Assisted Living in Hawaii, Hawaii : Search Near You, How to Pay, Licensing, Local Resources, and Questions to Ask
Assisted living in Hawaii, Hawaii, offers a serene and culturally rich environment for seniors, combining high-quality personal care with the breathtaking natural beauty of the island’s landscapes. These facilities typically provide a range of services, including assistance with daily living activities, healthcare management, and various social and recreational opportunities, all tailored to the individual needs of residents. Embracing the local aloha spirit, assisted living communities in Hawai’i prioritize creating a warm, inclusive, and community-oriented atmosphere for their residents.
Some are available for private pay, and others for Medicaid-paid residents. Assisted Living provides protective oversight, personal services, social care needed because of impaired capacity to live independently, and regular supervision on a 24-hour basis.
Assisted Living Communities near Island of Hawai’i, Hawaii
Regency Hualalai
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740

About Assisted Living in Hawaii, HI
In Hawaii, Hawaii, “assisted living” is defined as a residential care option for seniors who require assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, and medication management, but do not need the intensive medical and nursing care provided by a nursing home. These facilities focus on providing a supportive environment where residents can maintain as much independence as possible, while still receiving the necessary help and care. Assisted living in Hawaii often includes services like 24-hour supervision, meals, housekeeping, and various recreational and social activities, all designed to enhance the quality of life and well-being of residents in a community setting that respects the unique cultural heritage of the Hawaiian Islands.
Considerations When looking for Assisted Living in Hawaii, HI
There are currently 14 assisted living homes operating on the Island of Hawaii. According to the 2020 census, the population on the island of Hawaii, HI is estimated to be 200,629. Of that, it is estimated that 38,119 are over the age of 65. There are really only two seasons in Hawaii: summer from May to October and winter from November to April. The average daytime summer temperature at sea level is 85° F (29.4° C), while the average daytime winter temperature is 78° (25.6° C). Temperatures at night are approximately 10° F lower than the daytime.
Cities near Hawaii, HI
- Keaau – Approximately 7.77 miles southwest of Hilo.
- Pahoa – Roughly 18.46 miles southeast of Hilo.
- Volcano – About 24.95 miles southwest of Hilo.
- Waimea (Kamuela) – Approximately 42.91 miles northwest of Hilo.
- Kailua-Kona – Around 59.41 miles west of Hilo.
Pricing and How to Pay
Multiple factors influence the cost of assisted living in Hawaii. Many of these factors depend on the type and level of care you need. It was reported in 2021 that the average cost of assisted living in Hawaii is $5,375 per month.

You want to consider your payment options for assisted living, memory care, and care homes. For these services, Medicare is NOT an option for payment.
The most common payment for these services would be out of pocket Private Pay and assessing a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, and pension payments.
Medicaid can also be an option, be sure to see if you or a loved one qualifies.
Long-Term Care insurance is also a possible option in cases of chronic conditions, be sure to see if you or a loved one qualifies.
For our Veterans and spouses of veterans, be sure to assess Veteran Aid and your eligibility for these benefits.
Medicare – NO:
- Medicare does NOT pay for Assisted Living.
- People 65 years and older and individuals with end stage renal disease are eligible for Medicare benefits, no matter their income.
- Coverage is meant for people in need of short-term care.
Private pay – YES:
- Many families pay for assisted living with private funds.
- Private pay can be a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, and pension payments.
- Family members may contribute funds to pay for assisted living or other senior housing and care.
Medicaid – MAYBE:
- Medicaid provides health coverage to millions of Americans. Eligible participants include: low-income adults, elderly adults and people with disabilities.
- Medicaid is administered by state, according to federal requirements. The program is funded jointly by each state and the federal government.
- Every state has their own individual Medicaid assistance program.
- National guidelines are in place do decipher how states must spend Medicaid money, but with allowances toward the guidelines.
- The state determines what levels of care will be covered by Medicaid, who is eligible, and how much the state will reimburse the care community.
- If you are unsure whether you qualify for Medicaid, you should apply. You may be eligible depending on your household income, family size, age, disability and other factors.
Long-term Care Insurance – MAYBE:
Long term care insurance is a great way to pay for assisted living, and planning ahead is important when considering how to pay for senior housing and care. Nearly 75% of people over the age of 65 will require long-term care and services at some point. Buying into long-term care insurance when a person is in their 50s and 60s is the most common time to do so.
- Long-term care insurance helps cover the costs of chronic medical conditions.
- Individuals and couples with the ability to pay into long-term care insurance have the advantage of a head start in allocating funds for senior care.
Veteran Aid and Assistance – MAYBE:
This benefit is available to some military veterans and surviving spouses who live in an assisted living community and those who have in-home care.
- There are specific guidelines, but a veteran may qualify for as much as $2,050 each month.
- A veteran with a sick spouse may be eligible for $1,600 per month.
- If a veteran has passed, their surviving spouse can qualify for $1,300 per month.

Local Hospitals and Healthcare Providers in Hawaii, HI
- Hilo Medical Center
- Address: 1190 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720
- Phone: (808) 932-3000
- Kaiser Permanente Hilo Clinic
- Address: 1292 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720
- Phone: (808) 934-4000
- Queen’s North Hawaii Community Hospital
- Address: 67-1125 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea, HI 96743 (near Hilo)
- Phone: (808) 885-4444
- East Hawaii Health Clinic
- Address: 1285 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720
- Phone: (808) 932-4205
- Bay Clinic
- Address: 1178 Kinoole Street, Hilo, HI 96720
- Phone: (808) 333-3600
Questions to Ask
Finding a senior living community can be overwhelming. Here are some tips on things to be observant of:
- Make sure the facility is clean and well maintained. You can tell a lot about the operation by noting what is clean and maintained. Are doorknobs loose or damaged? Do you see any frayed carpet or trip hazards?
- Visit during lunch hour to observe what the residents are eating. Ask questions about the nutrition program. Is there diversity in meals, healthy fruits and vegetables served at all meals, drink options?
- Speak to residents and/or family members to learn their perspective.
- Ask about staff and resident engagement. Get a feel for how staff interact with residents.
- Ask about the life enrichment programs. Activities are crucial when it comes to quality of life and play a key role in care for older adults.
- And finally (along with a plethora of more things to consider), get to know the leadership in the building. If you feel good around the Executive Director, Head Nurse, Lead Activities Director and even the Chef or Janitor, it is a good sign you can trust them with the care of your loved one.
Resources and Links – Hawaii
Hawaii Executive Office on Aging The Hawaii ADRC helps older adults, individuals with disabilities, and family caregivers find options for long term supports and services available to them in the State of Hawaii.
Alu Like Inc. ALU LIKE, Inc. has a comprehensive range of services and activities to fill identified needs in the Native Hawaiian community, including community economic development, business assistance, employment preparation, training, library services, educational and childcare services for families with young children.
Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program (Hawaii SHIP) Provides statewide health insurance information, counseling, and referrals to individuals 65 years or older or with disabilities, their families, caregivers, and soon-to-be retirees. Medicare-certified volunteers provide counseling assistance and presentations at no charge to the public.
Legal Aid Society of Hawaii As the state’s oldest and largest non-profit, public interest law firm with offices statewide- Legal Aid helps ensure justice and fairness for all by providing civil legal aid to the most vulnerable in our society.
Long Term Care Ombudsman Program The Long-Term Care Ombudsman (LTCO) program was established by federal and state statutes. The LTCO identifies, investigates, and resolves complaints that are made by, or on behalf of residents, and related to action, inaction, or decisions that may adversely affect the health, safety, welfare, and rights of residents of long term care facilities such as nursing homes, adult residential care homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care settings.
Eldercare Locator This is a great resource to search for specific care in specific counties and cities. This database is a nationwide resource that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Connect with services such as meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver education or respite from caregiving responsibilities. The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the U.S. Administration for Community Living.
Medicare provides a search feature to find & compare providers near you, most senior housing and care providers are included on CareAvailability.com. Find & compare plans in your area. Determine if you qualify for premium savings
Medicaid offers information on how to apply for Medicaid, eligibility criteria, links to local state offices, and additional resources
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Whether you are living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone with the disease, information and resources are available.