3 Reasons Why Hawaii Is the Best Place To Retire

Widely regarded as paradise on earth, for many, the Hawaiian islands are an ideal place to live. That said, there are multiple islands to choose from, along with considerations, including the fact that each island has its own culture and spiritual traditions that must be respected. Once this is understood, here are three reasons why Hawaii is the best place to retire. 

1. Weather, Climate, and Natural Beauty

The Hawaiian islands are famous for their good weather and good looks for a reason. Overall, there is near-constant warm weather, with some slightly cooler days in winter, as well as frequent brief rainstorms. But, it’s important to note that each of the islands differs both in terrain and weather (although it’s rarely a drastic difference). 

The Big Island is the youngest and has the most varied weather. There are coastlines and jungles, but there are also multiple active volcanoes and snow on the highest peaks. The hottest and coldest days on the islands can be found here. Maui can technically get snow on its tallest mountain, but overall, the island is an amalgamation of beaches and mountains with a mix of old and young.

O'ahu is an interesting mix of north and south, where the north is very lush and green, the south is a bit drier, and the mountains feel more pronounced. Kaua'i is the Garden Isle, known for its lush beauty, with layers of rainforests, deep canyons, dramatic coastlines, and the famous red dirt. Then, there’s Moloka'i as the last option of a possible retirement location (the other islands are not available), and even then, choosing Moloka'i might be a stretch. The island is similar to O'ahu, with one side drier and more arid, and the other more forested, with mountains and tall sea cliffs.

2. Unique Lifestyle Benefits of Retiring in Hawaii

Overall, there are many obvious reasons to live in Hawaii. As mentioned above, the weather and natural beauty are a big part of it. But there are many additional benefits to living in the gorgeous Aloha State. One would be the activities that are part of the island’s terrain. You can take advantage of the beaches and warm ocean, with swimming, kayaking, surfing, snorkeling, boating, sunbathing, fishing, exploring tide pools, and more. Then, when you want to spend time in the mountains, there’s hiking, biking, golfing, swimming in waterfalls, tubing, more kayaking, exploring the forests, birdwatching, horseback riding, climbing up the volcanoes—the list goes on and on. There are also more than fifty state parks and multiple national parks to choose from (many requiring reservations).

Additionally, Honolulu is very much an international hub, so there are famous restaurants, a theater scene featuring Broadway shows, large concerts, and some distinctly Hawaiian events and places to visit—but these should always be met with a level of respect befitting the culture.

3. Overall Quality of Life

Hawaii is known as the state with the highest life expectancy, thanks to its warm weather, relaxed Aloha attitude, and balanced lifestyle that blends work and play. At times, it feels as if the land itself makes you healthier, with some of the cleanest air in all of the U.S., and fresh produce available at all times.

Each island carries strong communities, where diversity and differences are welcome and celebrated. In terms of affordability, Hawaii is an island state where many goods must be imported, so the cost of living is high. This is known, but there are actually some tax breaks that can help out for retirees, like no tax on social security, property tax exemptions for the elderly, large deductions for elderly residents, and more.

But, of course, things do differ island by island. O'ahu is the island with the biggest city, the main airport, and the most industry. You get the convenience of the big city while also enjoying great nature. The Big Island is (shocker) bigger than the other islands and therefore has more space and diversity of landscapes; it is also slightly more affordable as a result. Maui is best known for the overall mix of life. There’s a bit of everything in Maui, with lots to do, active people, great beaches, and also a bit of luxury for those who want it.

Kaua'i is stunningly gorgeous and is one of the most relaxed options for retirement. It’s not the place you choose if you want city life, but the people are very connected to each other and the land. Moloka'i is, again, only technically an option because although you can choose to live there and it is the most affordable option, it is extremely rural and has very little infrastructure.

There are many things to consider when choosing the best place to retire in the U.S. Hawaii is definitely a wonderful option with many benefits. What are some of your top places for retirement in the U.S.? Let me know by filling out this nomination form. I'd love to hear from you.

Ready to start exploring the islands? Start planning your next trip with Only In Your State’s itinerary planner!