If you’re dreaming of retiring in Hawaiʻi, we’ll help you find the perfect spot to retire. Below is our list of the best retirement communities on Oʻahu, the Big Island, Maui, and Kauaʻi.
We’ve included the details on each one—including their key features and amenities and who they’re best for—so you can start to get a sense of the kind of place you’d love to retire to. With this list in hand, all that’s left is to choose your favorite—and settle into your golden years.
Not quite ready for a retirement community?
Check out our article on the best places to retire in Hawaiʻi for our top spots for seniors 65+.
We’ll start our list on Hawaiʻi’s most populated island, Oʻahu, the Gathering Place.
Retirement Communities on Oʻahu
Olaloa Retirement Community, Mililani
95-1050 Makaikai St.
Mililani, HI 96789
(808) 626-2323
Amenities: Activity calendar, community garden, exercise room, walking & jogging paths
Key Features:
- As a gated community, Olaloa offers a high level of security for seniors.
- The smaller footprints are perfect for seniors who want everything in easy reach and minimal area to clean:
- Studio: 380 sq. ft.
- 1BR: 529 sq. ft.
- 2BR: 780 sq. ft.
Pohai Nani Good Samaritan Retirement Community, Kāneʻohe
45-090 Namoku St.
Kāneʻohe, HI, 96744
(808) 247-6211
Amenities: Art room, fitness room, outdoor pool, warm-water therapy pool, housekeeping, transportation services, religious services, optional meal programs
Key Features:
- A variety of home types are available at Pohai Nani, including studios, one-bedrooms, and two-bedrooms, which range in size from 305 to 866 sq. ft. Cottages are also available.
- Many rooms feature gorgeous views of the Koʻolau Range so you can get a taste of paradise right from your room.
Amenities: Meal service, housekeeping, linen services, maintenance, on-site security, included utilities, activity calendar, fitness classes, 24-hour emergency care, group transportation, fitness center, indoor pool
Key Features:
- Two locations are available, one in Makiki and one in Nuʻuanu (15 Craigside).
- As a CCRC, Arcadia offers a guaranteed lifetime care contract, once you pay your entrance fee. Residents can transition to higher levels of care as needed.
The Ivy at Hawaiʻi Kai Retirement/Assisted Living Community, Hawaiʻi Kai
428 Kawaihae St.
Honolulu, HI 96825
(808) 646-3549
Amenities: Activities studio, restaurant, salon and barber shop, game lounge, chapel, swimming pool, fitness center, walking paths, included utilities, weekly housekeeping and linen service, scheduled transportation services
Key Features:
- A wide range of residence types, including studios, one-bedrooms, two-bedrooms, two-bedrooms with a garage, three-bedrooms, and three-bedrooms with a garage (369–1261 sq. ft.)
- In addition to the amenities above, the Ivy also offers optional medication management, personal care, and pet care so seniors can customize their experience.
The Plaza Assisted Living
Locations in Kāneʻohe,
Mililani, Moanalua,
Pearl City, Punchbowl & Waikīkī
Amenities: Weekly housekeeping and linen services, daily exercise classes, three meals a day, scheduled transportation, game rooms, fitness center, full-service salon, library, included utilities, access to 24-hour nursing team
Key Features:
- Offers apartment-style living with studios, one-bedrooms, shared companion suites, and two-bedrooms.
- Additional services like laundry and special diets are also available.
Amenities: Activities calendar, outdoor pool, fitness classes, three meals a day, housekeeping, scheduled transportation, included utilities, fitness center, weekly housekeeping and linen services, wellness program
Key Features:
- Many of the independent living residences include private lānai (balconies) so you can enjoy the gorgeous Oʻahu weather.
- With assisted living and memory care at the same location, seniors can transition easily if needed.
- Amenities: Included utilities, housekeeping and linen service, restaurant-style dining, daily activities and wellness programs, fitness classes, social and cultural outings, continuing education classes, scheduled transportationKey Features:
- Although room types are a little more limited than some other retirement communities on Oʻahu, the in-town location offers active seniors a lot of nearby possibilities.
- Easy parking options are also available for residents who want to maintain maximum mobility.
- Amenities: Jacuzzi, pool, fitness center, library, meditation garden, casual dining, art classes, wellness program, movement classes, entertainment, fitness classes, music classes, scheduled transportationKey Features:
- Private dining rooms are available to reserve for dinner parties or family get-togethers.
- Residents enjoy a wide variety of classes and activities on topics including art, fitness, music, technology skills, and more.
Hawaiʻi Affordable Properties
Locations in Honolulu, Wahiawā, and Waialua
Main Office:
1050 Queen Street #304
Honolulu, HI 96814
Amenities: These senior housing properties are designed for seniors eligible for low-income housing and managed by Hawaiʻi Affordable Properties. As such, amenities are limited, but rents may be more in reach for many Oʻahu seniors.
Key Features:
- Offers affordable housing for seniors on Oʻahu, subject to availability.
- Compared to other retirement communities on Oʻahu, these residences are designed for seniors who are still living independently.
Hawaiʻi Affordable Properties
Locations in Honolulu, Wahiawā, and Waialua
Main Office:
1050 Queen Street #304
Honolulu, HI 96814
Amenities: These senior housing properties are designed for seniors eligible for low-income housing and managed by Hawaiʻi Affordable Properties. As such, amenities are limited, but rents may be more in reach for many Oʻahu seniors.
Key Features:
- Offers affordable housing for seniors on Oʻahu, subject to availability.
- Compared to other retirement communities on Oʻahu, these residences are designed for seniors who are still living independently.
Additional Resources for Seniors on Oʻahu
If you’re looking for locations on Oʻahu that offer higher levels of assistance, we have a few additional resources that may be helpful:
- The City & County of Honolulu Elderly Affairs Division offers information, referrals, and a telephone helpline.
- The Office of Health Care Assurance maintains a list of skilled nursing/intermediate care facilities across the state.
Retirement Communities on The Big Island
Amenities: Outdoor pool, library, activity room, exercise and recreation rooms, personal gardens, restaurant-style dining, activities calendar
Key Features:
- Studios, one-bedrooms, and two-bedrooms are available (312–790 sq. ft.).
- Private dining room available for personal entertaining.
Hawaiʻi Affordable Properties
Locations in Kapaʻau, Kailua-Kona, Kamuela, and Hilo
Main Business Center:
79-7266 Māmalahoa Hwy, Suite 1
Kealakekua, HI 96750
Amenities: Hawaiʻi Affordable Properties manages senior housing properties in Hawaiʻi for seniors eligible for the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC).
Key Features:
- Offers reasonably priced housing for seniors, which can be hard to come by in Hawaiʻi.
- Compared to other retirement communities, these residences are designed for seniors who are still living independently.
Additional Resources for Seniors on The Big Island
In addition to retirement communities, there are several other types of care facilities available to assist seniors and aging residents:
Nursing Homes:
Long-Term Care Facilities:
Skilled Nursing Facilities:
You may also find it helpful to browse the website for the Hawaiʻi County Office of Aging. There, you’ll find resources for residents aged 60+, including a phone number to speak with the staff about resources for older residents on the Big Island.
Retirement Communities on Maui
Amenities: Utilities, basic cable TV, linen service, light housekeeping services, three meals daily, scheduled transportation, activity calendar, fitness center, swimming pool, walking paths, community center, laundry facilities, barber/beauty salon
Key Features:
- Seniors who moved to Hawaii to enjoy the beach will love the location, just a short walk away from Maui’s south shore.
- Residences come in studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom configurations.
Amenities: Utilities, basic cable TV, linen service, light housekeeping services, three meals daily, scheduled transportation, activity calendar, fitness center, swimming pool, walking paths, community center, laundry facilities, barber/beauty salon
Key Features:
- Seniors who moved to Hawaii to enjoy the beach will love the location, just a short walk away from Maui’s south shore.
- Residences come in studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom configurations.
Amenities: Three meals a day, included utilities, educational programs, exercise classes, cultural outings, weekly housekeeping and linen service, 24-hour emergency call system
Key Features:
- Individual thermostats allow residents to keep their home as warm or cool as they like.
- As a pet-friendly community, Roselani Place allows seniors can bring their companions along with them.
Hale Mahaolu
Locations in Kahului, Kīhei, Lahaina, Lānaʻi, Makawao, Molokaʻi, Pukalani, and Wailuku
Amenities: Hale Mahaolu’s properties are designed for seniors 62+ who qualify, based on income maximums.
Key Features:
- Properties offer community areas where residents can gather and socialize. Recreational activities provided through community groups, as well as Kaunoa Senior Services.
- Some properties also include access to facilities like adult day care.
Additional Resources for Seniors on Maui
If you’re looking beyond retirement homes, you may want to investigate the skilled nursing & intermediate care available at Hale Makua, which has locations in both Kahului and Wailuku.
We also suggest visiting the website for the Maui County Office on Aging to assist in locating services, resources, and programming for seniors living on Maui.
Retirement Communities on Kauaʻi
Amenities: Events calendar, meal service, activity rooms, library, beauty salon/barber shop, outdoor pool
Key Features:
- Residence types include studios, one-bedrooms, and two bedrooms (351–824 sq. ft.).
- Private dining room available for personal entertaining.
Sun Village, Līhuʻe
3-3400 Kuhio Hwy # B001
Līhuʻe, HI 96766
Amenities: Pool, assigned parking, elevators, library, recreation room, storage area.
Key Features:
- Located very close to the hospital and within walking distance to Walmart.
- Allows pets, so seniors can keep their pets with them
EAH Housing: Kanikoʻo I & II and Kekaha Plantation Elderly
Locations in Līhuʻe (Kanikoʻo) and Kekaha (Kekaha Plantation Elderly)
Amenities: Both developments are intended for households with incomes not greater than 60% of the Area Median Income Limit.
Key Features:
- Common areas for socializing, community garden, nearby community center.
- Garden plots are available for seniors to plant their own gardens.
Additional Resources for Seniors on Kauaʻi
On Kauaʻi, you’ll find a few other types of housing for seniors with varying needs:
Skilled Nursing:
Adult Day Health:
You’ll also find additional resources on the website for the County of Kauaʻi Agency on Elderly Affairs, which is devoted to the well-being of Kauaʻi’s older adults.
Finding the Right Spot to Retire in Hawaiʻi
With four islands to choose from, as well as a variety of different types of facilities, you’ve got some choices in front of you. However, once you’re officially ready to retire in Hawaiʻi, this list will give you a head start as you locate the perfect spot to spend your golden years.
If you need some assistance making the final decision, check out our other article on selecting the right retirement community in Hawaiʻi!
And, finally, if you need help moving into your new retirement community, we’d love to assist. We’ve helped seniors with mainland moves, interisland moves, and local moves. Our crew would be happy to help you get settled in your new home. Just reach out for a quote to get started.
