Hawaii is a popular state for retirees to move to for many reasons. Of course, one of the primary ones is the same that it ranks so high as a tourist site by people of all countries: Hawaii has beautiful weather all year long, and the natural surroundings that it has cannot be surpassed. It can be denied that many individuals who have worked for decades in industrial areas with bouts of wicked winter weather understandably look forward to the day when their living quarters will be nearby the Pacific Ocean.
Financial Benefits to Retirees Living in Hawaii
There are also financial benefits to retirees living in Hawaii. Among them, the state does not impose a tax on Social Security, state or local pensions or on military pensions. It also exempts from taxes any pensions from other states. And in some cases private pensions are not taxed.
Though certainly true in other states, it should also be noted that the poor economy this country has suffered during the last few years has had a definite effect on the housing market. Prices for real estate have failed drastically, given which anyone interested in living in Hawaii during his retirement can probably purchase a house for a substantially reduced price than the same house would have cost three years ago. Because the internet has made it much easier to search for houses that are on sale anywhere, one interested in purchasing a home in Hawaii for his or her retirement years would be well advised to spend time looking at what is available on the various website that list them.
Hawaii’s Natural Attractions
Hawaii’s natural attractions include nine underwater parks, among them Waikiki Beach and Hanauma Bay. There are several waterfalls there, including Rainbow Falls and the state is peppered with botanical gardens. Another popular natural attraction is Waimea Canyon, caused by an earthquake many years ago. Similar to the Grand Canyon in appearance, its beauty cannot be denied. Visitors can take a hike down it or, if they prefer, choose to tour it via helicopter. And these are just a few of the state’s many natural attractions.
Other Attractions in Hawaii
Aside from the natural attractions mentioned above, there are numerous other activities for retirees who live in Hawaii. The Pacific Ocean alone gives them boating, fishing, surfing and snorkeling opportunities. There are also whale-watching expeditions and many individuals also enjoy the one or two-day cruises that are so popular there. Because of its rural areas, horseback riding is an avid sport and Hawaii is claimed to have some of the best golf courses in the word. In our working days, many of us view golfing as a necessary activity. If you reside in Hawaii when you retire, you’ll be able to walk the golf course when you want and with whom you want. What used to be thought of as a necessity, and likely a boring one at times, will be pure enjoyment.
The state’s many traditions also attract retirees to it. Many retirees take part in Hawaiian luaus, its most noted tradition. Typically, a laua will includes food, live music and dancing or some other form of entertainment. The food and entertainment at luaus is varied, and because they are constantly being held, it isn’t uncommon for a retiree to attend several during the course of a year.
Many retirees in Hawaii who have the ability to live independently but are without a loved one are understandably lonely. To fill that need, there are places in Hawaii, called senior centers, where they can go to to enjoy exercise, play cards, chess, bingo, a board game, take a class, have lunch, or participate in volunteer opportunities. Many retirees attend these centers on a daily basis. They are also prized because of the social interaction available at them, which often leads to get together between retirees to so such things as attend a play or movie, fish, or just having lunch.
And, many establishments gear events to retirees given the numbers that will attend. Frequently a music event, theatrical, cooking class, or stand up comic routine is given especially for them. The events sometimes extend to the bizarre, such as mind-reading.
Further, social organizations that are present in every state, such as the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities recognize that large numbers of retirees live nearby and due to that they will establish programs specifically geared to them. Often these programs will educate retirees on their changing health needs and how to best attend to them; sometimes they provide counseling on the aging process.
Living Communities
Hawaii has many communities specifically for retirees. Its independent living communities include the Old Vineyard in Honolulu, Kaneohe Elderly Apartments in Kaneohe, and the Kamma Elderly Apartments in Hilo, to name just a few.
Because some of the elderly are afflicted with an illness such as Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, muscular problems and the like, many of them are in a situation where they are unable to live totally independently, but do not need the care of a nursing home and would prefer to have some independence in their lives. That’s where assisted living facilities fill the need.
Hawaii has several assisted living facilities for these individuals. Among them are The Plaza at Punchbowl and The Ponds at Panaluu, both located in Honolulu, Both of these facilities also allow for independent living, an added plus because a friend who has no medical needs can stay close to a friend who does. Assisted living is also available at Kahala Nui, which is located in Honolulu.
And, of course, there are some retirees that need to have constant medical supervision. There are many traditional nursing homes in the state for them, including the Kauai Care Center, located in Waimea, Hale Makua in Kalhului, Leeward Integrated Health Services in Waianaie, to name just a few.
Because Hawaii is such a popular state for retirees to live in, there is no doubt that the staff at its assisted living facilities and nursing homes are top notch.
Retirement Planners
Many of us yearn for the day when we can finally stop working and begin to enjoy the many pleasures of retirement. However, a good portion of us are very law in planning for retirement. That is certainly understandable given the stress that working, raising a family and maintaining one’s health puts one under, to name just a few activities of everyday life. While we address the matters that are close at hand, those years off just get put aside for some later time. And, even those individuals who have spent considerable time and effort to prepare for retirement will often be unsure if their plans are sufficient. Aside from that, questions always remain given that the law is constantly changing in this area.
But not to fear! There are a bevy of retirement planners to choose from in Hawaii. Three of them are Andrews Advisory Associates, Pension Services Corporation and Five Star Solutions, Inc., all located in Honolulu. Two others are Legacy Group Hawaii and Edward Jones, each located in Kaneohe.
You’ll learn from them the best investments to make for your retirement, the importance of diversifying your investments, and how to spot risky ventures and outright scams. You will also learn of the many federal and state government benefits that are available to retirees and how to go about getting them. These retirement planners can also educate you on the ins and outs of estate planning, advising you on how the state’s law impact that and on how to be sure that your children receive the most benefit from your estate.
Unlike books geared to helping individuals learn about finances and the best steps to take in planning for their retirement, in consulting a retirement planner you will have the advantage of having a financial expert to look over your portfolio, talk to you about your goals and advise you on how to attain them. While books on financing can be helpful, to many of us they are little more than the stationery bicycle and treadmill that we purchased 10 years ago: in the corner they sit, and unfortunately we have not reaped the benefits from then that we intended to.
Many of us think of our retirement as a time when we will be near the water and enjoying the beauty of nature. Hawaii gives retirees that opportunity 24/7.