Retiring in Paradise: The best Hawaiian island to retire

Ready to say goodbye to the 9-5 once and for all and aloha to island living? The Hawaiian Islands are the perfect place to retire, with their warm weather, breathtaking scenery and relaxed pace of life. But with so many beautiful Hawaiian islands to choose from, which one should you choose?

Each Hawaiian island has its own unique features, so it’s important to think about exactly what you’re looking for when choosing where to retire. Here’s a look at some of the most popular Hawaiian islands to retire on, to give you some food for thought when considering retiring to Hawaii.

Maui Maui

Maui Maui, which is also known as the Valley Isle, is a great retirement choice for those looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure. Boasting stunning beaches, scenic hiking trails, and world-class golf courses, there’s no shortage of interesting ways to spend your days. If you’re looking to experience local culture you can visit the historic town of Hana for a glimpse into traditional Hawaiian life. Hana is known for its stunning waterfalls and green foliage.

If you’re more of an adrenaline junkie, then Maui could be the place for you. You can enjoy whale watching, snorkeling or scuba diving to get a close-up look at the wonderfully varied marine life. A keen golfer? You’ll be in heaven with the multiple golf courses available on the island.

In the evenings you can head into Lahaina to enjoy delicious seafood and live music. The town is famous for its historic charm and has wooden storefronts and cafes lining the streets. There’s also a thriving art scene in Lahaina with plenty of art galleries and studios showcasing local artists.

Kauai Kauai

Kauai Kauai, sometimes known as the Garden Isle, is the perfect island for nature lovers. It is absolutely covered in green foliage, and is home to the Waimea Canyon, (the Grand Canyon of the Pacific). There’s lots to do, like exploring the Napali Coast by boat, hiking to incredible waterfalls, or simply relaxing on one of the many beaches.

Kauai is well-known for its laid-back vibe and is a good place to unwind and enjoy the simpler things in life. Whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll through the scenic countryside or just relaxing on the beach, you’re sure to feel stress-free spending your days here.

If you’re the adventurous type, then Kauai has plenty of opportunities to take part in outdoor activities, like kayaking, surfing, and ziplining. It’s also a popular spot for birdwatching, because lots of different species of native birds and migratory birds visit the island each year.

Oahu Oahu

The island of Oahu Oahu is known as the Heart of Hawaii. It’s the most densely populated of the Hawaiian islands making it the perfect place for those who love city life. Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii is found in Oahu and it’s also home to famous landmarks like Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbor.

There’s lots going on in Oahu to keep you from being bored if you choose to settle there. There are busy street markets, plenty of restaurants, museums, art galleries and theatres, so there’s always something to see and do.

If you’re more of an outdoorsy person, you’re sure to love Oahu’s parks, hiking trails and beaches. There are plenty of places to visit to enjoy the natural beauty of the island, like the iconic Diamond Head State Monument and the beautiful Waimea Bay.

For those retirees looking to enjoy a more relaxed pace of life then Oahu’s North Shore might be more suitable. It has gorgeous beaches and more of a small-town feel, away from the hustle and bustle of the city itself.

Hawaii Island (The Big Island)

The largest of the Hawaiian Islands is Big Island, or Hawaii Island. It’s a good retirement choice for people who love exploring, with it’s natural attractions like black sandy beaches and even active volcanoes!

The Big Island is also a great place for those you love the outdoors, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing and other outdoor activities. You can explore the island’s rich cultural heritage by visiting historic sites, attending cultural festivals, and experiencing traditional Hawaiian hula dance performances.

One of the main attractions of Hawaii Island is the vibrant local food scene. You can find everything from fresh seafood and locally-grown fruits and vegetables to delicious fusion food, all with a unique Hawaiian twist.

Lanai Lanai

Lanai Lanai, sometimes called the Pineapple Island, is the smallest of the inhabited Hawaiian Islands. Perfect for those looking for peace and solitude in their retirement. With its serene natural beauty, Lanai is the perfect place to escape the business of city life.

With its beautiful beaches, lush forests, and rugged coastlines, Lanai is perfect for soaking up the scenery and relaxing as you enjoy retired life.

For those looking for a bit more adventure, don’t worry Lanai is also a great place to go hiking, golfing, and exploring. There are several unique attractions tov visit, including the historic Lanai City and the stunning Garden of the Gods.

What’s the cost of living like in Hawaii?

When it comes to the cost of living in Hawaii, it’s all about which location you choose. The prices can vary greatly depending on the island you settle on and the kind of lifestyle you want to lead.

For example, in tourist hotspots like Waikiki and Lahaina, the cost of living is pretty high. You’ll pay a premium for housing, food, and entertainment – renting a one-bedroom apartment in Waikiki will set you back anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 a month.

If you’re looking somewhere a little less expensive, then smaller towns and rural areas like the North Shore of Oahu have a more affordable cost of living. A one-bedroom apartment there could cost you anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500 a month.

The Big Island and Lanai are also good options for those looking to keep costs down. With a slower pace of life and more affordable housing choices, you can live a comfortable life without breaking the bank. It still depends on area though, as some of the more popular areas like Kailua-Kona on the Big Island have a higher cost of living.

If cost of living is a big factor and you’re still thinking of retiring in Hawaii, it’s worth knowing that it’s already a more expensive place to live compared to mainland US. Prices are higher for groceries, transportation, and healthcare. And in addition to this, Hawaii has a pretty steep state tax which can add to your expenses.

It’s important to make sure your retirement planning and research considers all the financial elements.

Are the Hawaiin Islands a good place to retire?

All in all, the Hawaiian Islands are a wonderful place to retire, with each island offering its own unique charm and attractions. Whether you’re looking for peace and solitude, adventure, or a mix of both, there’s a Hawaiian island that’s perfect for you.