Approximately 1.5 million individuals enjoy calling Hawaii home. Many choose to retire in their home state in one of the affordable cities, while others move to Hawaii to chase a dream of retiring on the beach. We’ve compiled a list of the nine best cities in this tropical retirement paradise where people are friendly, and sunsets are stunning.
Top 9 Cities to Retire in Hawaii
1. Hilo
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 22.7%
Median Home Value: $455,100
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 130
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,210
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 1
Hilo is located on the northwestern portion of the island of Hawaii. Local points of interest include The Liliuokalani Gardens, Wailuku River State Park, and Panaewa Rainforest Zoo. When you wander into town, you can buy fresh food or an assortment of crafts at Hilo Farmers Market. With a high percentage of individuals over the age of 65, and a lower cost of living in comparison to other areas of Hawaii, Hilo is a great choice for retirement.
2. Waianae
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 14.4%
Median Home Value: $487,200
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 90
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 729
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 11
Waianae is a census-designated place on the island of Oahu. Located along the coast, Waianae residents can enjoy spending sunny days at Pokai Beach and its surrounding parks. Inside the city, residents have access to all the urban amenities, including grocery stores, schools, and a mall.
3. Kailua
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 19.3%
Median Home Value: $649,400
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 66
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 878
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 12
Located on the eastern coast of Oahu, Kailua boasts some of the best beaches in the world. When you’re not exploring the coasts and picking up seashells, you can enjoy hiking the trails that meander their way to the beach. You will be mesmerized by the island’s beautiful waterfalls and native fauna. The seaside city is packed with shops, restaurants, and local favorites like the farmers market.
4. Kapa’a
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 21.2%
Median Home Value: $821,500
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 35
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 279
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 3
Kapa’a is a little town located at the base of Nounou Mountain on Kauai Island. The Kinipopo Shopping Village is a town favorite, and islanders and visitors alike enjoy the eateries and local shops. Kapa’a blends historic charm with modern flavors, and retirees will enjoy a strong sense of community no matter where they go.
5. Wailuku
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 20.9%
Median Home Value: $781,700
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 48
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 550
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 2
Like Kapa’a, Wailuku is a mix of history and modern age. Its famous Market Street is packed with locally owned stores, many of which have been owned by families for generations. The city prides itself on its history, which can be explored in the “Rediscover Wailuku” walking tour. In addition to its historical structures and shops, Wailuku is home to many modern boutiques, restaurants, and a vibrant art scene.
6. ‘Ewa Beach
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 20.4%
Median Home Value: $698,200
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 40
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 445
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 11
‘Ewa Beach is a small census-designated place located along the southern coast of Oahu. The town has blossomed over the years, becoming a bustling, lively place to call home. Residents here can enjoy shopping districts, golf courses, state of the art hospitals, and of course the beach!
7. Kapolei
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 9.7%
Median Home Value: $720,600
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 42
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 464
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 12
Kapolei is a planned community on the western coast of Oahu. Retirees can enjoy the beaches, lagoons, a golf course, and more in this tightknit little community. One highlight is the FIA FIA Polynesian Dinner Show, which occurs on Tuesday evenings; guests can witness a spectacular show of Polynesian culture while sampling some of the island’s best seafood.
8. Kihei
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.8%
Median Home Value: $871,600
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 44
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 558
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 2
Located on Maui Island, Kihei encompasses six miles of beaches where you can swim, surf, and snorkel to your heart’s content. In addition to the festivities that line the shore, you can enjoy shopping at the mall and browsing the farmers market during the day. At night, take advantage of the fun eateries and karaoke spots.
9. Wahiawa
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 19.2%
Median Home Value: $716,800
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 44
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 474
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 12
Wahiawa is an Oahu Island city tucked between two mountain ranges on the central part of the island. For those looking to live in a less touristy city, Wahiawa may be a good choice for you. The town mostly consists of locals and individuals associated with the military. Residents can visit the local Dole Plantation, which features the world’s largest plant maze.
| City | People Over 65 | Violent Crimes | Property Crimes | Hospitals Within 25 Miles | Median Home Price |
| Hilo | 22.7% | 130 | 1,210 | 1 | $455,100 |
| Waianae | 14.4% | 90 | 729 | 11 | $487,200 |
| Kailua | 19.3% | 66 | 878 | 12 | $649,400 |
| Kapaa | 21.2% | 35 | 279 | 3 | $821,500 |
| Wailuku | 20.9% | 48 | 550 | 2 | $781,700 |
| Ewa Beach | 20.4% | 40 | 445 | 11 | $698,200 |
| Kapolei | 9.7% | 42 | 464 | 12 | $720,600 |
| Kihei | 16.8% | 44 | 558 | 2 | $871,600 |
| Wahiawa | 19.2% | 44 | 474 | 12 | $716,800 |
| Kahului | 20.2% | 80 | 866 | 2 | $883,200 |
| Waipahu | 20.8% | 138 | 1,300 | 12 | $835,400 |
| Mililani Town | 25.9% | 52 | 676 | 12 | $884,800 |
| Pearl City | 25.7% | 117 | 1,326 | 12 | $872,200 |
| Honolulu | 21.7% | 1,839 | 19,393 | 11 | $834,100 |
| Kaneohe | 25.0% | 75 | 976 | 12 | $990,100 |
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicare’s Hospital Compare and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. Median home price, number of hospitals, 65+ population, and crime rates were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each city whose population is at least 10,000.
Other Hawaii Resources
The Best State and National Parks in Hawaii
10 Healthiest Cities in Hawaii
Best Tiny Home Builders in Hawaii
The Healthiest States to Live In
How to Build a House in Hawaii
10 Most Affordable Cities in Hawaii
Your Guide to Closing Costs in Hawaii
Sarah Scott
Sarah graduated from Trinity University in 2012 with a degree in International Relations and Political Science. She writes blogs on new homes, decor, communities, and more for NewHomeSource. When she's not writing, you can find her spending time with her three cats.