering excellent spots for swimming and the Ka’Ena Point State Park for strolls. The town is known for strong family values and community events that allow people to meet and connect. While more rural than Honolulu, Waianae provides essential services and access to health care at the Wai’anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center within reach, all while keeping its small-town charm, affordability, and natural beauty. Retirees who value strong local ties and coastal living will find Waianae to be what they seek.
Kailua
Blending scenic beauty with modern comfort, Kailua offers one of Hawaii's best living experiences for retirees. This town is on Oahu’s windward coast, known for its lush Maunawili Falls Trail and its white-sanded Kailua Beach Park and Lanikai Beach. The area also offers high-quality health care facilities, including the Adventist Health Castle, which provides wellness programs designed for seniors. While home values are closer to the state median, upwards of $645K, the quality of life more than makes up for it. The Kailua Town Center offers a vibrant, active hub with health-conscious eateries, and weekly farmers markets ensure that residents can enjoy fresh food. For those looking to retire in a community that offers peace and convenience, Kailua is one of the best options in Hawaii.
Wailuku
Located on Maui, Wailuku offers a historic, small-town vibe paired with rich cultural heritage and is an excellent choice for retirees seeking to retire affordably and comfortably. Volunteering at the Bailey House Museum can be fulfilling, as can being a patron of the Maui Academy of Performing Arts. Its median home value is lower than many other parts of Maui, and at $572K, that makes Wailuku one of the most affordable places to retire on the island. Wailuku is ideal for retirees who want to enjoy a slower pace of life. It provides many interesting options with museums, historic buildings, and the stunning Iao Valley State Park. The community rallies around events like Wailuku First Fridays, and coupled with its great combination of culture, nature, and affordability, Wailuku stands out as one of the best retirement destinations in Hawaii.
Paauilo
Originally a sugar plantation town, Paauilo has become a peaceful, tight community on the Big Island. It is also one of the best opportunities for affordable and comfortable retirement living in Hawaii, with a median home price below the state average of $388K. Paauilo has healthy and rich soil and supports a growing network of farms and artisans, including the state’s first commercial vanilla farm, the Hawaiian Vanilla Company. For retirees living here, this provides access to fresh local food and a strong connection to the land. Hobbyists will be drawn to the Laupahoehoe Train Museum, and history buffs will enjoy the trip down memory lane it affords. Community safety is communal due to the town’s small size and strong personal ties. Retirees can enjoy strolling in the Kalopa State Recreation Area, a stress-free life, simple pleasures, and access to basic health services all within a short drive. Paauilo offers comfort, peace, and a friendly rural lifestyle.
Waialua
Located on the North Shore, Waialua is one of the best-kept secrets for retirement on Oahu. Its plantation town roots are on show at the Waialua Sugar Mill, where they still produce and sell various products. Waialua has retained its historic charm and offers retirees a calm, affordable, and community-centered lifestyle far from the hustle of Honolulu. The median home value is below the state average at below $752K, and the town has a reputation for safety and friendliness. Seniors will appreciate the scenic beauty of Aweoweo Beach Park, nearby Haleiwa, and delicious food from local farms and markets that support a healthy lifestyle. Waialua is close enough to health care facilities and essential services to provide peace of mind while maintaining a rural feel. The blend of history, affordability, and community makes Waialua one of the best retirement towns in Hawaii for seniors seeking a slower pace of life and authentic island living.
Kurtistown
With the lush landscape found in Kurtistown Park coupled with undeniable local charm, Kurtistown provides retirees with a relaxed, community-oriented environment ideal for retirement. This rural town offers some of the most affordable housing in Hawaii, with a median home price well below the state average, hovering around $645K. The surrounding region includes natural attractions like the Kilauea Caverns and Fern Acres Tropical Gardens, making it a nature lover’s dream. However, as a lesser-known town, Kurtistown avoids being overrun by tourists. Health care access is available nearby Hilo, just a short drive away, ensuring the support needed. With its peaceful pace and strong sense of community, Kurtistown offers retirees a comfortable lifestyle in the heart of Hawaii.
Pahoa
Known for its lush surroundings, the lava tree forests of the Lava Tree State Monument Park, and its proximity to Pohoiki and other black sand beaches, Pahoa provides a unique location for retiring in comfort. The town has a strong artistic and foodie culture with the Island Naturals Pahoa market and the Tin Shack Bakery. Housing in Pahoa is remarkably affordable, with median prices at $375K, among the lowest in the state. This allows retirees to stretch their budgets while enjoying island life. Pahoa makes newcomers feel right at home and has nearby health care at clinics and the Hilo Medical Center. Pahoa offers one of the best senior living experiences on the Big Island, combining affordability, comfort, and a strong sense of community.
Kahuku
The last town on the list is Kahuku, located on Oahu’s North Shore. Here, retirees can find a comfortable and community-focused retirement in one of Hawaii’s most scenic regions. While its home prices are slightly above the state median at $983K, Kahuku offers a lot to its residents. The Brigham Young University - Hawaii’s Polynesian Cultural Center is a central hub for this town, and helps it retain the rural, coastal feel with a strong local identity and charm. The town is known for its fresh seafood, especially Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck and its connection to traditional Hawaiian culture. Kahuku offers seniors a chance to enjoy natural beauty on the Turtle Bay Resort Coastal Trails, farm-to-table living with providers like Kahuku Farms, and community values in a peaceful, non-commercialized setting. For those who prioritize comfort, culture, and a slower pace, Kahuku offers Hawaii some of the best retirement living.
Retiring in Hawaii does not have to mean spending a fortune. These towns show affordable, community-rich, and nature-filled retirement is possible in paradise. From historic gems to coastal havens, each location allows retirees to live well while enjoying scenic surroundings and supportive local communities.
