Hawaii's 10 Best Retirement Towns Ranked

Many senior citizens consider the Aloha State to be the sweet spot for comfortable retirement living. The islands enjoy a mild tropical climate year-round, have stunning outdoor scenery, and offer a relaxed lifestyle amongst friendly people. While the cost of living may be a tad higher than most states in the nation, you can still find a couple of towns that won't run through your retirement fund. This becomes more plausible when you skip bustling cities like Honolulu to settle in smaller countryside communities.

Whether you want to settle in historic enclaves like Pearl City or beachside gems like Waianae, there is no shortage of options that guarantee comfort in your golden years. Here are Hawaii's best retirement towns.

Waianae

This tiny city in Honolulu County charms senior citizens with its natural allure, framed by miles of exquisite beaches, verdant valleys, and rugged mountains. Consequently, residents have all the motivation to step outside and revel in the tranquility of Makaha Beach Park. Dolphin Excursions Hawaii presents an unforgettable ordeal for those looking to get on the open water. This unique boat tour allows residents to observe underwater species in their element, including dolphins, tropical fish, and sea turtles.

Meanwhile, the Waianae Farmers Market demonstrates a robust sense of community as local farmers and crafters lay out their merchandise in a welcoming atmosphere. When it comes to affordability, Waianae is one of Hawaii's best retirement towns, offering a median home price of $477,000.

Pearl City

Many people know Pearl City as the site of the infamous Pearl Harbor attack, but the town has grown from its dark past to become an enticing retirement destination. It is surrounded by a beautiful wilderness area that beckons outdoor adventures, including hiking the 12.8-mile Waimano Ridge Trail. The Pearl City Shopping Center ensures residents have a ready supply of all their household needs inside a vibrant mall with diverse retailers.

Elsewhere, retirees with a love for the Silver Screen can find a nice spot inside Regal Pearl Highlands to watch the latest Hollywood releases. Finally, a respectable home in Pearl City costs an average of $619,000.

Lihue

Home to the Kauai Community College, this laid-back village of Kauai County offers a combination of vibrant culture and natural beauty. Freshly settled residents can understand the region's past at the Kauai Museum. The gorgeous Greco-Roman building exhibits a range of archives and artifacts chronicling local history. However, outdoor lovers can stretch their legs along the sandy trails of Kalapaki Beach. Its calm breeze combines with tropical temperatures to create the ideal escape to reconnect with nature.

Those looking to socialize with fellow community members and possibly establish friends will fancy shopping at the Kauai Farmers Market. This weekly gathering brings together dozens of vendors for a pleasant trade day. Lihue's median house price is $695,000.

Pahoa

Between its lush natural landscapes, small-town feel, and outdoor opportunities, Pahoa is an enticing prospect for retirees looking to settle in the countryside. Residents are spoilt for choice whenever they want to explore the great outdoors, with Lava Tree State Monument providing a 17-acre park with peaceful trails and stunning lava formations. Kaimu Beach Park is another pleasant getaway for extroverted seniors, known for its black sand and mesmerizing ocean views. The serene setting favors those who just want to sit back and meditate.

Also, Maku’u Farmers Market welcomes fresh residents to mingle with their new neighbors while shopping for produce and crafts in a warm atmosphere. Lastly, retirees with plans to acquire a home can expect to spend an average of $329,000.

Kurtistown

Kurtistown is a relaxed village in the Puna District of Hawaii County, offering the perfect balance between low cost of living and comfortable rural life. Recent estimates value homes in Kurtistown around $645,000, below the state average. Opportunities abound for outdoor recreation, led by walking through the magical lava tubes that punctuate the Kilauea Caverns of Fire. Alternatively, Kurtistown Park has a welcoming environment that hosts constant public gatherings thanks to its leisurely walkways and quiet picnic areas.

After an eventful day of hiking in the open spaces, older adults can visit NIU Hawaii for a relaxing massage to heal their muscles while benefiting from the services of a professional massage therapist.

Kaunakakai

Kaunakakai stands out for its beautiful beaches and adventurous aquatic opportunities, making it an exciting destination for pensioners who envision an active lifestyle. One of its most popular outdoor spaces is Murphy's Beach. It has a narrow stretch of white sand tailored for walkers, with a rocky shoreline and a few palm trees to provide shade for picnickers. Meanwhile, Kakahaia National Wildlife Refuge calls on birders to stake out migratory birds in a secluded natural habitat.

Retirees can shop for healthy and organic groceries and vegetables at Kumu Farms for their healthy meals, while Home Pumehana provides vital assisted living facilities for residents above 62 years. Finally, Kaunakakai has one of the cheapest real estate rates in the area and lower than that of the United States, given a median listing home price of $395,000.

Aiea

Aiea balances rural life with city experiences in a municipality teeming with picturesque natural surroundings and vibrant Hawaiian culture. A hike down the Aiea Loop Trailhead allows senior citizens to exercise their legs. The nearly 5-mile trip cuts through tropical woodlands, waterfalls, and other features depicting the area's natural allure. Residents enjoy the ultimate urban experience at Pearlridge Center, Hawaii's second-largest indoor mall with nearly 200 renowned retail stores and dining locations.

Silver Screen enthusiasts will relish watching the latest Hollywood productions at Consolidated Theatres Pearlridge, which promises a modern movie experience in a 16-screen venue. Finally, investing in a home costs approximately $496,500 in Aiea.

Papaikou

This small town in Hawaii County presents a quintessential small-town atmosphere where retirees can find peace and comfort for the rest of the sunset years. Papaikou is steeped in natural beauty and encourages residents to embrace the outdoors in the rich setting of the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. Spanning 17 acres, this dreamy oasis displays over 2,000 tropical plant species in a tranquil environment designed for relaxation and meditation. Alternatively, seniors can hike the Donkey Trail Trailhead to stretch their legs and soak up magical water views while at it.

The Papaikou Senior Center provides a quaint gathering space for older adults to mingle, interact, and indulge in various programs and activities to enhance their wellness and sense of belonging. A home in the town costs an average of $742,500, conveniently below Hawaii's average.

Keaau

28 minutes from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Keaau is a hidden gem in Hawaii County that promises senior citizens seclusion and peace of mind throughout their golden years. It has a few gratifying points of interest, starting with the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center. This lovely facility hosts tours where locals can witness macadamia processing before sampling the tasty nuts, chocolates, and similar treats. The town also hosts Hawaiian Paradise Park, a lush sanctuary with tropical flora and native fauna. Several walkways run through the park, inviting hikers and bikers to explore the region's natural allure.

Meanwhile, Keaau Elderly Housing, which lies on the outskirts of the town, provides a haven for a community of pensioners who find a sense of belonging in living amongst their peers. However, those who want to buy their own homes can expect an average price of $579,000 for a decent dwelling space.

Waialua

Waialua is a peaceful coastal community on the North Shore of Oahu, where retirees can bask in natural beauty and enjoy relaxed vibes away from the people. The area offers pristine beaches, such as Mokuleia Beach Park. This idyllic stretch of white sand draws swimmers, sunbathers, windsurfers, and surfers year-round to make for the perfect outdoor escape. Alternatively, pensioners will prefer to stay fit by hiking along the Kealia Trail. This demanding trek takes you up a mountain ridge and through lush scenery before culminating in majestic ocean views.

With a median home price of $825,000, Waialua is around the state average, which relieves the pressure on retirees who are planning to buy a house.

Hawaii is universally revered for its storybook beaches, rich culture, and paradise-like atmosphere, which is precisely what a retiree would ask for in their sunset years. This dream is very much within reach for those who decide to settle in Hawaii's 10 best retirement towns, as discussed above. If you are planning to call time on your diligent career and settle down into a new chapter in Hawaii, skip the big-city bustle for the seclusion of Keaau or the serenity of Pahoa.