Assisted Living Facilities in Kailua Kona, HI for 2023
Located to the southeast of Honolulu, Kailua Kona is in Hawaii County, which has a population of approximately 201,513 people, with about 22% aged 65 and older. Good air and water quality, excellent weather and a low crime rate make Kailua Kona an attractive spot for seniors looking for a tropical place to retire. The community also has multiple hospitals and medical centers within close proximity health care services are needed.
Assisted living communities are residential facilities that offer room and board, personal care, housekeeping, meals, transportation and a list of amenities to keep seniors engaged and active. In Kailua Kona, the average monthly cost of assisted living is $4,200, which is lower than the state and national averages.
This guide covers the average cost of assisted living in Kailua Kona as well as a comparison to other communities on the island and other regions. It also provides cost comparisons with other types of long-term care and a list of available programs and services for seniors in the area.
Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Kailua Kona, HI
Regency at Hualalai
Life Care Center of Kona
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What to Consider About Assisted Living in Kailua Kona
The Department of Health, Office of Health Care Assurance regulates all assisted living facilities (ALFs) and adult residential care homes (ARCHs) in Hawaii. These regulations include standards on admission, retention, services, staffing, food service and quality of care.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Kailua Kona
- Kailua Kona has excellent weather for active seniors who enjoy hiking, water activities and sightseeing. Summers are long and warm, with average highs around 84 degrees, while winters are mild with lows in January around 66 degrees. The city gets 173 sunny days per year and around 17 inches of precipitation, which is less than the national average of 38 inches of rain.
- Like all cities in Hawaii, the state is moderately tax-friendly toward retirees. Social Security income and public pensions don’t get taxed, but seniors who work part-time jobs or those who have regular retirement disbursements are taxed at the marginal state rate. Private pension incomes are also fully taxed. The cost of living in Kailua is also lower than the statewide average.
- The Queen’s Medical Center rotates its specialty services to help a greater number of seniors. These services include audiology, neurology, pulmonary and critical care. There’s also the Kona Community Hospital that treats bone and joint issues and provides rehabilitation and surgical services, in addition to treating injuries and illnesses.
- According to the annual BestPlaces Air Quality Index, the air quality in Kailua Kona is much better than the national average. This is largely due to the tropical atmosphere that’s away from the inland pollution. Seniors with respiratory issues may find they experience fewer flare ups while living on the island. The BestPlaces Water Quality Index also shows the water quality to be much better in the area compared to the average U.S. city.
- Compared to the crime rate across the United States, the property crime rate in Kailua Kona is slightly lower, which helps make the area a safe place for seniors to retire. Assisted living communities also provide extra security measures to keep residents safe.
Paying for Assisted Living in Kailua Kona
According to the 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the average monthly cost of assisted living in Kailua Kona is $4,200, which is less than the national average of $4,300 and the state average of $5,000.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities
At $4,200, Kailua Kona is one of the most affordable areas for assisted living in Hawaii. Communities in Honolulu cost around $5,000 per month. On the mainland in California, assisted living communities in Oxnard charge $5,845 per month. Those in Los Angeles and San Diego charge $5,000 and $4,525 per month, respectively.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
Seniors in Kailua Kona have access to other types of long-term care aside from assisted living. Those who only need assistance on weekdays might choose adult day health care, which is the least expensive option at $1,408 per month. Seniors who prefer to age in place in their own homes may choose homemaker or home health aide services at $5,720. Nursing homes offer the most comprehensive care but are also the most expensive, with a semiprivate room costing $10,494 and a private room costing $10,798.
Note: Care cost data for Kailua Kona was not available, so data for the closest city, Kahului, was used instead.
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Kailua Kona
Elderly individuals in Kailua Kona who reside in assisted living facilities may be eligible for coverage under Medicaid’s 1115 demonstration waiver program, which is called QUEST Expanded Access. The program covers the cost of services provided in assisted living facilities.
Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries may be able to receive additional financial aid from Hawaii’s optional state supplement, which can be used to pay for expenses such as room and board, which isn’t covered by Medicaid.
Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Hawaii page.
More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living
While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:
- Veterans Benefits
- Life Insurance Policy
- Long-Term Care Insurance
- Reverse Mortgage
For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Hawaii page.
Free Assisted Living Resources in Kailua Kona
There are various resources available to Kailua Kona seniors who are considering moving to an assisted living community. Many of these services are available at a low-cost or for free.
Resource
Contact
Service
(808) 961-8708
The Elderly Activities Division oversees a variety of programs and services for older adults, including senior training and employment, recreation, nutrition and special programs.
(808) 643-2372
The HCOA provides Kailua Kona residents aged 60 and older with access to information and services that focus on improving their quality of life. The learning library offers educational materials on a variety of subjects relating to seniors and aging. Other services include legal assistance, meals, transportation and financial assistance.
(808) 586-4400
SHIP educates seniors, their families and caregivers on Medicare and their health insurance options. Counselors also provide information about available programs that can help seniors cover out-of-pocket expenses and prescription drugs.
(808) 586-7268
The long-term care ombudsman program is staffed by trained volunteers who act as advocates for residents of assisted living communities and other long-term care facilities. Ombudsmen investigate complaints and work to provide a resolution. They also schedule routine visits to facilities to ensure they're maintaining the standards set for long-term care facilities across the state.
(808) 369-3535
The Office of Veterans' Services helps men and women who’ve served in the armed forces receive the benefits they're entitled to. This may include VA health care services, disability compensation and pensions. Office staff can also assist senior veterans with filing applications for the Aid and Attendance pension supplement, which they can put toward the cost of assisted living.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Kailua Kona
Kailua Kona-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in Hawaii are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Hawaii page for more information about these laws.
