Senior living in Hawaii
Hawaii, the Aloha State, is a state many people dream of retiring to. Beaches are everywhere, paradise is a step out your door, and some of the most gorgeous sights one can see are what people think of when they imagine Hawaii. In addition, Hawaii is known for its magnificent weather where winter does not exist. So, if you've lived a life where you can retire to Hawaii, you're in for a treat, as this state has it all. However, paradise isn't free, and the cost of living in Hawaii is expensive, as one might expect. Read below to see how we break down Hawaii's cost of living by category.
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Cost of living in Hawaii
Hawaii's cost of living is nearly double the average cost of living in the rest of the US. If you want to retire here, you'll have to have some money saved. While many believe it's worth it, nothing in Hawaii is nowhere near the national average. The housing cost is triple the norm, with the median home price over double. When retiring to Hawaii, it's crucial to be strategic with how you approach it. Is it possible to retire in Hawaii without stress? Yes. However, paradise does require planning and finding the ideal place to live.
Cost-of-living indices
100 = US average. Higher means more expensive.
- Overall
- 192.9
- Grocery
- 157.9
- Housing
- 313.1
- Utilities
- 169.2
- Transportation
- 141.1
- Misc.
- 126.7
Housing & rent
Statewide medians and averages.
- Median home
- $615,300
- Average rent
- $1,617
- Studio
- $1,273
- 1 bedroom
- $1,415
- 2 bedroom
- $1,894
- 3 bedroom
- $2,614
Care levels in Hawaii
Whether you're comparing options for a parent or planning ahead for yourself, here's where to start by care level.
- AL
Assisted Living
Assisted living provides personal care, meals, and daily support for seniors who need help with everyday tasks but not full medical supervision.
- MC
Memory Care
Memory care is a specialized type of senior living for people with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or other cognitive decline.
- IL
Independent Living
Independent living is community housing for active seniors who want amenities, social life, and freedom from home upkeep without daily personal-care services.
- HC
Home Care
Home care brings personal-care services and companionship into the senior's own home rather than moving them into a community.
- SNF
Nursing Homes
A skilled nursing facility (SNF, often called a nursing home) provides 24-hour licensed medical care and rehabilitation for seniors with serious health conditions.
- SA
Senior Apartments
Senior apartments are age-restricted rental homes - typically for residents 55+ or 62+ - designed for older adults who live independently.
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Local pricing
Assisted living monthly cost by city in Hawaii
Median monthly cost of assisted living, sourced from public data. Actual community pricing varies by apartment size, level of care, and amenities.
| City | Avg. monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Aiea | $6,113.00 |
| Anahola | $6,010.00 |
| Camp H M Smith | $6,010.00 |
| Captain Cook | $6,010.00 |
| Eleele | $6,010.00 |
| Ewa Beach | $5,955.00 |
| Fort Shafter | $5,928.00 |
| Haiku | $5,272.00 |
| Hakalau | $4,999.00 |
| Haleiwa | $4,917.00 |
| Hana | $4,917.00 |
| Hanalei | $4,887.00 |
| Hanamaulu | $4,753.00 |
| Hanapepe | $4,521.00 |
| Hauula | $4,370.00 |
| Hawaii National Park | $4,261.00 |
| Hawi | $4,020.00 |
Common questions about senior living in Hawaii
- What types of senior care are available in Hawaii?
- Hawaii has communities offering assisted living, memory care, independent living, home care, and skilled nursing. Larger metros have more depth of options across all care levels; smaller markets may have fewer choices in any single category.
- How much does assisted living cost in Hawaii?
- Assisted living costs in Hawaii vary widely by metro, apartment size, and the resident's level of care. The national median is roughly $5,000 per month; major metros tend to run higher and rural areas lower. Each community sets its own pricing - request a written cost breakdown when you tour.
- Does Hawaii Medicaid pay for assisted living?
- Medicaid does not pay for room-and-board in assisted living, but Hawaii's Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver may cover some assisted-living services for eligible residents. Coverage and eligibility vary - check directly with your state's Medicaid agency or an elder-law attorney.
- How do I evaluate a nursing home in Hawaii?
- Start with the CMS 5-star rating on Medicare.gov for any Medicare-certified facility, then look at the underlying staffing data and the most recent state inspection report. Tour the facility, watch staff interact with residents, and ask about staffing levels during evenings and overnight.
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