Skilled Nursing in Kauai, Hawaii: Search Near You, How to Pay, Licensing, Local Resources, and Questions to Ask
Skilled nursing facilities in Kauai, Hawaii, provide round-the-clock care and rehabilitation services for seniors recovering from illness, surgery, or managing chronic conditions. These facilities offer personalized care plans, therapy services, and assistance with daily needs in a beautiful island setting. While Hawaii ranks 4th in the nation for overall quality of assisted living, skilled nursing homes on Kauai also reflect the state’s commitment to compassionate, high-quality care, making it a welcoming choice for older adults seeking support.
Skilled Nursing Facility Communities near Kauai, Hawaii
Hale Kupuna Heritage Home, Llc
Koloa, Hawaii 96756
Kauai Care Center
Waimea, Hawaii 96796
Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital
Kapaʻa, Hawaii 96746
Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital
Waimea, Hawaii 96796

About Skilled Nursing in Kauai, HI
In Kauai, Hawaii, skilled nursing facilities are licensed healthcare centers that provide 24-hour medical care and rehabilitation services for individuals with complex medical needs. These facilities are staffed by registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants who work under the supervision of physicians to deliver comprehensive care. Services typically include medication management, wound care, physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and mobility. Skilled nursing is often recommended for seniors recovering from surgery, illness, or injury, or for those requiring long-term care due to chronic conditions. In Kauai, these facilities prioritize a balance of expert medical care and compassionate support, helping residents maintain their health and quality of life in a comfortable, nurturing environment.
Considerations when looking for Senior housing in Kauai, HI
The estimated population of Kauai, HI is 73,851 with 23.1% of that number being ages 65 and older. The climate in Kauai Island is warm, muggy, windy, and mostly clear. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 67°F to 85°F and is rarely below 61°F or above 86°F.
Cities on Kauai, HI
- Lihue, HI – Central Kauai (within the island)
- Kapa’a, HI – 7 miles northeast of Lihue
- Poipu, HI – 12 miles south of Lihue
- Hanalei, HI – 30 miles north of Lihue
- Waimea, HI – 25 miles west of Lihue
Pricing and How to Pay for Skilled Nursing
Paying for senior care depends on several factors. On average, residents can expect to pay $14,828 per month for skilled nursing services. These fees encompass personalized care, engaging activities, and comfortable accommodations, ensuring a fulfilling retirement experience. Keep in mind these costs may fluctuate depending on factors such as location and facility amenities.

Paying for Senior Living and Care will vary depending on a few factors. For instance, the level of care needed; the income and savings of the resident; the state and location of the community; or if the resident is a veteran. In the United States there are over 400 programs that may offer some monetary relief for senior care, but often the majority of costs are covered by private funds and family assistance. These funds come from our Federal, State, and Local Governments.
It is important to take your time when exploring payment and coverage options.
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.
Medicare -MAYBE:
Medicare will TYPICALLY cover Skilled Nursing (SNF) care ONLY under these factors:
- 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.
- The person has Medicare Part A, and has available days left in their benefit period. The person has a qualified hospital stay. (3 consecutive midnights or more)
- The individual must enter SNF within 30 days of leaving the hospital.
- The person’s doctor has ordered inpatient services at a skilled nursing facility.
- The individual must need and receive the skilled care daily. The care provided must be care that the person can only receive in a SNF.
- The person needs skilled services because of an ongoing condition or a new condition that started while in a SNF for treatment of an ongoing condition.
- The skilled services must be reasonable and necessary for the treatment of the condition.
- You must receive the care in a Medicare certified SNF.
Medicaid – MAYBE:
Medicaid can be a payer source if the patient needs both care and has a financial hardship based on the individual state criteria. Eligible participants include: low-income adults, elderly adults and people with disabilities. The program is funded jointly by each state and the federal government; and national guidelines are in place do decipher how states must spend Medicaid money, but with allowances toward the guidelines. Every state has their own individual Medicaid assistance program. Each state determines what levels of care will be covered by Medicaid, who is eligible, and how much the state will reimburse the care community.
- Skilled nursing falls under Medicaid’s Nursing Facility Services.
- People who are eligible for Medicaid must meet the state criteria for skilled nursing care.
- The state of residency must abide by federal law and regulations when setting their skilled nursing care requirements.
- The patient meets the state guidelines for income and asset limits.
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.For a clearer understanding on coverage contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program.
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 services at some point, so naturally, 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 on Kauai, HI
Wilcox Medical Center
- Address: 3-3420 Kuhio Highway, Lihue, HI 96766
- Phone: (808) 245-1100
Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital
- Address: 4643 Waimea Canyon Drive, Waimea, HI 96796
- Phone: (808) 338-9431
Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital
- Address: 4800 Kawaihau Road, Kapaa, HI 96746
- Phone: (808) 822-4961
Ho‘ola Lahui Hawaii Health Center – Waimea
- Address: 4643-B Waimea Canyon Drive, Waimea, HI 96796
- Phone: (808) 240-0150
Ho‘ola Lahui Hawaii Health Center – Kapaa
- Address: 4800-D Kawaihau Road, Kapaa, HI 96746
- Phone: (808) 240-0170
Questions to ask a skilled nursing facility
- Is the facility licensed?
- Has the facility’s license ever been revoked?
- Is the facility Medicare/Medicaid certified?
- What types of insurance is accepted?
- Are all specific medical needs able to be met?
- What services are offered?
- What is the rate for basic care?
- Are any reviews available to be seen by the public?
- Are protocols in place to ensure healthy, balanced meals?
- What if an individual has specific dietary restrictions, can they be met at the facility?
Additional questions and inquiries to ask skilled nursing facilities
- What should a new resident (patient) bring with them?
- What is the difference between skilled nursing and assisted living?
- What happens in case of an emergency?
- Can the family pet visit the resident?
- What is the level of privacy?
- What are the available social activities?
- What is the hours for family visits?
- Can patients request special meals for dietary needs?
- Are skilled nursing facilities connected to hospitals?
- How big are the rooms?
- What are the training requirements of skilled nurses?
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.
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