Hawaii attracts retirees who care as much about everyday peace of mind as they do about beaches and sunshine. The towns featured here pair lower crime rates with well-kept neighborhoods and tight-knit communities, so feeling safe isn’t just a vacation illusion.
Each area also has solid medical options nearby, from full-service hospitals to clinics that can handle day-to-day needs and emergencies without a long trip across the island. Weather risks tend to be moderate as well, with occasional tropical storms but fewer severe events than people often picture when they think about island living.
This guide highlights the safest places to retire in Hawaii so you can balance crime levels, healthcare access, and overall comfort against the kind of island retirement you actually want.
Our Top Picks for Retirees
• Waimea for Hawaii’s most secure small-town experience, where low crime rates meet a cool, lush climate and a tight-knit community feel.
• Kailua for a peaceful coastal retirement on Oahu that pairs safe, white-sand beaches with high-quality preventive medical care.
• Hilo for a serene and nature-filled lifestyle on the Big Island, offering reliable senior wellness programs and a lower-than-average crime rate.
• Lahaina for a secure and scenic Maui retreat that blends historic charm with comprehensive chronic disease management services.
• Honolulu for a safe urban retirement that provides the state’s most advanced medical specialists alongside diverse cultural landmarks.
What Are the Safest Places to Retire in Hawaii?
Hilo
- Violent Crime Rate: 2.5 per 1,000 people
- Property Crime Rate: 13.2 per 1,000 people
- Extreme Weather Risk: Moderate, with occasional tropical storms
Hilo offers a lush, serene environment on the Big Island with easy access to Hawaii’s natural beauty.
Retirees here benefit from a lower crime rate and access to
Hilo Medical Center, which provides essential healthcare, including geriatric services and wellness programs. Hilo’s nearby parks, botanical gardens, and the famous Rainbow Falls offer endless ways to stay active and enjoy retirement surrounded by Hawaii’s greenery.
Kailua
- Violent Crime Rate: 1.9 per 1,000 people
- Property Crime Rate: 11.6 per 1,000 people
- Extreme Weather Risk: Moderate, with seasonal tropical storms
Located on Oahu, Kailua combines coastal charm with a peaceful community.
Adventist Health Castle provides high-quality healthcare, with senior wellness programs and preventive screenings. Kailua Beach Park, popular for its clear waters and white sands, offers a perfect setting for an active, oceanfront retirement lifestyle.
If a few Hawaii towns are starting to float to the top of your list, it helps to picture an ordinary week, not just a perfect beach day. Looking at s
enior living communities in Hawaii near those spots can show you which areas still feel safe when it is dark, raining, or you need to get to the doctor in a hurry.
Lahaina
- Violent Crime Rate: 2.3 per 1,000 people
- Property Crime Rate: 12.8 per 1,000 people
- Extreme Weather Risk: Moderate, with exposure to seasonal hurricanes
Lahaina is a charming town on Maui that provides a blend of safety and scenic beauty.
Maui Memorial Medical Center offers comprehensive care, including senior wellness services and chronic disease management. Known for its art galleries, restaurants, and proximity to beautiful beaches, Lahaina gives retirees a serene yet vibrant community.
Waimea
- Violent Crime Rate: 1.8 per 1,000 people
- Property Crime Rate: 10.3 per 1,000 people
- Extreme Weather Risk: Moderate, with some hurricane exposure
Located on the Big Island, Waimea provides a safe, small-town feel with close-knit community vibes.
The town’s proximity to
North Hawaii Community Hospital ensures access to comprehensive healthcare, including cardiology and senior-specific care. Retirees can enjoy Waimea’s lush landscapes, cool temperatures, and cultural attractions like local markets and community events.
Honolulu
- Violent Crime Rate: 2.9 per 1,000 people
- Property Crime Rate: 14.5 per 1,000 people
- Extreme Weather Risk: Moderate, with tropical storm and hurricane potential
As Hawaii’s capital, Honolulu combines urban conveniences with a tropical lifestyle, offering everything from cultural landmarks to sandy beaches. Retirees benefit from the top-tier
The Queen’s Medical Center, which provides specialized senior care and wellness programs. With its museums, gardens, and lively arts scene, Honolulu offers a unique blend of city life and natural beauty.
What Are the Best Healthcare Facilities in Hawaii for Seniors?
Each of Hawaii’s safest retirement towns provides access to high-quality healthcare:
- Hilo: Hilo Medical Center offers geriatric services and wellness programs.
- Kailua: Adventist Health Castle provides preventive screenings and senior wellness programs.
- Lahaina: Maui Memorial Medical Center offers chronic disease management and senior care.
- Waimea: North Hawaii Community Hospital specializes in cardiology and senior healthcare.
- Honolulu: The Queen’s Medical Center provides comprehensive senior wellness and specialized care.
Is Hawaii Senior-Friendly and Accessible?
Hawaii is senior-friendly due to its amazing weather, with warm temperatures year-round and the soothing lull of the waves and cool sea breezes that make outdoor activities inviting. Retirees looking for a
slower, laid-back lifestyle after years of work find Hawaii ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Walkable neighborhoods and accessible public spaces support an active life, while the
Hawaii Executive Office on Aging provides valuable resources like meal delivery, transportation assistance, and community programs to keep seniors engaged.
However, Hawaii does come with some challenges.
The state’s popularity as a vacation spot means
it can get crowded, especially in tourist-heavy areas. Beyond the city centers, uneven terrain can make navigation difficult, and reliable public transport options are limited, making a car essential for getting around.
Hawaii’s cost of living is also high, so retirees need substantial savings to enjoy a long-term stay. Despite these factors, the combination of beautiful weather, supportive programs, and a laid-back atmosphere makes Hawaii an attractive place for those seeking a peaceful and active retirement.
What City Has the Lowest Crime Rate?
Waimea stands out as one of the safest cities in Hawaii, with a violent crime rate of just
1.8 per 1,000 people and a property crime rate of 10.3 per 1,000 people. This small town offers a peaceful, community-focused environment that fosters a sense of security for its residents. Access to quality healthcare, such as
North Hawaii Community Hospital, ensures that retirees have comprehensive medical services, including senior-specific care and wellness programs. Waimea’s low crime rates and supportive community make it an ideal choice for retirees seeking safety and peace of mind.
Ready to Explore Hawaii Senior Living Options?
In Hawaii, the place that feels safest for you might be less about the postcard view and more about knowing you can get home before the roads flood, find help if you trip, and walk around without worrying.
Our
Hawaii senior living directory makes it easier to sort through senior living options in Hawaii with that in mind, so you can focus on communities in locations that feel steady, reachable, and like somewhere you could live comfortably year‑round, not just visit.
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