Hawaii is a popular destination for retirees looking for independent living options. The state has a high cost of living, which means that senior care costs are also higher than the national average. However, Hawaii's warm climate, beautiful scenery, and rich cultural offerings make it an attractive option for many seniors.
Honolulu is the most populous city in Hawaii and is home to many senior care facilities. Other popular cities for senior living include Hilo, Kailua, and Kaneohe. Hawaii also has a sizable retired military population, with many veterans choosing to retire in the state.
Some of the most well-known independent living facilities in Hawaii include the Kahala Nui Retirement Community in Honolulu, the Arcadia Retirement Residence in Honolulu, and the Regency at Hualalai in Kailua-Kona. These facilities offer a range of amenities and services, including dining options, fitness centers, and on-site medical care.
Overall, Hawaii offers a unique and attractive option for seniors seeking independent living options. While costs may be higher than average, the state's natural beauty and cultural offerings make it a popular destination for retirees.
95-1050 Mākaʻikaʻi St, Hawaii 96789
Olaloa Retirement Community feels like a real neighborhood, not an institution. You’ll find it tucked into Mililani, where residents have their own apartments—studios up to two-bedrooms—so there’s space for privacy and personality. Folks here are 55 and older, and many are still quite independent, but there’s help available if you need it.
739 Leihano St, Hawaii 96707
Ilima at Leihano feels more like a lively neighborhood than a typical senior residence. Walk in and you’ll notice the staff know residents by name, and there’s a real sense of familiarity—locals say it’s one of the friendliest places around. Residents talk about spacious rooms, clean common areas, and a dining room experience that’s closer to a casual restaurant than a cafeteria. Meals are ordered off a daily menu, and the staff remember your favorite drink.
1020 Wakea St #110, Hawaii 96707
Hale Moena Kupuna is one of those rare finds for seniors on Oahu—modern, affordable, and thoughtfully designed for folks 55 and up who want more than just a place to live. The building feels fresh, with studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments that have air conditioning, covered parking, and even pet-friendly policies. Residents often mention how convenient it is to have an on-site manager and 24-hour emergency maintenance.
95-1050 Ukuwai St, Hawaii 96789
If you're looking for a place that feels more like a small, friendly neighborhood than a big institution, The Plaza at Mililani might be worth a look. Families often mention how clean and organized the place is, and the staff generally come across as approachable and easy to talk to. People like that there’s an emergency nurse on site—it's one of those details that can make everyone sleep a little easier. The rooms aren’t huge, but they’re comfortable, and many have nice views.
94-941 Kau'Olu Pl, Hawaii 96797
Kamalu Hoolulu Elderly Housing isn’t your typical senior apartment complex. Locals know it as a low-key, practical spot for independent elders who want to stay connected to Waipahu without the fuss or high price tag you see in newer developments. The property sits in a quiet neighborhood, close enough to walk to Times Waipahu or catch the bus at one of several nearby stops.
25 Aulike St, Hawaii 96734
Lani Huli Elderly Apartments is really more of an independent senior apartment community than a full-service assisted living or memory care facility. The building is for folks 62 and older, and the big draw is the affordable, income-based rent. Residents get their own studio or one-bedroom apartment—simple, but comfortable. It’s not fancy, but it’s a solid option for seniors who want to stay in Kailua without breaking the bank.
94-1060 Waipahu St #20, Hawaii 96797
Waipahu Hall Apartments is a great option for seniors aged 62 and older looking for independent living. They offer a strong sense of community with regular events like educational activities, games, and barbecues in their community center. The management team is known for its friendly approach and excellent customer service. The apartments are conveniently located near major bus lines and Times Super Market, making it easy for residents to get around.
1055 River St #100, Hawaii 96817
Winston Hale is an independent living apartment building for seniors located right in downtown Honolulu, at 1055 River Street. The setup is pretty straightforward: residents rent private apartments—studio, single, or two-bedroom units—designed for older adults who can manage most of their daily needs on their own. There’s no on-site nursing or hands-on personal care, so it’s best for folks who are still fairly independent but want the security of a senior community and a central location.
45-457 Meli Pl, Hawaii 96744
Kaneohe Apartments stands out for offering straightforward, affordable senior housing without the frills or high costs you’ll find at larger retirement communities. They focus on independent living for folks 62 and older, as well as individuals with disabilities. The building has 44 units, and what’s unique is that about half are reserved for residents with very limited income—some units are set aside for those earning under 50% of the area’s median income, and others for those under 60%.
555 Kupuna Pl, Hawaii 96720
Mohouli Heights Senior Neighborhood is more than just an apartment complex for older adults—it’s a cluster of affordable senior residences with practical features and a real sense of community. The apartments come with basics like electric stoves, refrigerators, and storage closets, so residents can cook and keep their space organized without hassle. Safety isn’t an afterthought: every unit has fire alarms and sprinklers, and the property is monitored by cameras and secure gate access.
180 Kinoole St # 204, Hawaii 96720
Independent Living of Hi stands out because it isn’t just another senior housing facility—it’s actually a statewide nonprofit focused on helping people with disabilities (including seniors) live more independently. The team is mostly made up of folks who have disabilities themselves, so they really understand what it’s like to navigate daily life with extra challenges.
1331 River St, Hawaii 96817
Halewaiʻolu Senior Residences is a newer apartment community designed specifically for people 55 and up who want to live independently but need affordable rent. The building is modern—opened in 2023—with 156 units (most are one-bedrooms, but there are some two-bedrooms too). Every apartment has air conditioning, and the rent covers water, sewer, and trash, which helps with budgeting.
1551 S Beretania St., Hawaii 96826
Kulana Hale Senior Apartments is one of those places locals know for being right in the thick of Honolulu life—close to supermarkets, churches, and the city bus line, so residents can stay connected to the neighborhood they love. This is an income-restricted community for adults 62 and older, with 175 apartments designed for independent living.
1280 Moanalualani Pl, Hawaii 96819
The Plaza at Moanalua isn’t just another senior residence—it feels more like a lively apartment community with a strong local flavor. You’ll see residents gathering for coffee in the bistro, joining in daily exercise classes, or heading out on shuttle trips for shopping and appointments. The staff, led by Administrator Rebecca Fajota, includes nurses on-site 24/7 and care aides who know residents by name.
888 Iwilei Rd, Hawaii 96817
Iwilei Senior Residence is more like a senior apartment community than a traditional care facility. Residents get their own one- or two-bedroom apartments, each with a kitchen and private bath. There's no meal plan or medical staff on-site, so it's best for older adults who want to live independently but appreciate a community of peers.
626 Coral St #507, Hawaii 96813
Pohulani is a senior apartment community for folks 62 and older, right in the heart of Honolulu’s Kaka‘ako neighborhood. This isn’t a full-service assisted living facility—think of it more as affordable, independent apartments designed with seniors in mind. The building itself is recently updated and has a reputation for being clean and well-maintained. Residents get the basics: private studio apartments, utilities included, and shared laundry facilities.
739 Leihano St, Hawaii 96707
Ilima at Leihano stands out for its genuinely warm, community-driven atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where staff know residents by name, and you’ll often see real friendships forming between caregivers and families. The community is on the smaller side, which means residents get more personalized attention—folks mention that staff pick up on individual needs quickly, and it feels less institutional and more like an extended family.
4389 Malia St, Hawaii 96821
Kahala Nui is one of those places that people talk about when they want something more than just a place to live – it’s almost like a tight-knit neighborhood where folks look out for each other. They offer independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing, so your parent could stay in one community even if their needs change.
4389 Malia St, Hawaii 96821
Kahala Nui is one of those places people talk about when they want more than just a roof and meals for their parents. They offer independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing all in one campus, so your parent can stay put even if their needs change. The apartments range from studios to three-bedrooms, and the grounds are lush and well-kept. Residents say the staff—called 'associates'—are attentive and genuinely caring, and there’s a real sense of community.
1723 Kalākaua Ave, Hawaii 96826
Kalākaua Gardens is one of those rare places in Honolulu where everything a senior might need is under one roof. If you’ve ever worried about having to move your loved one as their needs change, this community’s setup is a big relief. They offer independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing – so residents can stay put even if their health needs shift.
1314 Kalākaua Ave, Hawaii 96826
One Kalakaua Senior Living is a high-rise community where most residents actually own their condos, which is pretty unique for senior living in Honolulu. The building feels more like a local apartment than a typical care home, and it's right in the middle of town, so folks can stay close to family and their favorite spots. Residents can live independently, but if they need a hand with daily tasks—like medication, bathing, or getting around—they can pay for those services as needed.
428 Kawaihae St, Hawaii 96825
The Ivy at Hawaii Kai stands out for a few practical reasons that families often care about. Residents get a lot of flexibility—your parent can choose between independent living, assisted living, or memory care, and it’s not uncommon for people to move between these as their needs change. There’s 24-hour nursing staff on-site, which isn’t always the case at similar places.
428 Kawaihae St, Hawaii 96825
The Ivy at Hawaii Kai is one of those places that gets a lot right, but isn't perfect. Residents can choose between independent living, assisted living, and memory care, so it's flexible if your loved one's needs change. The staff gets high marks for friendliness and responsiveness—families mention that nurses are around 24/7, and most say people working there genuinely care.
918 Lunalilo St, Hawaii 96822
The Plaza at Punchbowl is a mid-sized senior living community in Honolulu that offers assisted living, memory care, and independent living options. Residents get their own apartments—studios, one-bedrooms, or two-bedrooms—with features like kitchenettes and air conditioning. Meals are served restaurant-style in a shared dining room, but room service is available if someone prefers to eat in.
1434 Punahou St, Hawaii 96822
Arcadia Retirement Residence has a long-standing reputation in Honolulu for being more than just a place to live—it's a real community where people seem to stay active and connected. Residents talk about the variety of activities, from music performances to yoga classes, and even computer lessons. Meals are flexible: you can eat in your room or join others downstairs, and the menu offers choices instead of a fixed plan.
1314 Kalākaua Ave, Hawaii 96826
One Kalakaua Senior Living isn’t your typical retirement community — it’s more like a close-knit condo neighborhood where people happen to be over 55. What really stands out is that you actually buy your unit here, so it feels like home, not just a place you rent for a while. That means you can build equity and even leave it to your kids. The building itself is right in the middle of Honolulu, so you’re close to shops, medical centers, and parks. Inside, the vibe is friendly and lively.
1280 Moanalualani Pl, Hawaii 96819
The Plaza at Moanalua stands out for how it organizes care by floor—each level is set up for a different type of support, so as your parent's needs change, their living situation adapts too. Some families like this because it means care gets more specialized, but others mention it can be tough if a loved one has to move floors as their needs increase. The building itself feels more like a modern condo than a typical care home, with lots of natural light, high ceilings, and big windows.
918 Lunalilo St, Hawaii 96822
The Plaza at Punchbowl has been around for about 20 years, so it's one of the more established senior communities in Honolulu. It's right in the city, which means there's some traffic noise, but it's also very close to major hospitals like Straub and Queen's—something families often appreciate if medical care is a priority.
1812 Kalākaua Ave, Hawaii 96815
The Plaza at Waikiki is a senior living community right at the edge of Waikiki, and it’s got a real mix of folks—some who are still pretty independent, others who need more hands-on help, and a group living with memory loss. What stands out is how they blend apartment-style living with support: residents get their own private space (with a kitchenette), but there’s always someone from the nursing team available 24/7.
1812 Kalākaua Ave, Hawaii 96815
The Plaza at Waikiki feels more like a lively community hub than a typical senior residence. Locals know it for its active social calendar—think daily exercise classes, outings to Waikiki, and a coffee bistro where residents actually hang out. The staff includes a 24/7 nursing team, and each apartment has multiple nurse call buttons, so help is always close by.
626 Coral St #507, Hawaii 96813
Pohulani isn’t your typical senior care facility—it’s more of an active community for older adults who want to stay connected to the city. The building itself is straightforward, but what stands out is the location: you’re right in Kakaako, a spot where you can walk to local restaurants, shops, and even catch a movie if you like. Residents mention how easy it is to get around, with bus stops close by and a walk score that makes errands or outings simple, even without a car.
1280 Moanalualani Pl, Hawaii 96819
The Plaza at Moanalua stands out for its lively atmosphere and thoughtful details that make daily life easier for both residents and their families. It isn’t just about providing care—it’s about helping people stay as independent as possible while having support close by. The place feels active, with regular exercise classes, on- and off-site activities, and even a coffee bistro where residents actually hang out and socialize.
