Spend your senior years in a place where you get to enjoy things you rarely or never enjoyed while working by making sure you check out the best retirement communities in Hawaii. Whether you’re already a resident of Hawaii or planning to move to the state for your retirement, a good list of options will help you make a more informed decision.
So, what are the best retirement communities in Hawaii? Among the many options, the following are among the highly rated ones:
- Kahana Nui
- Kalakaua Gardens
- The Ivy at Hawaii Kai Retirement Community
- Arcadia Retirement Residence
- 15 Craigside
- Regency at Hualalai
- Regency At Puakea
- The Plaza At Pearl City
- The Plaza At Kaneohe
- Holiday Kalama Heights
- Good Samaritan Society – Pohai Nani
- Pohulani
To help you choose among the 12 retirement communities, let’s check out what each can offer you or your loved one who is about to retire.
An Overview of the Top 12 Retirement Communities in Hawaii
Before we move on to discuss what you should expect from each of the best retirement communities in Hawaii, here’s a table of comparison that you can use as a quick reference:
| Retirement Community | BestFor | Services | Residences | Location |
| Kahana Nui | Island-Style Living | Independent LivingAssisted LivingSkilled NursingMemory Care | Apartments with one, two, or three bedrooms | Malia Street, Honolulu |
| Kalakaua Gardens | Resort-Type Living | Independent LivingAssisted LivingSkilled NursingMemory Care | StudioOne-bedroom suiteCompanion suite | Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu |
| The Ivy at Hawaii Kai Retirement Community | Vacation-Like Living | Independent LivingAssisted Living | Private studioApartments with one, two, or three bedroomsApartments with two or three bedrooms and a garage | Kawaihae Street, Honolulu |
| Arcadia Retirement Residence | Small-neighborhood-like Living | Independent LivingAdult Day CareSkilled Nursing | Studio apartmentOne-bedroom apartment | Punahou Street, Honolulu |
| 15 Craigside | Small-neighborhood-like Living | Independent LivingAdult Day CareSkilled Nursing | Studio apartmentOne-bedroom apartment with a private lanai and den | Craigside Place, Honolulu |
| Regency at Hualalai | Small-town-like Living | Independent LivingAssisted LivingSkilled NursingRespite Care | Studio apartmentOne-bedroom apartmentTwo-bedroom apartment | Hualalai Road, Kailua-Kona |
| Regency At Puakea | Small-town-like Living | Independent LivingAssisted LivingSkilled NursingRespite Care | Studio apartmentOne-bedroom apartmentTwo-bedroom apartment | Kaneka Street, Lihue |
| The Plaza At Pearl City | Resort-Type Living | Independent LivingAssisted LivingHali’a Memory CareShort-Term Respite Care | Private StudioPrivate One-BedroomShared Companion Suite | Kuala Street, Pearl City |
| The Plaza At Kaneohe | Resort-Type Living | Independent LivingAssisted LivingHali’a Memory CareShort-Term Respite Care | Private StudioPrivate One-BedroomShared Companion Suite | Alaloa Street,Kaneohe |
| Holiday Kalama Heights | Beachhouse-type Living | Independent Living | Studio apartmentOne-bedroom apartmentTwo-bedroom apartment | Kanani Road, Kihei |
| Good Samaritan Society – Pohai Nani | Resort-Type Living | Independent LivingAssisted Living | Studio apartmentOne-bedroom apartmentTwo-bedroom apartmentOne-bedroom duplexTwo-bedroom duplex | Namoku St.,Kaneohe |
| Pohulani | Condo-Style Living | Independent Living | Studio apartmentOne-bedroom apartment | Coral Street, Honolulu |
12 Best Retirement Communities in Hawaii
1. Kahala Nui
Kahana Nui stays true to its promise to provide person-centered services and embrace the ohana tradition. They have amenities and programs that ensure their residents’ overall health and wellness, whether they may be living independently or with the assistance of their trained and friendly caregivers and staff.
Not only does Kahana Nui welcome you or your retired loved ones with their beautifully landscaped grounds filled with garden courtyards and water features. The community also has other open spaces for activities and enclosed leisure spaces to enjoy quiet moments.
Residents can also casually dine alone or with their fellow retirees or visitors and enjoy island-style cuisine. They also have the option to book flexible, healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner meal plans. Plus, you can reserve one of Kahana Nui’s private dining spaces for special family events, parties, and gatherings.
2. Kalakaua Gardens
If you or your loved one wants a simpler retirement life, like living in a resort or condominium without feeling isolated, Kalakaua Gardens is one of the most excellent options.
Each residential space gives the resident a stunning view of the Waikiki or Manoa Valley. The common living spaces also encourage socialization among neighbors and visiting families and friends.
Of course, there are also areas where the resident can relax, stay fit, and enjoy entertainment.
The outdoor space is perfect for getting some sunlight and fresh air, although it’s smaller than Kahala Nui. Kalakaua Gardens also hosts a ton of activities and programs tailored to the residents’ common interests.
Residents and their guests can enjoy freshly made local dishes in the community’s spacious dining space or even in the comforts of their own suites or apartments.
3. The Ivy at Hawaii Kai Retirement Community
When you plan on retiring in Hawaii but want to feel like you’re having a vacation every single day, the The Ivy at Hawaii Kai is a highly recommended retirement community. That is especially if you’re not on a tight budget since it’s one of the luxury retirement communities in Hawaii.
This retirement community is built within their spacious Kalakei Valley property, so you or your retired loved ones will enjoy the stunning view of the Pacific Ocean. If that’s not enough, the community also boasts lush landscapes and tranquil waterfalls to help residents relax.
One of the things residents and their families love about The Ivy at Hawaii Kai is its proximity to many world-famous Hawaii beaches and Waikiki attractions. This helps the community stay true to its commitment to using a “whole-living” approach.
Of course, residents will not run out of activities and entertainment to enjoy within the community. From fitness centers and game lounges to an activities studio and technology center, boredom and inactivity are the least of your worries.
4. Arcadia Retirement Residence
When considering Hawaii for retirement to enjoy laid-back living, Arcadia Retirement Residence should be on top of your list. Central Union Church founded it, but you don’t have to worry if you belong to a different religious denomination—churches are a few steps away from the community.
The Arcadia Retirement Residence is known for its commitment to providing gracious and compassionate care while ensuring its residents enjoy a safe and vibrant life.
Besides ensuring the residents’ spiritual wellness, you or your loved one can stay physically and mentally healthy through the community’s programs and activities. Some of their hosted activities, programs, and events even include group transportation.
Residents also have access to a spacious garden, lobby, computer room, and indoor pool. They also have the option to consume the nutritious and delicious meals they serve in the community’s restaurant-style dining space or bring them to their living private living space in a tray or take-out package.
5. 15 Craigside
Considered one of the best retirement communities on Oahu, 15 Craigside is part of the Arcadia Retirement Residences family. It’s located near Chinatown, Ala Moana, Safeway, Long, and Downtown.
Residents of 15 Craigside will enjoy the views of the ocean, Nu’uanu Valley, Ko’olau Mountains, and downtown Honolulu. They’ll also get to enjoy the same services and amenities as Arcadia Retirement Residence, except for the computer room and garden. These two amenities are replaced by a library and solarium.
6. Regency at Hualalai
Once you decide to retire in Hawaii and want to live in a retirement community that makes you feel like you never left the town you grew up in, Regency at Hualalai is an excellent option.
It’s situated near stunning clean beaches, attractions, and event and activity sites. Also, residents will get to enjoy the island’s scenic view, whether they’re indoors or outdoors.
Apart from the relaxing views and nearby places to visit, residents can enjoy the community’s outdoor pool, gardens, landscaped grounds, library, recreation and fitness rooms, media rooms, and more. Of course, there’s also a home-style dining space where they can enjoy meals.
The community also hosts several programs and activities that are not just enjoyable but can help improve their residents’ overall health and well-being.
7. Regency At Puakea
If you want to enjoy the amenities, services, activities, and programs Regency offers but prefer Lihue over Kailua-Kona, Regency At Puakea is the right retirement community for you. It’s located near Puakea Golf Course, Kukui Grove Shopping Center, and other beautiful places to visit.
8. The Plaza At Pearl City
Owned and managed by The Plaza Assisted Living, The Plaza At Pearl City is located in an area where residents can enjoy the view of the historic Pearl Harbor. It’s also near Sam’s Club and Pearl Highlands Shopping Center, giving residents several shopping and dining options.
Not only that, but you or your loved one will have access to the beautiful community’s game and recreation rooms, therapy and fitness centers, theather and media rooms, a coffee bistro, and more.
The Plaza At Pearl City also hosts daily exercise classes, off-site and on-site activities, monthly wellness activities and programs, and excursions. They also make sure that their residents don’t miss out on their medical appointments and church services, thanks to the scheduled transport services they offer. Residents can also book transportation when they need to run errands and shop.
9. The Plaza At Kaneohe
Enjoy the same services, amenities, events, and programs as The Plaza At Pearl City but in a different location at The Plaza At Kaneohe. It’s located near the Windward Side, so you get to enjoy some of the best restaurants, shopping centers, verdant vistas, and recreation Kaneohe has to offer.
10. Holiday Kalama Heights
Retire in Hawaii and enjoy the beautiful Maui beaches when you choose this award-winning retirement community. Holiday Kalama Heights is also close to the Maui Art Gallery and many parks, food establishments, and churches.
You’ll also love that you or your loved one will get to visit other places, run errands, dine, and shop without having to drive or book a ride. That’s because Holiday Kalama Heights offers complimentary but scheduled transportation services.
With the community’s many amenities, the residents can relax and stay active without having to commute and leave their residences. There’s a community center, library, beauty salon, barber, activity room, lounge area, outdoor swimming pool, and more.
11. Good Samaritan Society – Pohai Nani
When you choose Hawaii for retirement, don’t forget to look into the Good Samaritan Society – Pohai Nani if you’re searching for one of the best retirement communities in Oahu. Not only will they allow you to customize the services you want to enjoy, but you’re also allowed to decorate your private space to make it more personal and homey.
Apart from the beautiful places and views Kaneohe offers, you’ll have access to the community’s lush garden, wellness center, whirlpool, swimming pool, and more.
12. Pohulani
If you or your loved one is 62 years and older and want to live independently without having to maintain a huge property and costly bills and rent, Pohulani is a perfect choice.
It’s located near some of the best shopping centers, restaurants, and theaters. Even better, it’s just five minutes away from downtown. Transportation is also the least of your worry because the community sits along the bus transit line.
Retiring in the Best Retirement Community in Hawaii
Whether you want to live independently or you or your loved one requires assistance, nursing care, and more, you’ll surely find a safe, comfortable residence in Hawaii. Just make sure you pick a retirement community that offers most of the amenities and services you or your loved one needs and wants.
That said, whichever among the best retirement communities in Hawaii you choose, you’ll get to enjoy the sun, beach, and beautiful views inside your new home or under your beach umbrella (view on Amazon). There are also tons of majestic views, so don’t forget to bring your favorite binoculars (view on Amazon) when you start packing your luggage (view on Amazon).