Hawaii is a beautiful place to retire, but the cost of living is substantially higher than in most continental states. Seniors who prefer to live in an assisted living facility can expect to pay around $5,000 per month, so those who can’t afford the cost may need to look into Medicaid’s Med QUEST program. The program, which stands for Quality care, Universal access, Efficient utilization, Stabilizing costs, and Transform, allows qualifying applicants to receive reimbursements for services that take place in an assisted living facility such as meal preparation, laundry, and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). However, it does not cover the cost of room and board.
10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Hawaii

Manoa Senior Care, Honolulu, Oahu
Manoa Senior Care aims to give seniors a sense of home and community. All 11 care homes are located on Manoa and Kaimuki and are architecturally-designed for safety and comfort. Each facility has eight private bedrooms on the first floor, a spacious living and dining area, and porches to enjoy sun and fresh air. Also at each location, there are two live-in nurses and four nurse aides that provide personal care and medication management around the clock. There’s never a dull moment for seniors at Manoa, with activities like exercise classes, pet therapy, baking classes, floral arrangement lessons, and neighborhood excursions. Transportation is also available for doctor appointments.
Cost begins around $5,000 per month.

Kīnā ʻOle Estate, Kāneʻohe, Oahu
Kina ‘Ole Estate is a compassionate senior care residence that houses eight residents. Located in the mountain-view neighborhood of Kaneohe, it’s just a few miles away from Hawaii State Hospital if medical care is needed. Residents are encouraged to add their own decorative touches to their private bedrooms, and each room has an accessible bathroom and an emergency call system. There are one or two staff members available 24/7 for help with personal care, and stimulating activities like chair dancing, balloon volleyball, table games, music therapy and outdoor strolls are provided.
Cost begins at $4,825 per month.

Hawaii Kai, Honolulu, Oahu
Nestled in Ka’alakei Valley, Hawaii Kai residents enjoy a carefree resort lifestyle with breathtaking mountain and ocean views. Transportation and bus tours are available to explore Maunalua Bay Beach Park, Hawai’i Kai Towne Center and Hawai’i Kai Shopping Center, while activities onsite include yoga, chair exercises, swimming, group walks and Wii bowling. For leisurely downtime, seniors can play with their pets or enjoy a book in the library. Residents can choose to add personal care services and medical assistance as needed.
Cost begins at $3,819 per month for a studio.
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Good Samaritan Society – Pohai Nani, Kāneʻohe, Oahu
Located on the windward side of the island, this 16-acre village features the natural backdrop of the Koolau Mountains and a mild and temperate climate. Residents enjoy the lush gardens and walking paths around the property, transportation to local shopping and entertainment, and a variety of spiritual and recreational activities. Staff is available around the clock to help with grooming, bathing, dressing and medications.
Cost: Entrance fee of $5,000
Rent begins at $4,000 per month.

The Plaza at Waikiki, Honolulu, Oahu
Located next to the Ale Wai promenade, The Plaza at Waikiki allows residents to enjoy scenic waterside strolls with a view of Diamond Head. Meals are served restaurant-style in the dining room or island-style with barbecues on the terrace. A full-service salon, coffee bistro, movie theater, fitness and therapy room, wellness station and activity room are all onsite, and a daily activity schedule includes morning exercises, afternoon stretches, hula dancing, arts and crafts, and shopping trips. Every apartment has a walk-in shower with grab bars, adjustable bath bench and showerhead, and a call system that lets residents contact a nursing team 24/7.
Cost begins at $6,600 per month.

Captain Cook Care Home, Captain Cook, Big Island
Captain Cook Care Home offers a relaxing, fun-filled lifestyle that fulfills seniors physically, spiritually, and financially. Close to hospitals, restaurants, and entertainment venues, residents can easily venture out, but they can also receive excellent care and meals without leaving home. Caretakers are always available to help with activities of daily living, and nutritious meals are served three times per day.
Cost begins at $5,407 per month.

Kalama Heights, Kihei, Maui
Kalama Heights is a pet-friendly community that embraces the laid-back culture of Maui. Residents can choose to take a swim in the onsite pool or take advantage of transportation to nearby Kalama Beach, and enjoy plenty of social activities. Personal care and medical assistance are available as needed, and Kihei Wailea Medical Center is nearby for doctor appointments. Every apartment comes with a full kitchen, a patio or balcony, washer and dryer hookups, and individually controlled thermostats.
Cost begins at $3,049 per month.

Roselani Place, Kahului, Maui
At Roselani Place, seniors have the freedom to plan their own day, whether it’s visiting with friends in the garden, reading a book in the library, or joining in on one of the many social and recreational activities. Easy month-to-month rental agreements allow flexibility for residents who aren’t sure whether assisted living is the right choice for them, and rates are based upon personal care requirements. Residents may also receive assistance with medication administration and reminders to meals and activities.
Cost begins at $5,700 per month.

Regency at Hualalai, Kailua-Kona, Big Island
Assisted living residents at Regency enjoy privacy and security in their own apartments, with a wide variety of activities to keep them social. Whether residents need help with day-to-day activities, getting to appointments, or medication management, a staff of trained caregivers is available 24/7 to help. Daily physical fitness, spiritual activities, and group outings meet the unique needs and interests of every senior, and social and educational programs for families keep loved ones involved.
Cost begins at $3,500 per month for a studio apartment.

Okano Care Home, Keaau, Big Island
Okano provides 24/7 care for up to five residents in a private, licensed residential home. A multi-lingual live-in staff provides individualized care from minimal assistance to end-of-life care, and all physician-approved services are provided by CNAs, LPNs and RN’s. Residents enjoy exercise classes, animal therapy, group activities, recreational outings and transportation to medical appointments.
Cost begins at $4,882 per month.