Thinking about retiring in paradise? Before packing your bags and booking your one-way ticket, it’s important to know what retiring in Hawaii truly looks like. In this engaging episode of Living in Hawaii, host Misti Padilla and a panel of local real estate experts from Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island share invaluable insight into island living for seniors. From year-round tropical weather and healthcare availability to cost of living and community life, they paint an honest, heartfelt portrait of what it means to retire with Aloha.

Whether you’re dreaming of oceanfront sunsets or active retirement communities, this video breaks down the pros, cons, and considerations to help you make an informed decision—and maybe fall in love with island life along the way. Scroll down to learn more and don’t forget to watch the full video below!

Meet the Island Experts

The video kicks off with warm introductions from four real estate professionals, each bringing their local perspective to the table:

  • Misti Padilla – Host and lifelong Kona resident
  • Sascha Thompson – From Kailua, now working in Kapolei on Oahu
  • Chelsea Fernandez – Big Island native living in Maui for nearly 20 years
  • Ronnie Margolis – Philadelphia-born, now rooted in Kauai as a community leader

They kick things off with banter about Hawaii’s sunshine, microclimates, and love of the islands—offering a personal and relatable starting point for viewers considering retirement here.

The Climate Advantage: Hawaii’s Diverse Weather

One of the biggest draws for retirees is Hawaii’s mild and diverse climate. The video dives into each island’s unique weather patterns:

  • Maui: Offers the best of both worlds—sun-soaked beaches and cooler highlands like Kula for those preferring brisker weather.
  • Oahu: Tends to be warmer due to development, but stays comfortably around the 80s. A great climate for seniors with arthritis or those who enjoy consistent warmth.
  • Kauai: Known for its lush green landscapes and refreshing rainfall. Ronnie shares how Kauai’s frequent light rain adds to its charm and peaceful lifestyle.
  • Big Island: Offers up to 11 of the 13 global climate zones, allowing retirees to “choose their own weather” by simply driving across the island.

Each island offers distinct microclimates, so choosing the right one depends on your lifestyle preferences—whether you crave the cool mountains or sunny beaches.

Healthcare Realities: What to Expect by Island

While paradise is beautiful, health and wellness remain top priorities—especially for retirees. The panelists discuss medical resources and limitations island-by-island:

  • Big Island: Has limited hospital access (Kona, Hilo, and Waimea), and patients often need to fly to Oahu for specialized care.
  • Oahu: The medical hub of the state. With Queens Medical Center and other top-tier hospitals, it’s ideal for retirees needing regular specialist visits or long-term care.
  • Maui: Offers Maui Memorial and Kula Hospital. Specialty doctors sometimes fly in from Oahu to serve patients who can’t travel.
  • Kauai: Has caring, community-based medical staff and great facilities like the Wilcox Bone and Joint Center, but lacks some emergency specialties like cardiac catheterization.

The consensus? Before moving, evaluate your current and future health needs. You may love the seclusion of a rural island, but proximity to healthcare could be the deciding factor.

For more in depth info, checkout our blog that covers the Top Communities for Seniors on the islands.