9 Charming Hawaii Communities To Retire Around Honolulu

After years and years of working and putting away money for the future, the day to retire will come. Packing up your belongings and moving somewhere beautiful and sunny sounds especially appealing to anyone who has experienced shoveling out their car from beneath inches of snow. Hawaii is a bucket list vacation destination for a lot of people, and for good reason, with its year-round warm weather, postcard-perfect beaches, and abundant activities. In Hawaii, retirement can feel like a permanent vacation. The island of Oahu is the third largest of the Hawaiian Islands and is of volcanic origin. Hawaii is generally a safe place to live and is one of the best states for health care. Below are nine charming Hawaii communities to retire around Honolulu; these are some of the safest, most culturally vibrant, peaceful, and affordable towns within a two-hour drive from Honolulu, Hawaii, the state capital.

Kapolei

In Kapolei, Hawaii, individuals can find a blend of safe communities and lively culture. Not too far from Honolulu, Kapolei is about 20 miles west of the capital. High-ranking retirement communities such as 'Ilima at Leihano are available and provide independent, assisted living, and memory care services. Kapolei is on the west side of Oahu and is considered the island's second city after Honolulu.

Hawaii's mountain range is stunning to behold while driving through the various cities of Oahu. In Kapolei, people can get an even better perspective and view the mountains from above on helicopter tours by Paradise Helicopters. The Diamond Head Scenic Tour by Paradise Helicopters provides a bird's eye point-of-view of Pacific waters, Ala Moana Beach Park, Pearl Harbor, Ala Wai Boat Harbor, and Waikiki Beach. Bring the family to Coral Crater Adventure Park. Together, you can let loose, go ziplining, off-roading on ATVs, and climb a massive tropical jungle gym. In Kapolei, you can find Hawaii's most beloved luau. The Chief's Luau is an unforgettable dinner and show combo, with a feast of traditional Luau dishes and dancing.

Kapolei features several picturesque beaches, such as Paradise Cove Luau, Ko Olina Lagoons, and the nearby Nimitz Beach. Each seaside spot offers scenic views while sunbathing and swimming.

Kaneohe

Moving to an area with a vibrant culture is undoubtedly a factor to contemplate in retirement. Kaneohe, Hawaii, is on the northeastern side of the Oahu island. Formerly the home to some of Hawaii’s early royalty and taro and sweet potato production, Kaneohe is a lively city brimming with culture. Once considered one of the most sacred spaces on the island by ancient Hawaiians, Kualoa Ranch Private Nature Reserve is a 4,000-acre working cattle ranch where guests can journey through dense rainforests and open valleys.

Guests may find the surroundings familiar, and for good reason: the reserve is the setting for several famous Hollywood films, like "Jurassic Park." Kaneohe is also home to the Byodo-in Temple. The stunning cherry red building is a small-scale replica of the almost 1,000-year-old temple in Uji, Japan, welcoming visitors to tour its craftsmanship and artifacts. In Kaneohe you can find the largest sheltered body of water in the main Hawaiian islands, Kaneohe Bay. The bay is about 8 miles long and features five islets or islands to explore: the Ahu O Laka sandbar, Kekepa, Kapapa, Moku o Lo’e, and Mokoli’i, a volcanic remnant. Enjoy authentic Hawaiian cuisine at Waiahole Poi Factory. Traditional dishes like Laulau, an entree of pork and butterfish wrapped in taro leaves, are on the menu.

Maunawili

While some individuals love the idea of spending their retirement years taking up new hobbies and meeting new people, others are delighted by the idea of enjoying a slower pace of life and spending time alone in nature. Maunawili, Hawaii, is a small city with a population of about 2,000 residents. It is unique in that it is completely lacking in commercial establishments.

Many houses in Maunawili sit on large lots, between 10,000 to 15,000 square feet. The ample space between neighbors creates a peaceful atmosphere, allowing for increased privacy and room for planting a garden.

Located against the Koolau Mountains, Maunawili boasts breathtaking tropical views. Home to the Maunawili Falls, individuals can embark on a five-mile roundtrip hike to swim below the waterfall while surrounded by native foliage. Explore the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden, located just under ten miles southwest. A sprawling 400 acres of plantings from major tropical regions around the world welcome guests and provide views of the Loko Waimaluhia reservoir. Another public botanical garden with stunning views is the Lyon Arboretum. Part of the University of Hawaii, the Lyon Arboretum is less than 18 miles away, delivering seven miles of hiking trails and thousands of tropical and sub-tropical plants across 200 acres to feast your eyes upon.

Pearl City

With a close proximity to Honolulu, Hawaii, Pearl City provides a mainland vibe while feeling separate from the hustle and bustle of a large city. Retirees can find housing solutions to meet their unique needs while gaining easy access to outdoor ventures and local attractions. Retiring for some can mean selling a house and downsizing. In Pearl City you can find excellent retirement communities. The assisted living facility, The Plaza at Pearl City, provides residents with various care programs and resort-like amenities, such as housekeeping and exercise classes.

At Hale O’Hauoli, tenants can access a community garden and nearby dining, shopping, and sights like Waimano Falls. Less than five miles northeast of Hale O’Hauoli is the multi-level waterfall, Waimano Falls, where visitors can hike, swim, and engage in cliff jumping. This area also offers views of Waimano Valley, Ko’olau Range, and Waianae Range.

Less than eight miles southeast, you can explore the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and learn about the stories of those impacted by the profound 1941 event. Dining options in Pearl City include local spots such as Poke on Da Run for Hawaiian comfort food and Button Up Cafe for cozy breakfast and brunch.

Waianae

While it is true that residing in Hawaii comes with a higher cost of living when compared to other states, several of the towns in Oahu possess lower housing prices. Waianae, Hawaii, located on the west side of the island of Oahu, is one of the most affordable places to live on the island, making it possible to turn that dream of retiring to the beach a reality. As of 2025, Waianae offers a median rent price of $2,200. Juxtaposed with the national average rent for Hawaii of $3,000, retirees can save some funds by settling down in Waianae.

The town of Waianae is nowhere near lacking in activities. Venture out to Pokai Beach Park or Makaha Beach to snorkel or learn how to surf the calm, clear waters. Pokai Beach Park is the most protected bay on the west side of Oahu. Anyone who enjoys getting active outside of the water will enjoy Waianae District Park. The grounds feature basketball and tennis courts. Of course, the aloha lifestyle would not be complete without waterfront dining. The Beach House by 604 opened its doors on Pokai Beach Park in 2019 and has served up American and Pacific Rim dishes ever since.

Kahuku

Another one of Oahu, Hawaii’s most affordable towns is Kahuku, Hawaii. The average cost of rent in 2025 is $1,600, 18% below the national average, and the median price for houses for sale is $983,000. Kahuku is situated on the northeastern tip of Oahu between Laie and Kawela Bay. It is a historic plantation with a serene atmosphere and natural beauty.

The small town was once a successful hub for sugar cane production thanks to the Kahuku Sugar Mill. The landmark spot is no longer an active mill but a center for local art and eateries. Kahuku is widely known for its shrimp, especially its shrimp food trucks. Famous Kahuku Shrimp Truck and Giovanii’s Shrimp Truck are some of the locals’ favorites. Learn more about the delicious food in Kahuku at Kahuku Farms. The tractor-pulled wagon ride tours take people on a journey through the farm to discover the efforts local farmers make to stock the shelves in Kahuku grocery stores.

Laie

General safety is a concern for many people as they reach retirement age, with most wishing to live in a secure environment without worry of threats to their well-being. Laie, Hawaii, is one of the safest places to live on Oahu, with some sources reporting that Laie falls in the 97th percentile for safety in 2025. This small city sits on the northeastern side of Oahu. In 1864, it was settled by a colony of Hawaiian Mormons.

In Laie, immersing yourself in Polynesian culture is very easy. At the Polynesian Culture Center, you can engage with thousands of years of culture from six different island nations and enjoy authentic Polynesian buffets, dance, and fire shows. The Statue of Hamana Kalili and the Shaka, a monument dedicated to the father of the Shaka sign, is also at this center.

View a unique ocean feature, a sea arch, at the Laie Point State Wayside. At this beach, visitors can enjoy sprawling ocean views and the Mokualai Islet Seabird Sanctuary. Take pleasure in year-round serenity on the white sand shores of Laie Beach Park. Also known as Pounders Beach, Laie Beach Park features a shallow sandbar and a limestone cliff at the south end that is perfect for fishing. Visitors also enjoy browsing and shopping at local vendors situated within the Hukilau Marketplace.

Aiea

Located less than 10 miles southwest of Honolulu, Hawaii, on the south shore of Oahu, Aiea, Hawaii, is a small town in paradise with less than 10,000 residents calling it home. Feeling connected and having access to good medical care are high priorities for those looking to retire. Aiea features a vibrant community and is close to some of the island’s best medical facilities in Honolulu, like Le’ahi Hospital and the Straub Benioff Medical Center.

Aiea is home to the Aloha Stadium, Hawaii’s largest outdoor stadium. The arena hosts numerous events, including car exhibits, holiday light shows, fairs, and the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet and Marketplace. The Pearlridge Center is Aiea’s premier shopping destination, offering various dining options and locally owned specialty shops. The center features a monorail system, transporting visitors between the uptown and downtown areas. Natural attractions include the Aiea Loop Trail, an almost five-mile trail scented by lemon eucalyptus trees, running along the ridge of the west side of the Halawa Valley. Providing views of the southern coastline and the Wai’anae Range.

Wahiawa

Spending time outdoors and reconnecting with nature is something a lot of people look forward to doing when they retire. Wahiawa, Hawaii, offers several opportunities to get outside and explore native agriculture. This small town rests 22 miles northwest of Honolulu and sits on the 1,000-foot-high Leilehua Plateau. Once upon a time, Wahiawa was a commercial center for military installations and plantation communities.

Wahiawa is home to the historic Dole Plantation. At this ultimate pineapple experience, people can traverse the pineapple fields, ride the Pineapple Express Train Tour, navigate the massive Pineapple Garden Maze, and enjoy the world-famous Dole-Soft Serve. Learn all about growing Hawaiian coffee at the Green World Coffee Warm. Begin a tour to find out what it takes to get your coffee from bean to cup, and finish with a cup of delicious coffee from the espresso bar. Anyone who wishes to be a little more hands-on with their food can take recreational fishing services from Ali’i Agriculture Farms in Wahiawa, Hawaii. The services provide three ponds for catfish and tilapia fishing and a food truck that includes cleaning and cooking services for the fish you catch.

Retire in Hawaii to achieve that aloha spirit. Whatever someone’s priorities are for retirement, whether it be safety, affordability, or activities, the small towns of Oahu can deliver. Those looking to move into a retirement community can find good options in Pearl City. Agricultural outdoor enthusiasts can find adventure at the Dole Plantation and Green World Coffee Farm in Wahiawa. A peaceful, commercial-establishment-free community awaits in Maunawili. Affordable housing is available in Kahuku and Waianae. Aiea features close proximity to medical facilities. Individuals wishing to experience a vibrant culture can explore the Kualoa Ranch Private Nature Reserve in Kaneohe or the Ko Olina Lagoons in Kapolei. Laie boats some of the lowest crime rates in the state. One day, the Aloha State can be home, and if it's in one of these nine charming Hawaii communities to retire around Honolulu, then all the better.